About the Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program
The Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program (FHSLP) was launched in 2007 by the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC), under the guidance of Frances Hesselbein, to engage exemplary high school Student 2 Student (S2S) Core Leaders in leadership development, civic engagement, and community involvement opportunities to prepare youth for the future world.
The FHSLP is hosted twice a year and eligible high school sophomores and juniors apply to attend through a competitive process that includes an online application, S2S advisor recommendation, and interview. The one-week training program is offered at the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, New York (Fall Session), and the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado (Spring Session) and aligns with the S2S Mission and Core Values. Each FHSLP experience is unique and developed in collaboration between the service academy teams and MCEC staff. The program is free to student participants through generous funding and includes the cost of transportation, lodging, food, programming, and activities.
The program uses evidence-informed practices to address character development, leadership principles, effective communication, team building, goal setting, social connectedness, and service to others. Students learn practical applications of a wide range of skills that can be incorporated into their roles within their S2S Programs and applied to their lives as they enter adulthood. The program aligns with the Positive Youth Development framework incorporating protective factors that support student well-being and resiliency.
The application cycles open in August for the USMA FHSLP and in November for the USAFA FHSLP.
I was able to build my leadership skills during the week while making relationships that will last a lifetime. It was a truly transformative event that I will always remember and be extremely grateful for.
Jacob, Madison, AL
- Eliana and Taylor overlooking the Hudson River.
- Lani and Elizabeth appreciating the view of the Hudson River from the top of Thayer Hall.
- Andrew and Kallie sit in on a West Point class on leadership.
- Sergio, Taylor, Eliana and McKenzie practice communication skills during a fun evening of “blind bowling.”
- McKenzie after an invigorating pre-dawn PT session with cadets and LTG Gilland, USMA Superintendent.
- Students tour the football stadium and get a chance to touch a piece of history – the Berlin Wall.
- The 2024 FHSLP cohort, reflecting on their character strength results in a session with Dr. Matthews.
- Congratulations to Isabella, recipient of the 2024 Suzy Carlton Student Leadership and Civic Responsibility Award.
- Students pose with COL Spain and Dr. Matthews as the cohort wraps up leadership sessions at the United States Military Academy.
- Grateful for COL Matthews words of advice and wisdom, reflecting on lessons learned from leadership program and considerations for the next steps.
- The MCEC Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program class of 2024 at the United States Military Academy at West Point. From left to right: Kim Shoffner (MCEC), Eliana, Kyra Bush (MCEC), Taylor, Sergio, Lani, Amelia, Maddie, Isabella, McKenzie, Kallie, Andrew, Elizabeth, Missy Holstead (MCEC).
- Lani and Eliza ready to tackle the rock-climbing wall. This activity enhances team building, helps overcome apprehensions on the power of “yet,” builds trust in your teammates and solidifies strong communication skills.
- Sergio and Taylor watching the cadet formation before lunch.
- Oh, the joy of experiencing the fall season at scenic West Point!
- Students pause to reflect on the legacy of Frances Hesselbein (November 1, 1915 – December 11, 2022)
- Lani and Sergio at the Center for Enhanced Performance, performing an interactive exercise designed to instill confidence, practice working together as team, and improve focus and skillsets.
- After the group was given a tour of the physical education department, Lani presented our guide with a coin.
- Andrew, Taylor, Sergio, Isabella, Amelia and Eliana at Washington Hall, in front of the 70ft. x 35ft. panorama of military history, painted by T.L. Johnson.
- Kallie with cadets in MAJ Jones classroom, participating in a round-robin style session where students could ask each other questions pertaining to adolescence.
- COL (Retired) Donna Brazil led a session for the students on leadership challenges and the importance of resiliency.