IDEAL Students Lead the Way in Washington, DC 

From January 27-30, a group of IDEAL High School students traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the NAIS and Close Up Student Civic Leadership Summit. At the conference, students from across the country came together to deepen their understanding of civic engagement and develop strategies for meaningful change in their schools and communities. 

As part of the Student Summit, IDEAL students participated in collaborative, deliberative dialogues on poverty, healthcare, and civic engagement. Over three full days of programming, they attended workshops by experts in the field, engaged in discussions and inquiry-based learning, and explored their individual and collective responsibilities to foster change.

Our students attended a Youth Civic Leaders Panel, where they learned from like-minded peers and leaders about the value and importance of student voice, advocacy, and leadership, explored Washington, D.C.’s monuments, and participated in social activities and opportunities, where they formed meaningful connections and friendships with other independent school students from 30 different states.

IDEAL students created a proposal to raise awareness, advocate for, and address mental health care, a topic they are deeply passionate about in their community. At the conclusion of the summit, they presented their vision and action plan to IDEAL trip leader Mx. Estrin and chaperone Ms. Nappi, along with other educators and school leaders who participated in the NNSP Annual Community Engagement Conference.

If you’re interested in hearing their ideas, the students who attended will showcase their work during the IDEAL Student Leaders Panel at our annual Civil Rights Community Day on Friday, May 15.