Up to 40% grade point increase 56% decrease in disciplinary problems/truancy Up to 70% increase in college attendance

Some highlights from the Rising Star's Teen Leadership Program at
Bucks County Technical High School (Pennsylvania)

=================

"I think I'll get, like, a lot, of life skills out of this. I want to be a manager. I want to own my own company." "I'm very glad to be a part of it. This is like a lifelong planning kind of thing." One student wanted to overcome his qualms about public speaking.  "I've always been quiet and didn't speak out much, but I hope to get out on my own and speak out more." "It taught me the importance of setting goals." "Before, I've never been able to set goals and do things. I usually just do it at the last minute." He believes the seminar has helped him prepare for college and manage his time in college.

Bucks County Technical High School (Pennsylvania)

=====================

Some highlights from the Rising Star's Teen Leadership Program at
Elkton High School

"...students have been surprised how important this has been for them." "..helps youth develop leadership skills by making positive life choices based upon sound values and success goals" Modeled after the successful adult leadership program that has helped companies and people worldwide to double a business, or increase people productivity. "This class made me feel better about myself for the rest of my life"

================

Some highlights from the Rising Star's Teen Leadership Program at
PennCambria Schools

This contains some papers written by students, and speeches given by students about their experiences with the Rising Stars Program. "Through the rising stars I've learned that anybody along with the right skills and the willingness to try and try again can become an effective leader. I've learned so much thanks to this program." " My self esteem was like non-existent whenI joined the Rising Stars and now I have a higher level of confidence in myself, I'm not afraid to speak my mind and to tell people how I feel." ...things I've learned in rising stars "will stay with me for the rest of my life growing and helping to shape the person I will become through out high school and into my future. Nothing can stop me now" ..."I just want to say that I've learned so much from this program and I also know that this has made me more of a leader than a follower. I also believe that this will make me a better mother for my daughter. i can now teach her that you can be a leader and set goals in life and be able to follow them. These skills that I've learned I will be sure to pass on to people that I know."

======================

Some highlights from the Rising Star's Teen Leadership Program at
New London High School (Connecticut)

"...I learned a lot more than I ever expected. I learned to use time wisely which a lot of us don't do. I also learned that leaders are not born, they are made. I have learned so much and I have been able to learn to balance the 6 different areas of my life more than when I juse began the program. Thank you very much for this program. Today I am proud to say I am a Rising Star."

============

Some highlights from the Rising Star's Teen Leadership Program at
Bucks County Technical High School (Pennsylvania)

When I first signed up I thought it was going to be boring. But now I think it's pretty neat. I learned that it's a lot easier to be successful if you plan ahead and if you want to change you have to know how to change. " "It made me realize that everything I want to do in life isn't so big and that it can be done." "I signed up because it would look good on a college resume and it will be helpful in the business world." "It teaches you a lot of useful information more in-depth. I learned in a more organized manner how to do things I thought I already knew how to do."

Comments from parents: "I'm a graduate of Dale Carnegie...this was like a Dale Carnegie for juniors" "It was so amazing to see the skills these kids were acquiring...I didn't do this kind of goal planning until I was out in the business world." One student said he was reluctant to enroll. "My parents talked me into it and I found I really liked it." He not only achieved the goal he set for himself during the class but is now applying it to other goals. It has given him a lot of confidence.

Some highlights from the Rising Star's Teen Leadership Program at
St Stephens Catholic School

================

You have shown me that there is a way to bring a light to the end of the tunnel that my children and I are traveling. I am now able to teach my two children how to plan for their own futures and also to succeed. ====== I am unable to adequately express just what your course has done for me. I now hav ethe right tools to shape my future. This past week jast just flown by. I look forward to the day because of your class. I am saddened by the fact that today is our last day.

Some highlights from the Rising Star's Teen Leadership Program at
Crispus Attucks 

=================

Some highlights from the Rising Star's Teen Leadership Program at
Isla Vista Teen Centers (for hispanic youth)

"It's not like normal boring classes. It's fun. There's great stories. There's this one about the ancient Greeks that says everyone has to find their own happiness that's hidden from people sometimes."

===============

Some highlights from the Rising Star's Teen Leadership Program at
Oklahoma Public Scools Workforce Development Program

This one had so many positive comments that it was just plain hard to pick a few to highlight. But here are a few: I learned who to hang with and who not. Learned how to solve problems. Living up to my responsibilities. I have gained a lot from this program about my attitude, my goals in life that will get me somewhere...I gained more respect for othes. I see things differently now...I gained the knowledge that there is a leader inside of me and everyone else. How could this program have been made better? "For it to last longer." Would you recommend this to others? EVERY ANSWER WAS "STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS PROGRAM." It helped me to understand about becoming responsible and having power, having faith in myself.

==================

Some highlights from the Rising Star's Teen Leadership Program at
Twenty First Century Scholars (Indiana)

Comments from student coordinator for an at-risk student group. The student coordinator went through the program with students, and at the same time was learning to facilitate the next program. "From my own experiences with this program not only from my own personal development, but from what I have witnessed experienced in real life with students, has been an invaluble experience."

==========

Some highlights from the Rising Star's Teen Leadership Program at
Lake County Summer Teen Leadership Bootcamp

This program was sponsored by United Way in the lake County area and will be ongoing in different areas of the county. "We felt the program was a great success and goes a long way toward creating leaders out of all kids: not only the ones who are already recognized as leaders in their schools, but also for those who might be experiencing some disciplinary and education challenges."

==========

Some highlights from the Rising Star's Teen Leadership Program at
Bucks County Technical High School (Pennsylvania)

....I wasn't very organized....now I am  ORGANIZED. ...these kids are now seeing and achieving their dreams....