minerva bc women learning together with post its on wall

learning to lead™

AN INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP FOR YOUNG WOMEN AND GENDER DIVERSE YOUTH MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY OUR LEAD SUPPORTER, ARITZIA

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about the program

MEET YOUR INNER LEADER

Learning to Lead™ is designed for self-identifying young women and gender diverse youth in grades 10-12. Participants gain confidence through interactive workshops and activities that help them discover their authentic self and construct a leadership identity. By practicing tangible skills in a supportive environment, participants will leave the program with a deeper belief in themselves and their ability to make positive changes in their lives and the lives of those around them.

Thanks to the support of our generous supporters who believe in youth leadership, there is no cost to attend this program.

 

minerva bc women youth learning together

the stats & facts

  • 100% have a deeper understanding of their unique strengths

  • 94% experience a strong sense of community in the program

  • 94% are motivated to get more involved in their school or community

Program overview & impact

WHAT IS LEARNING TO LEAD™?

Effective leadership starts with knowing who you are and what’s important to you. Learning to Lead™ is an inspiring opportunity for youth to connect with their authentic selves, reflect on what’s important, and practice the skills that will help them achieve their goals. By reinforcing the message that everyone can be a leader, this program invites participants to discover their leadership potential and develop the confidence to take meaningful action in their lives.

PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS WILL DISCOVER:

  • Self-knowledge: how to identify values and leverage strengths

  • Self-leadership: what it means to step into your leadership potential

  • Increased confidence: by practicing sharing ideas and taking risks

  • Authenticity: how to embrace and accept your unique self

  • Connection: lasting relationships with diverse peers and mentors

2024 DATES

upcoming sessions

Sessions will take place via Zoom over four sessions on Wednesdays in April from 6-8pm PT

April 9: Opening Circle and Introduction to Leadership
April 16: Owning My Strengths and Values
April 23: The Mentor
April 30: The Not-So-Subtle Art of Confidence and Closing Circle

Learning to Lead™ is an experiential, youth leadership program for self-identifying young women and gender diverse youth who are in high school. The program is offered in different formats including virtual and in-person.

program structure

INTERACTIVE LEARNING

Learning to Lead™ includes a series of workshops with engaging facilitation, group-based discussion, individual reflection, and hands-on activities. You will also gain insight from guest speakers and mentors who are accomplished leaders looking to share their candid perspectives and personal experiences.

LASTING CONNECTIONS

You will develop friendships with like-minded peers from across the province and beyond who share common values around learning and growth. These connections help build a shared understanding of issues facing youth today and help remind you that you’re not alone as you progress in your leadership journey.

INSPIRING MENTORS

You will be introduced to a community of supportive mentors who offer advice and guidance and can help you navigate your next steps. We know how important it is to see yourself represented as a leader, so we include mentors with diverse backgrounds and lived experience who work in a variety of fields. You’ll also be welcomed into Minerva’s extended circle of leaders and have an opportunity to connect with additional mentors after completing the program.

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minerva bc standing woman sharing ideas on post its on wall

creating community

A VIDEO FROM PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

Learning to Lead™ brings youth together with a community of supportive peers and inspiring mentors. Participants can look forward to opportunities for intergenerational learning and reciprocal mentorship, where everyone’s wisdom and experiences are valued.

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opportunities and resources

WHILE LEARNING TO LEAD™ IS A STEPPING STONE FOR YOUTH, MINERVA CONTINUES TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES AND BENEFITS BEYOND THE PROGRAM

  • Launched in 2018, the Youth Leadership Award recognizes an outstanding alumna from the most recent Learning to Lead™ cohort. This award is presented to the recipient in October and includes a $1000 bursary toward the recipient’s educational and leadership journey. All Learning to Lead™ participants are eligible to apply.

  • Participation in the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) program provides an opportunity for Learning to Lead™ alumnae to advance their leadership journey. This is a space for young leaders to build community, share ideas, and develop crucial leadership skills for the future.

  • One benefit of participating in Learning to Lead™ is the chance to turn your passions into pathways with a full scholarship to Shad Canada’s four-week summer program. Each year, Shad awards this scholarship to an Indigenous student from the Learning to Lead™ program.

registration & support

REGISTRATION

We are looking for youth who are ready to learn more about themselves, grow their confidence, and connect with other amazing young people from across the province. Indigenous youth are encouraged to apply.

While the terms “women” and “girls” are used for this program, we invite attendees and mentors who identify as women, girls, trans, genderqueer, non-binary, two-spirit, and gender questioning.

TUITION

Thanks to the support of our generous donors and sponsors who believe in youth leadership, there is no cost to attend this program.

BECOME A PARTNER, SPONSOR, OR DONOR

We are committed to increasing no-cost leadership learning opportunities for youth in BC. If you want to help us increase our impact by becoming a partner, donor, or sponsor, please get in touch.

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testimonials

“ I wanted to thank you for everything Minerva has done and does. Being involved in Minerva programs like Learning to Lead and the Youth Advisory Council have been amazing outlets for me to work on my personal growth. ”

“ Learning to Lead taught me how to become the best, most confident version of myself. ”

“ It was incredibly inspiring and rewarding having the opportunity to mentor the next generation of leaders! I love that the Learning to Lead program focuses on skills and tools that can be carried throughout an individual's career. ”

“ This was one of the best programs I’ve ever participated in. Thank you for creating such an inclusive and safe space where I was able to express myself to the fullest and learn so much! ”

“ When I joined Learning to Lead, so many things began to blossom and change. My confidence grew, more opportunities came to me, and I felt overall stronger. I feel that I have been given the skills to allow myself to keep growing. Minerva gave me the space and permission to believe in myself. ”

“ I cannot express enough my appreciation for Minerva and their efforts to empower young girls like me. Your focus on leadership and knowledge development has been instrumental in shaping me into the person I am today. The skills and experiences I have acquired through your programs have helped me become more confident and ambitious in my personal and professional life. ”

minerva bc smiling woman youth in dressy attire

TOGETHER, LET’S RE-DEFINE LEADERSHIP

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Program Supporters

This program is made possible by the generous support of all our donors and sponsors. Thank you for empowering future leaders!

Lead Supporter