The Pomfret Leadership Academy.
What makes a good leader? That fundamental question lies at the heart of a Pomfret school education. The ability to inspire action in others has cured diseases, but it has also started wars. At Pomfret we are doing more than inspiring the next generation of leaders. We are inspiring the next generation of good leaders.
Guiding the process are five fundamental practices:
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Challenge the process
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Inspire a shared vision
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Enable others to act
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Model the way
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Always, always, encourage the heart
From QUEST and dorm life to School Meetings and campus tours, there are many formal and informal leadership opportunities in all corners of the Hilltop. To ensure the success of our student leaders, the Dean of Students Office offers Leadership Academy has been developed and will be implemented for leadership positions in the 2024-2025 academic year. Under the format, students apply for leadership opportunities using one application — similar to the Common App used by colleges worldwide. The application process allows students to thoughtfully consider the roles for which they apply and what they can contribute to the position. Training begins in the spring term and continues throughout the summer months. A leadership lecture and small group series is held twice each month during the school year.
An additional component of the program are the credits assigned to each leadership position. Credits are not assigned based on the value of the leadership position but rather on the time commitment needed to lead the role effectively. Students can hold up to six leadership credits per year, similar to the limit of the number of classes they can take. The credit system helps students balance their responsibilities and be mindful of their wellbeing. It also creates leaders who are focused and dedicated to their positions.
Additional positions a student can hold outside of the leadership credit system include athletic team captains and club leaders. These roles are important to student life at Pomfret, but the School schedule has dedicated time for students to serve in them. The opportunities included in the credit system require additional training, and the positions’ responsibilities are often outside of the daily schedule.
