2020 Summer Programs
Virtual Institutes for Teens
At FOCUS St. Louis, we believe that everyone possesses the power to be a leader – and for nearly 25 years, we’ve been committed to helping people tap into this potential.
This summer, we’re excited to offer a new program for high school-age leaders to stay connected, engaged and learning – all without leaving home! With our Virtual Summer Institutes, your student will have the opportunity to explore leadership through a new lens alongside a small cohort of their peers. They’ll also strengthen their creativity, curiosity, critical thinking, and communication – skills that serve them in the classroom and as civic leaders.
L.E.A.D. – Leadership Exploration through Arts & Drama
“Creativity is the single most important leadership skill in a world that is more volatile, more uncertain, and more complex than at any time before.” – IBM Study
Come explore the lighter side of leadership! In this session, we’ll show how tapping into your creativity and imagination can also help you discover and strengthen your unique leadership talents.
Creative leaders see potential where others see problems and are able to
develop innovative solutions. Get your creative juices flowing as we dive into the worlds of storytelling, improv, comedy, theater, design and the arts to explore new ways of thinking, leading and engaging with the world around us.
Each day will be different, with interactive exercises, discussions, games, demonstrations, real-world scenarios and more. Find hidden talents you never knew existed – no prior experience or background required! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect and learn from leaders and professionals working in the arts throughout our region.
Grade Levels: For students entering the 10th-11th grades in fall 2020
Dates: June 15-19, 2020
Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 1:00-3:00 p.m.; Friday performance time TBD
Cost: $200 for FOCUS members; $235 for non-members
Through the Lens: Current Events in Perspective
Are you what you watch?
Storytelling is used every day — to connect with friends, to share ideas and to explain complex ideas. In this session, film and television will be used as tools to examine historical and cultural events, how they shape the society we live in, and our ideas of moral and political value. Netflix videos will be used as the starting point to facilitate informed discussions relevant to today’s most pressing social issues.
Grade Levels: For students entering the 11th-12th grades in fall 2020
Dates: June 22-26, 2020
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Cost: $200 for FOCUS members; $235 for non-members