PSV High School Leadership Program

What is the PSV High School Leadership Program?

In 2022, PSV launched a program for High School students -- the PSV Student Advisory Council. This was a select group of high school students from various private schools who were leaders and who were interested in helping to build an empowered and educated student community across schools. It was an expansive group that PSV engaged to empower them to be the experts and architects of their own school experience -- we wanted to empower them to be agents in creating their community and meeting the needs of students!

 

Going into our third year of High School programming, we are evolving with many of the same goals, but implementing it all differently while also introducing a new component.

 

The PSV High School Leadership Program now has three core areas that interconnect to build leadership opportunities for private school students in grades 9 through 12. This includes: 

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High School Executive Board

Appointed by PSV leadership, the High School Executive Board is 5-7 selected High School Students who have exhibited leadership, a consistent commitment to the goals and mission of Private School Village, and have been active in PSV programs and events in a significant way. This small group determines the year's calendar of High School programming, meets monthly to discuss logistics and initiatives, and represents High School students in various PSV leadership opportunities (e.g. PSV board meetings, speaking opportunities, etc). They also co-manage and funnel information to the High School Student Ambassadors and manage various outreach efforts targeting High School students. 

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High School Grade-Level Social Pods

The 9th-10th Grade and 11th-12th Grade Social Pods provide intimate opportunities for regular racial socialization through a healthy mix of fun and educational programming. Co-organized by 2-3 PSV adult parent volunteers who operational communications through the HS Executive Board (who then in turn share opportunities with the High School Student Ambassadors to promote and engage other students), the High School Grade Level Social Pods are designed to foster interaction, communication, and connection. Students can sign up to participate in social pods by event opportunity through their parents on the PSV website. ​

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High School Student Ambassadors

PSV Student Ambassadors represent Black students in their private schools and are interested in building a movement across private schools of educated and empowered students. Ambassadors liaise between their school student race-based/cultural affinity groups, if applicable, and ensure that communication to/from these valuable bodies is consistent and effective. Additionally, the Ambassadors, led by the HS Executive Board, co-hosts various PSV events and activities such as social dances, skill-building sessions around racial literacy, college preparedness and more. This across-school group meets twice a semester with representation ideally from 1-2 PSV Student Ambassadors representing 9th-12th grade per PSV Sponsoring Partner School. Students can apply, be appointed by school administrators, or the PSV leadership team.

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Why Should You Want to Participate in the PSV High School Leadership Program?

As a member of the PSV High School Leadership Program, you are helping to shape something that will have an immediate impact on students today as well as help lay a foundation for students for generations to come! Simply put, it's a leadership opportunity and a tremendous way to leave your mark on something life changing and impactful. PSV is the only grassroots, community-based nonprofit organization working to enhance the experience of Black and Brown families in private schools on a local and national level.

 

As such, the HS Leadership Program works to support, resources, and educate students across private schools about what it means to be Black in America in a way that is empowering, uplifting, joy filled and affirming. Together, we work to increase opportunities to build community pride, and identify ways to help prepare students for anticipatory experiences when in predominantly white institutions, in particular, so that they thrive in spite of possible challenging experiences. ​

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Additionally, where applicable, community service hours are accrued for volunteering time to plan, produce, and participate in PSV events and activities as PSV is a registered 501(c)3 voluntary, nonprofit organization. 

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What is Expected of High School Students Who Participate in the Leadership Program?
    1.    Attend a majority of meetings, usually virtually with some in person & be in communication with PSV leadership when/if attendance is not possible.

   2.    Represent and engage in meaningful and helpful dialogue regarding students' views, perceptions and needs within the Black, private school student community.

   3.    Attend and support at least 3 PSV student-supported events. 
   4.    Serve for a full school year and fulfill your individual and collective duties, as assigned.

   5.    Share and promote PSV-related information with your peers at your school.

   6.    Represent PSV with integrity and pride within PSV, respective schools, and to the general public.

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How Does Someone Join The Leadership Program?

For the 2024-2025 school year, the Executive Board will be nominated by PSV leadership and selected by members of the PSV Board. To become a PSV Student Ambassador, students must be in High School and a short application form must be completed by a parent, school administrator or teacher.

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