What is the Powerhouse Leadership Advisory Board?
Our Powerhouse Board Program is a critical component of our mission to create positive change in marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities in the Madison area. This program is designed to connect selected 8th graders with mentors and opportunities for personal and community development. A range of diverse adult mentors will present monthly to our future leaders on different career paths, ways to success, and ideas for community change and development. This exposure to a variety of career paths can help broaden students' horizons and inspire them to dream bigger, helping to break down the limitations that are often placed on children from economically disadvantaged and marginalized communities.
Students will be responsible for learning how to raise money for a community non-profit of their choosing, which will teach them important skills in fundraising, marketing, and community leadership. They will also have the opportunity to lead talks at their schools to inspire change and become change-makers in their own communities.
At the end of the year, an awards show will be held to celebrate the achievements of the students and their mentors. Graduate alumni from the program will help run the next year's program, creating a self-sustaining cycle of growth and empowerment within the community.
The Powerhouse Board Program aims to increase access to opportunity and show students they can achieve community change as change makers. It empowers young people to take charge of their own futures and the future of their communities, with the help of supportive mentors and a strong network of peers.
The importance of such programs cannot be overstated, especially in communities where economic and social disparities limit access to opportunities and resources. The Powerhouse Board Program is one way we hope to make a real difference in the lives of young people and their communities, by helping them see the potential they have within themselves and in the world around them.
This FREE program was created with the aim of showing youth that they can create change in their own communities. The Powerhouse Board group will have the distinct role and honor of selecting a non-profit they would like to support in a variety of small fundraisers. The chosen Board will be in their position for one year.
Throughout the course of a year, students will :
meet with a variety of different non profit leaders to hear their pitch. Students will choose which non profit they will support for the year.
learn how to make effective 30 second elevator pitch regarding their chosen non-profit
learn how to collaborate as a team and make decisions together
learn how to weigh pros and cons of situations and make heavy decisions
learn how to run an event from start to finish
create collateral for the event including fliers, social media campaigns and live video streams
learn about entrepreurship and branding/marketing/website design
The Ideal Powerhouse Candidate is:
motivated, focused, and wants to change the world!
excited to create change and create a movement amongst their peers!
8th grader
NOTE: Students who are involved in our summer or afterschool programming may seek additional help with applying to this by attending our FREE Ignite Only Application Readiness Seminar (held in early Fall)
Application Process
Selection of the Powerhouse Committee is done by a select group of leaders & teachers in the community.
Round 1: All interested parties will write an essay on the provided topic and provide letters of reference from teachers, and other adults. Workshops on writing essays will be provided to help assist students in the process.
Round 2: Interviews of selected individuals will occur.
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Interested in helping SPONSOR this board? We would love any help! As an organization, we self-fund this program. We need sponsors for monthly lunch, transportation costs, and payment for our mentors. Reach out to ru@ignitewisconsin.com to learn more.