Teens learn leadership skills at Jack and Jill national convention
A national organization is here in the desert to focus on the success of hundreds of teenagers. Jack and Jill of America Inc. is an organization that works to further the growth and development of African American teenagers. They’re holding their national convention this week in Palm Desert.
During a time when race relations across our country are tense, this conference is making its mission to highlight leadership development and teach high school students from across the country to give back and be leaders in their community.
Morgan Smith is a senior in high school and is getting ready to study medicine in college. She said being a part of this Jack and Jill leadership summit is setting her up for success.
“We really want to focus on is leadership and you have to realize that going out into the world it’s not just about grades anymore. There has to be someone behind that 4.0 GPA,” Smith said.
One of the focal points of Tuesday’s summit, learning more about STEM or science, technology, engineering, math. Students learning coding, building electric circuits and computer design. The most popular station of the day, playing with drones. Smith said the biggest take away from the summit is learning how to work in groups.
“Communication skills, working with people. In surgery it’s not just one person, it’s working with the whole team. You have to be able to communicate because someone’s life is on the line,” Smith said.
Organizers said in light of recent events, promoting a positive image of African American teens is more important than ever.
“We really want to help change the narrative of negative perceptions of African American youth. Our youth are excelling they are exceeding and we need more of those stories told,” said Kimberly Goode the National Editor of Jack and Jill Incorporated.
Designating a breakout session called “Our Lives Matter”.
“We want to focus on our lives because we can personalize the experience and focus on doing all they can to prepare themselves and contribute the best they can to society,” Goode said.
Students said they are happy to be a part of that movement.
“It provides you to see black youth in a positive light and what we’re trying to say here is that black lives matter and all lives matter,” said college freshman James Coles.
Smith hopes the skills she learns at this conference will help her address the issues facing our country.
“Learn to listen to the other person. Why they feel this way, why they feel like their life doesn’t matter right now. Then we can start to have candid discussion and start thinking of solutions,” Smith said.
The summit continues for the rest of the week with discussions, activities and events. All helping these future leaders reach their potential.
