On May 11th from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Georgia Tech, Playworks Georgia hosted our very first Junior Coach Leadership Conference! Bringing together 75-90 Junior Coaches from across Metro Atlanta, this event included an awards ceremony, a keynote speaker, and workshops to further leadership development, share best practices, and to introduce students to the college environment.
The Playworks Junior Coach program encourages teams of students to work together to learn games, increase self-confidence, leadership, and positive conflict resolution. Junior Coaches teach these skills and lessons appropriately to their classmates as well as model positive inclusive behavior to other students.
Teacher Ms. Ricketts from Kindezi Old Fourth Ward notes, “Ever since two of my most behaviorally challenged students were selected to be junior coaches, they have become more mindful of how their actions affect them academically. They now take pride in their responsibilities and ensure they do what is necessary to remain a Junior Coach.”
Administrator Mrs. Wilbanks from Kindezi West Lake comments, “I have seen the students really take ownership of their leadership role on the playground and in the school. They wear the purple shirts proudly. I have truly been impressed by the historically reserved students that have now come out of their shells to lead activities and speak with authority.”
Through participating in the Junior Coach program, students develop the academic, social and leadership skills needed to stay on a pathway of life-long success.
