The Summer Innovation Experience will provide an engaging introduction to leadership and innovation for high school students. Throughout three days of fun, hands-on activities and learning, students will practice 30 key skillsets which will help them become more confident, curious, creative and collaborative leaders.

“We often say that leadership and innovation are two sides of the same coin,” said Mekisha Richardson, assistant director of the Leadership Institute. “Leadership and innovation skills are both highly coveted in today’s society. We must prepare students to be an innovative workforce and help position them for success.”

During the Summer Innovation Experience, students will:

• Learn what innovation is and how the future depends on it
• Rediscover their creativity
• Build confidence in their own problem-solving skills
• Learn about different leadership styles and be given a chance to practice them
• Meet local business and community leaders

“Our goal is to jump-start each student’s journey to become a more authentic, vibrant and innovative leader,” added Sheila Matias, executive director of the Society of Innovators and the Leadership Institute. “All students, from every neighborhood and corner of the region, are entitled to be equipped with confidence, innovative thinking and leadership skills so they can be anything they set their mind to be. We’ll be building skills while engaging our young people in active learning.”

Participation in the Summer Innovation Experience is free and open to rising high school freshmen and sophomores. The program will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. CST each day at the Purdue Northwest Westville campus. A light breakfast, snacks and lunch will be provided. More information and free registration can be found at www.pnw.edu/summer-innovation.

The Summer Innovation Experience was made possible by support from the John W. Anderson Foundation, 1^st Source Bank, Luke Family of Brands, Family Express and the Century 21 Alliance Group.

Photo: Society of Innovators student innovation