Each Extended Family Leadership Academy Lesson begins with a question like, “What are the qualities of your dream job?” or “What are the signs of a healthy relationship?” The questions inspire our students to think about things that are important to them, leading them to shape their opinions about the things that they want now and as they plan for the future.
Extended Family Leadership Academy (EFLA) participants chose the motto Lead Yourself for the program, which is the perfect description for a series of lessons that empowers students to set goals for themselves and achieve them. EFLA lessons cover job readiness, health (including healthy relationships), and effective communication, all necessary components of a successful life.
EFLA leads students to embrace the power they have in themselves – the power that lies in making good decisions, from the friends they choose to how they talk to themselves inside their own minds. The first step to feeling in control of your life is to recognize the power you have to affect your own experiences and emotions, which then influences your ability to “Lead Yourself.” EFLA lessons emphasize the things we can always control – what we allow into our bodies, our attitude, our effort, and how we react and respond to whatever happens. The line between success and failure often lies within how we manage the things within our control.
Another important step toward meeting goals is having a solid plan and recognizing opportunities. We help students explore their options and bring in guest presenters from the community whose careers match the students’ interests. Not only does this give students real world information about different careers, but it also provides opportunities to make connections with community leaders who could potentially serve as mentors and future employers.
EFLA is also unique in that we provide senior students with a Shopping Spree for Business Attire to purchase a full suit including jacket, shirt, slacks or skirt, shoes, and accessories for job and college interviews and other life events. Often participants comment that this is the first suit they have owned. In addition to the Shopping Spree, seniors are also encouraged to apply for an EFLA scholarship. We were proud to award four scholarships to students this spring.
Through EFLA Lessons, Shopping Spree, and EFLA scholarships, we are dedicated to helping students be successful. For more information about this and other programs, please visit our website, www.extendedfamilyhelp.org.