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Conferences and Workshops
Tidewater LEAD offers leadership-focused workshops, seminars, and conferences to provide student members with opportunities to enhance their leadership skills, discover their unique strengths, and develop strategies to achieve their goals.
Our flagship program, the Hampton Roads Teen Leadership Conference, is a two-day event designed to bring together aspiring young leaders from across the Hampton Roads, VA region. This conference offers students the opportunity to learn, grow, and support one another on their unique leadership journeys. Through engaging hands-on activities, small group experiences, and mentorship from experienced leaders, participants gain valuable insights into leadership and develop important skills such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and teamwork.
In addition to learning about effective leadership techniques, participants also explore the importance of ethical decision-making and community engagement through service. The conference provides a range of exciting opportunities for students to discover their values, set empowering goals for their future, and build relationships with peers who share their passion for leadership.
- Teen Leadership Conference
- A two-day, in-person leadership education event
- Ethics in Business Conference
- A one-day, in-person collaborative event
- Young Leaders Showcase
- Competition held in-person and/or virtual
- Resume Writing Workshops
- Offered multiple times per year, in-person and/or virtual
- Financial Education Workshops
- Offered multiple times per year, in-person and/or virtual
Teen Leadership ConFerence: Experiential Leadership Education in Action
Young Leaders Showcase (Competitive Events)
The Young Leaders Showcase provides a platform for young leaders to display their leadership skills, achievements, and projects. This in-person and/or virtual program is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their creativity, leadership, and dedication to making a positive impact in their communities through competitive events including public speaking, community service project report, ethics essay, social impact proposal, and more.
Participants have the opportunity to share their leadership experiences, community involvement, and innovative solutions to real-world issues. The showcase is designed to celebrate the accomplishments of aspiring leaders and to inspire others to take initiative and lead change. It is a place for students to shine, connect with like-minded peers, and gain recognition for their contributions to society.
Awards are given for each event and all entries are recognized with a certificate of participation.
Student Advisory Council
Tidewater LEAD's Student Advisory Council is a group of dedicated middle and high school students who provide guidance and support to the organization's leadership team. Council members work to ensure that the voices of student members are heard and that their needs are being met. They also assist with planning and implementing events, workshops, and conferences, and provide input on new initiatives and programs.
The Student Advisory Council serves as a valuable resource for both the organization and its members. Through their involvement in the Council, students have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain real-world experience in decision-making, and build relationships with peers and adult leaders. Council members also have the chance to give back to their community by providing service and leadership opportunities to others.
The Student Advisory Council meets regularly throughout the year. Middle and high school students (ages 13+) who are active members of Tidewater LEAD in good standing are eligible to apply. This council provides an avenue for students to be involved in the decision-making process of the organization, while also developing their leadership skills and contributing to the success of Tidewater LEAD.
Service Awards and Special Recognition
Tidewater LEAD Awards
- Outstanding Community Service: This award recognizes a student who has made significant contributions to their community through volunteer work or service projects.
- Excellence in Leadership: This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities and skills within Tidewater LEAD and their community.
- Innovation Award: This award recognizes a student who has shown exceptional creativity and innovation in their work within Tidewater LEAD.
- Mentorship Award: This award recognizes a student who has shown exceptional mentorship skills and has positively impacted the development of other members within Tidewater LEAD.
- Academic Excellence Award: This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated a consistent commitment to academic achievement, maintaining exceptional grades, challenging coursework, and exhibiting a love of learning.
President's Volunteer Service Award
- Bronze, Silver, Gold Awards: Available to Tidewater LEAD volunteers with qualifying service hours within the organization and partner organizations. The award includes a personalized certificate of achievement, pin or medallion, and letter signed by the current U.S. President.
Congressional Award
- Tidewater LEAD is proud to support members in their journey to receiving one or more Congressional Awards. Please contact our Executive Director to arrange for an Advisor.
Graduation Honors
- Students who are active Tidewater LEAD members are eligible to purchase a graduation stole or cord to wear with their graduation regalia. Students must be an active member in good standing for at least one academic year to qualify. Public and private school students should contact their Principal regarding school policies for graduation regalia prior to purchasing.
Students who receive any of the above accolades are encouraged to contact Tidewater LEAD for a Press Release that you can submit to your local newspaper, magazine, and/or school.
Operation LEAD Forward
Operation Lead Forward is a unique mentorship program dedicated to empowering military-connected teens through peer-to-peer mentorship in leadership. This initiative offers both in-person and virtual mentorship opportunities, allowing teens to connect, grow, and lead no matter where they are stationed.
Focused on fostering resilience, confidence, and leadership skills, Operation Lead Forward pairs military teens with like-minded peers who understand the unique challenges of military life and frequent relocations. Through guided discussions and collaboration, participants have the chance to develop their leadership potential while forming meaningful connections with fellow military-connected teens.
Whether through local meet-ups or virtual sessions, Operation Lead Forward creates a supportive environment for young leaders to inspire and uplift each other through the sharing of perspectives, experiences, and challenges unique to their military teen journey.
2025 Cohort Applications Available Spring 2025