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Student Leadership

Our Redwood Elementary Leadership Club is called - "Little Leaders for a Bigger Tomorrow"

The Little Leaders for a Bigger Tomorrow program empowers youth in Fontana through leadership development, mentoring, and hands-on community service. Founded in 2012 at Redwood Elementary School, the program was created to give young students the opportunity to develop leadership skills, engage with their community, and become positive change-makers. Over the past decade, this initiative has grown into a dynamic platform that impacts hundreds of students annually, fostering leadership qualities and preparing them to be productive citizens.

Program Mission

The mission of Little Leaders for a Bigger Tomorrow is to empower the youth of Fontana by providing them with educational, mentoring, and community service opportunities. The goal is to nurture the leadership potential in every student, preparing them to become active and responsible members of their community. By offering a variety of engaging experiences, the program helps students develop confidence, a sense of civic responsibility, and essential life skills.

Key Program Components

  1. Annual Leadership Summit: Held each year at Redwood Elementary, the Leadership Summit is the cornerstone of the program. This event brings together students from across Fontana Unified School District (FUSD) and beyond to engage in leadership training. Over 100 students in grades 4 through 6 participate, learning skills that range from public speaking to teamwork. The summit is supported by more than 40 alumni—former students who now serve as mentors and role models, showing the continued impact of the program.

  2. Community Service Projects: Students are encouraged to engage in service initiatives that benefit the community, such as toy and book drives, sock drives, and community beautification projects. These hands-on projects teach the value of giving back and help students see the tangible impact of their efforts.

  3. Educational Initiatives: The program also includes events like College Career Day, where students explore future educational and career opportunities. Additionally, scholarships are offered to support student leaders in their academic journeys, further investing in their growth.

  4. Adaptability and Support: Even during challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Little Leaders for a Bigger Tomorrow adapted to ensure continued support for students. Initiatives like tablet distribution allowed students to stay connected and engaged in the program's activities, even in a virtual format.

Impact on Students

Through the program, students gain critical leadership skills, learn to be proactive in their community, and are given a platform to express their ideas and passions. The Little Leaders for a Bigger Tomorrow program provides youth with the tools they need to grow as leaders, whether they’re organizing community service efforts or participating in leadership training sessions.

By participating in the program, students not only enhance their own development but also contribute to a culture of civic engagement and community responsibility in Fontana. The program's emphasis on collaboration, mentorship, and hands-on service ensures that young leaders are prepared for success, both in school and in life.

Little Leaders for a Bigger Tomorrow is more than just a program—it’s a movement that nurtures the leaders of tomorrow by giving them the resources, mentorship, and experiences they need today. Through leadership summits, service projects, and educational opportunities, the program instills in students a deep sense of responsibility and empowers them to take an active role in shaping the future of their communities. As the program continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to its mission of developing the next generation of leaders in Fontana.