Ohio State program gives high school students leadership, research experience

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Ohio State program gives high school students leadership, research experience

Collaborative with Ohio school districts inspires growth, community impact

Students who have participated in The Ohio State University's State Student Leadership Research Collaborative (SLRC) recently came together to discuss how the program has fostered personal and academic growth.

The SLRC is a collaboration between Ohio State and multiple school districts across Ohio. Students work in teams of five to explore leadership and academic research strategies to prepare them for college and bring about positive change in their schools and communities.

Ohio State students who participated in SLRC as high schoolers took part in a panel discussion at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The event was attended by college and high school students from throughout Ohio.

The event also included a presentation by nationally recognized educator Erin Gruwell, author of the best-selling book, "The Freedom Writers Diary: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them."

During the panel discussion, Ohio State students shared their experiences in SLRC. The students participated in projects ranging from scientific research to conducting surveys among their peers on how to enhance their mental health.

London Michel, a third-year environmental science major, said the SLRC taught her how to complete projects through teamwork.

"This program really taught me to develop my leadership style. I'm very much a people person. I love leading with people and knowing my community," she said. "Being able to learn that in high school helped me so much when going into college. I already felt confident in myself as a person, which made me able to uplift the other people that I work with."

Katie O'Shaughnessey, a fourth-year marketing major, said she found mentors through SLRC.

"You can take what you want from this program," she said, "whether you are interested in the research side, the leadership side, or just hearing from different teachers."

Sridurga Karthik, a second-year neuroscience major, said participating in the SLRC encouraged her to help other students reach their potential.

"By showing your peers that you can ask other people for advice or feedback, that can advocate to make someone a leader," she said. "Feeling comfortable in being genuine and honest is what an advocate is."

Keith Bell, SLCR instructional facilitator, said the students who participated in the panel discussion exemplify the program's mission.

"I saw these guys when they were growing and working," when they first joined SLRC, he said. "For me to watch these students grow the way they've grown has been the best thing that could ever happen."

Mia Prewitt, Columbus City Schools supervisor of student leadership and engagement, said the district's partnership with Ohio State is an asset to students.

"If you want to change stuff within your school, you can do it" through SLRC, she told students in attendance. "This is a wonderful opportunity, supported not just with other peers, but with staff members and professionals."

During Gruwell's presentation, she related how she has helped Long Beach, California, high school students express themselves through writing while coping with poverty, gang violence and racial conflict.

She chronicled her experiences in "The Freedom Writers Diary," which was adapted into a 2007 movie starring two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank. Gruwell's work was also the subject of the 2019 PBS documentary, "Freedom Writers: Stories from the Heart."

Gruwell encouraged students to use their voices to make a difference.

"The world has to change - one kid, one classroom, one community at a time," she said. "That is your assignment: Go into the world and make it better."

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