NHS - PLPs

What is a Personal Leadership Project (PLP)?

A PLP is a student-led project that allows you to take initiative, develop leadership skills, and create something meaningful. Whether you're planning an event, launching a campaign, organizing a drive, or sharing your talents in a unique way, the goal is to design and carry out a project you're genuinely passionate about.

Your PLP doesn't have to benefit a formal organization or address a large-scale issue - it just needs to be purposeful, planned, and executed by you. Some past projects have included game tournaments, school-wide awareness displays, and forest preserve clean-ups.

PLPs are required for all NHS members not serving on a committee or executive board, and must be completed within the approved timeline.

PLP Requirements:

Projects must take at least 4–5 hours to complete.
Your project can benefit the school, community, a specific organization, or simply aim to engage and enrich others in a meaningful way. It does not need to involve a formal charity or service effort.
Projects must be student-led from start to finish.
Each student must choose a faculty or community sponsor to provide support and supervision. Your sponsor should be a good fit for your project. For example, if your project benefits Ronald McDonald House, your sponsor should ideally be affiliated with that organization. Avoid selecting a teacher simply because you like them: choose someone who has relevant experience or a connection to your cause.
All students must:
- Submit a proposal with a detailed timeline.
- Share the proposal with their sponsor.
- Have the proposal signed by the sponsor and submitted to Mrs. Fireman.
- Adhere to their approved timeline and complete the project by the assigned month.
- Submit a final report with documentation and a reflection.

Step-by-Step Process:

Choose a Project You Care About: Pick something that reflects your strengths, interests, or values. The more invested you are, the better the outcome will be.
Select the Right Sponsor and Timing: Your sponsor should understand your vision and have relevant experience. Be strategic when choosing your month—give yourself time to plan well.
Get Specific in Your Proposal: A strong proposal includes a clear timeline, measurable goals, and expected outcomes. Make sure your sponsor signs it and submit it by the deadline.
Promote Effectively: Use eye-catching flyers, announcements, and social media (if appropriate). Follow the Promotion Guidelines and submit items for approval early.
Communicate and Document: Stay in touch with your sponsor and keep a record of what you’re doing (emails, flyers, sign-up forms, etc.) for your final report.
Reflect and Submit: After your project, complete the final report. Include photos, documentation, and a thoughtful reflection on what you learned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I work with a friend?

A: Yes, partners are allowed. You will submit a joint proposal and one final report, but both names must be clearly listed. Make sure the project reflects equal effort from both participants.

Q: Can I raise money for a cause?

A: Yes, but all fundraisers must follow school financial procedures—even if the money is being donated to an outside organization. If you're raising funds as part of your PLP, your sponsor must request a cash box in advance, and all donations must be logged and submitted to the business office. You may not collect money privately or handle large sums of cash without supervision. The school will issue a check to the final recipient once your fundraiser is complete.

Q: Do I have to host an event?

A: You are strongly encouraged to host an event or create a campaign. Donation drives may be approved but are no longer preferred unless they involve additional elements such as community outreach or service. Not all projects must benefit a charity: your impact can be local, personal, or school-based.

Q: Do PLP hours count toward my required 20 service hours?

A: Yes! Unlike many NHS chapters, our chapter allows you to count time spent on your PLP toward your annual service hour requirement - as long as your work meets the service guidelines and is properly documented on InnerView. That said, your PLP is still a leadership requirement, not just a service one, so treat it with that level of planning and initiative.

Q: How should I document my PLP throughout the process?

A: You are expected to document each stage of your project—not just the final result. This includes saving promotional materials (like flyers or social media posts), taking photos during planning and execution, and keeping copies of emails or messages sent to sponsors, volunteers, or participants. These materials should be included in your final report and uploaded to InnerView. Be sure to take photos of yourself actively participating in the project (with your face and some background context), as these are required for verification.

Q: What if something changes in my plan?

A: Let your sponsor and Mrs. Fireman know immediately. Minor changes may be approved if they still meet the requirements.

Q: What happens if I don’t complete my PLP?

A: PLPs are not optional. If you are not serving on a committee or the executive board, you must complete an approved PLP to remain in good standing. Students who fail to submit their proposal or final report - or who do not carry out the project by their assigned deadline - will be dismissed from NHS. If unexpected circumstances arise, you must contact Mrs. Fireman well in advance of your due date.