June 17, 2022 -- The First Ring Student Leadership Institute empowers high school sophomores and juniors to become leaders of change in their schools and communities. Every fall, high school principals in the sixteen school districts surrounding the Cleveland Metropolitan School District nominate a team of five sophomores to attend the Institute. Participants attend a total of seven sessions held at district locations and area colleges where they work as a team to investigate an issue in their school or community, research the nature, causes and potential solutions to an issue of importance to them. At the final meeting in May teams share their findings and present their recommended solutions during a youth research symposium. Students have the opportunity to earn an undergraduate credit for their work and participation in the program.

During the 2021-2022 school year, five Heights High students participated in the First Ring Student Leadership Institute representing CH-UH: Tahmir Bell, Aaron Mallamad, Egypt Sa’ad, and Ruby Tugeau. The team was led by Heights High teacher Nicole Gardner. Students decided to put their efforts towards addressing the attendance numbers at Heights High School. 

Read a synopsis of the team’s findings by clicking here.