New England Student Leadership Conference (NESLC)

Incredible attention is being paid to high school athletics and activities programs today. Participants in these programs are looked up to as leaders because of their position on the team or club. The impact that these young people have on the climate and culture of their schools, fellow students and community is tremendous. In fact, studies show that more than one-half of high school students participate in some form of school activity or athletic program. The involvement of these students in the success of a high school is paramount and critical.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and its Section 1 members want to be the leaders in training talented, committed young people to become better citizens who will be positive, contributing adults and role models for youth. We are pleased to announce that in partnership, the state associations from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont will be hosting the 9th Annual New England Student Leadership Conference from July 15-18, 2020 at Worcester State University in Worcester, MA. This conference is a four-day, residential event for approximately 300 student and adult leaders who participate in interscholastic athletic and activity programs through their state high school athletic/activities associations. The conference is modeled after the NFHS National Student Leadership Conference that took place in Indianapolis, IN for over a decade.

Conference Curriculum

The curriculum for the conference will include breakout sessions focusing on Respect, Positive Values, Perspective, Sportsmanship, Teamwork, Healthy Lifestyles, Community Service and Self-Evaluation. These components will be presented in large and small-group sessions, led by outstanding adult and college facilitators specifically chosen for their involvement in athletics and activities at the high school and collegiate level, and will address contemporary issues that impact a young person being a leader and role model. In addition to group discussion, special guest speakers will share inspirational messages, stories of overcoming adversity and utilizing the power of positive influence. The conference will also incorporate a community service project as part of the leadership training curriculum that will take place in local communities.

Housing

Participants will be housed in traditional college residence halls. Each room will accommodate 2-4 delegates. Showers and bathrooms will be located in each individual suite area. Participants must bring their own bed linens, blankets, towels and pillow as these items will not be provided. Participants are to sleep in rooms to which they have been assigned. Visiting a room assigned to the opposite gender is not permitted. A room key/card will be provided to participants for the residence halls. In the event of a lost room key/card, the participant will be charged the replacement cost of the key/card. The sponsoring state associations and host site are not responsible for key/cards lost or misplaced for any reason.

Meals

Meals will be provided by the college food service. All meals will be provided beginning with dinner on Wednesday, July 15 and ending with breakfast on Saturday, July 18.  Students who have food allergies or special dietary needs must indicate such information on the Student Health History Form. Some residence halls have vending machines that can be utilized for snacks during the week. Students are encouraged to bring small amounts of money for vending machines in addition to their own snacks/bottled drinks if necessary.