I recently had the incredible opportunity to go with over  15 Eagle Academy students and educators at the PeerForward Workshop in Redlands, California. It was a fantastic experience that I’ll cherish for a long time. For many of them, this was their first time on a plane, traveling across the country. The five-hour journey from New York to California was just the beginning of an unforgettable adventure.

  

PeerForward is an organization dedicated to transforming student success by harnessing the power of positive peer influence. Their workshops are designed to train students to become leaders who can guide their peers through the post-secondary process, ensuring that more students attend college or pursue other educational opportunities after high school.

From Tuesday to Sunday, our days were filled with engaging workshops and events that brought our team and the students closer together. The students were prepped to become leaders in their school communities, guiding the post-secondary process, which is crucial for their development. Beyond the structured activities, we had the opportunity to interact with educators from across the country, particularly from Texas, California, and the Bay Area. This was a powerful opportunity to share experiences with different educators and for our students to grow connections with peers across the nation.

For our students, this journey was not only a significant travel experience but also an empowering educational opportunity. They learned that there are numerous opportunities available for young people to travel and learn, such as educational workshops, exchange programs, and leadership training camps. These experiences can significantly broaden their horizons, enhance their personal growth, and equip them with valuable skills for the future.

For school staff, it was a powerful way to build a network and a fantastic professional development opportunity. I can remember the last writing workshop we attended. That has left a mark on me forever.

 

This unforgettable and enriching experience was beneficial for everyone involved, including myself and my community. It highlighted the importance of providing such opportunities for young people to travel, learn, and develop into the leaders of tomorrow. I recommend PeerForward as the program of choice for administrators and students if it is available in your nearest school district.