• SGLI Philosophy. Leadership development takes conscious effort and consistent determination. Successful leaders often begin as influential role models and as students of leadership. The SGLI believes that through a combination of formal instruction, hands-on learning, timely feedback, and careful reflection, a student will learn what it takes to lead and provide positive influence for others.

• Leadership training can’t wait. Being a strong student academically is critical to long-term success, and by adding strong leadership skills to the mix, a student will see life-long returns. A majority of employers surveyed in 2006 reported that their new employees are deficient in leadership skills, and another report found that “those who occupied leadership positions in high school earn more as adults, varying from 4 to 18% depending on definitions.” Through SGLI’s focus of providing leadership training throughout our students’ careers, they will be well positioned to be successful and have a positive influence on many others.

• SGLI leadership instruction. SGLI uses a wide variety of techniques to help students become effective leaders:

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• Student leadership training groups. These formal meetings are for students elected or selected by their peers to leadership positions. This includes athletic captains, club officers and student council members. These students receive fundamental instruction regarding goal setting, facilitation, delegation, and inspiring others.

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• Theoretical and Applied Leadership class. This semester long academic class explores many different leadership styles and their influence on followers. Students learn the theories in class and practice the leadership styles on the challenge course.

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• High and low ropes course. Students are faced with group problem solving activities and individual challenges that focus on teamwork, communication, collaboration and decision-making.

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• Senior peer leaders. Each year a select group of seniors receive advanced leadership training and mentor younger students during a variety of challenge course during programs at St. Gregory.

• Focus on the fundamentals. An immediate goal of the leadership institute is to identify the fundamental skills needed by students for successful leadership. A comprehensive curriculum will be built around these essential skills as decided upon by the St. Gregory community and the SGLI advisory board. All members of the community are encouraged to be a part of this discussion.

• St. Gregory Leadership Institute Leadership Diploma. The leadership diploma will be awarded to students who demonstrate consistent leadership during their Middle School and Upper School careers at St. Gregory. This formal program is designed to challenge students who are interested in learning and practicing authentic leadership. Much like an extra curricular commitment, students will meet regularly with a leadership instructor for leadership instruction or to plan projects that require specific leadership abilities. A student must successfully complete a number of these projects, referred to as benchmarks at SGLI, to earn the diploma. Through group activities and/or benchmarks the students pursue individually, the students will be leading throughout the year.

• The Leadership Summit. This leadership summit is for seventh graders from across Southern Arizona who aspire to be leaders in their own school communities. The two-day program highlights a distinguished speaker, leadership lessons from high school seniors, and activities that focus on leadership, team building, and initiative. Participants will experience St. Gregory’s high and low ropes challenge course, and the thrill of a zip line ride or traversing a wire 30’ in the air.The Leadership Summit is for students who want to work on their initiative, collaboration, effective communication skills and teamwork. Not only will the students gain valuable skills and experience regarding leadership, the summit will also include a heavy dose of fun! Through our corporate sponsorship by the Providence Group, deserving students attend the leadership summit at no charge.
  
  Join our mailing list to receive more information about The Leadership Summit as it becomes available.

• SGLI speaker series. The oral tradition of leadership illuminates the innate abilities of extraordinary leaders. Sharing leadership experiences is often an effective way to motivate and educate students on challenging leadership situations. To foster this tradition, each semester the leadership institute will host a community leader or nationally known individual to share his or her leadership experiences with the St. Gregory community.

• SGLI advisory board. SGLI is honored to have an advisory board of enthusiastic, energetic and experienced community members directly involved with youth leadership and the non-profit and business communities. The board acts as a sounding board for the SGLI faculty and provides direction for community wide involvement.
  
  Fletcher McCusker, CEO, The Providence Group.
  Pete Snell, Owner Fleet Feet Sports, Tucson, Arizona.
  Kenya Masala, Founder and Director of Source Consulting Group. Corporate, Community Wellness and Development
  Elizabeth Sparks, 4H Senior Program Coordinator.
  Maryjan Bancroft Ph. D, CEO, Make Way for Books.
  Matt Nelson, Fenster School Challenge Course Director.

Mr. Roberts, Upper School Dean of Students and Leadership Institute 
Director, joined St. Gregory in September 2000, following seventeen years 
in outdoor education with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). 
Between 1983 and 1990, Mr. Roberts spent over 200 weeks in the field in
 Wyoming, Washington and East Africa conveying his passion for the 
wilderness and outdoor education through teaching his students 
wilderness living skills, technical mountaineering skills, wilderness risk 
management, leadership, and how to work effectively with others during
extended expeditions. In 1990, Mr. Roberts became the director of the NOLS 
East Africa Branch, a position he held until 1999. Mr. Roberts and his wife
 Elizabeth Goodwin have three children, and when he is not at school or 
with his family, he is training for his next ultramarathon.