Student Leadership Fellows Program
Empowering Student Voice. Developing Tomorrow's Leaders.
The Small School Districts' Association (SSDA) Student Leadership Fellows Program is a virtual leadership experience designed to equip high school students with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to become influential leaders in their schools and communities.
Through interactive virtual sessions, mentorship from educational leaders, and collaboration with student leaders from across California, Fellows will learn how to transform ideas into action and make a meaningful difference in their schools.
Program Investment
SSDA Member Districts - $1,000 per school district | Non-Member Districts - $1,500 per school district
Limited to two students per high school. Enrollment is intentionally limited to ensure meaningful interaction and personalized coaching. An invoice will be sent to the school district once the student’s parent or guardian has completed the form.
View the session topics and calendar for the 2026–2027 school year. We will hold seven sessions, each taking place on Mondays from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
Sessions will be facilitated by Dr. Nicole Newman, Superintendent of the Wheatland Union High School District and SSDA Board President, Dr. George Sziraki, Consultant, former Superintendent of the Placer Union High School District and former Interim Executive Director of SSDA, and Scott Borba, Executive Director of SSDA.
Facilitators
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 Dr. George Sziraki |
 Scott Borba |
Dr. Nicole Newman
Guest speakers, tailored to the topic of each session, will also join us. More details about the speakers are coming soon!
Virtual Session Calendar
| Session Dates/Times | Session Title | Focus |
| 1. Monday, September 21, 2026 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM |
Kick-Off & Governance Fundamentals |
Roles, culture, governance overview, student priorities |
| 2. Monday, October 19, 2026 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | Leadership Identity | Values, leadership style, three pathways, CTA Project launch |
| 3. Monday, November 16, 2026 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | Advocacy, Communication & Coalition Building | Public speaking, written persuasion, digital advocacy, coalitions |
| 4. Monday, January 25, 2027 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | ASB Leadership & Student Government | ASB structure, parliamentary procedure, budget, inclusive events |
| 5. Monday, February 22, 2027 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | School Board Governance & the LCAP | Board structure, Student Board Rep role, public comment, LCAP |
| 6. Monday, March 22, 2027 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | Call to Action Project Design Studio | Problem statement, evidence, stakeholder mapping, proposal drafting |
| 7. Monday, April 19, 2027 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | Culminating Showcase | Presentations to decision-makers, Q&A, certificates |
To participate, the student’s parent or guardian must complete the form below. Once the student has been selected, an invoice will be sent directly to the student’s school district.
Learn more about the program below!
Brochure - SSDA Student Leadership Fellows Program by Gwen Bell