Seminar 2024
WILS 2024 will take place June 14-16 on the campus of Carroll University in Waukesha, WI. Each year every high school in Wisconsin (and Upper Michigan) is invited to nominate one current sophomore leader to represent their school at our annual seminar in June. WILS has been hosting our annual leadership development seminar for 47 years! Each student leader is selected as their school’s sole representative for strong leadership skills and contributions in their school and community. This is a distinguished group that deserves to be honored and celebrated!
Because we believe that students should be provided recognition and development opportunities based on their merits and not their financial means, each nominee is provided a full sponsorship to attend the seminar. All costs for the seminar including housing, meals, activities, and a t-shirt are covered by the sponsorship from our donors. There is no cost to the student or the school for their nominee to attend the annual seminar.
During the seminar student leaders will enjoy a unique learning experience designed to build their understanding and confidence in their personal leadership style, challenge their critical thinking skills and present different points of view on a variety of topics. Our seminar focuses on leadership development through our organization’s pillars of responsibility, service, inclusiveness and decision making. Students should plan to meet other outstanding young leaders and engage in fun, thoughtful discussions and activities. Activities include keynote speakers, small group discussions, hands-on personal exploration & leadership development activities and group team builders, personal reflection, service projects, interactive workshops & panels with community and industry leaders, and social activities in the evenings. Student leaders have the opportunity to interact with community leaders and 200 other student leaders from all over Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.
After seminar student leaders are able to continue on their path of leadership development and community engagement through our alumni association. Our alumni association has a young leaders alumni association board of directors composed of young leaders from around the state who plan ongoing events throughout the state to volunteer in our communities, learn about local businesses, meet with local leaders, and continue to build upon the skills and networks they established at seminar. Our alumni award college scholarships, volunteer together, help plan future seminars, and build lifelong connections.
Nomination information is emailed to schools beginning in late November. If you are a school representative who would like to nominate a sophomore leader to attend WILS, and you have not received the nomination information, please email [email protected].