Selection Process

Sample selection process

Eligibility

• Current 10th or 11th graders applying to serve during the next school year as Peer Leaders in grades 11 or 12

• Minimum GPA requirement (suggested: 2.5–3.0 unweighted)

• No major disciplinary infractions in the past year

• Commitment to serve as a role model and positive school representative
  
  

1. Teacher Recommendations (2 Total)

• Who: One academic teacher (current year) and one teacher/coach/advisor from any previous year

• What: Short rubric + optional comments rating:

  • Leadership & initiative

  • Reliability & follow-through

  • Collaboration & communication skills

  • Professionalism & maturity

  • Influence as a role model among peers
    
    

2. Formal Application

Students complete one comprehensive application that includes:

• Student Information

  • Name, grade, contact info, GPA

• Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment

• Leadership & Extracurricular Involvement

  • Clubs, sports, volunteer work, community service, leadership roles

• Awards & Recognitions

• Self-Assessment of Leadership Skills

  • Public speaking, organization, problem-solving, conflict resolution (rated 1–5 with examples)

• Personal Interest Section (built into the application)

  • “Why do you want to be a Peer Leader at our school?” (300–500 words or video, 2–3 minutes)

  • “Describe a time you influenced a group in a positive way.”

  • “How do you plan to use your leadership position to make an impact this year?”

• Preferred Leadership Domains

  • Mentoring younger students, event planning, community outreach, advocacy, etc.
    
    

3. Performance Element

• Purpose: Allow candidates to demonstrate leadership qualities in action

• Options: Applicant chooses one of the following to present at the interview:

  1. Mini Workshop or Lesson – Lead a 5–7 minute session on a skill or topic (e.g., conflict resolution, team building, study strategies) for a small group

  2. Event or Initiative Proposal – Present a structured plan for a school improvement idea or student-led event, including purpose, logistics, and expected outcomes

  3. Scenario Response – Receive a leadership challenge scenario 24 hours in advance and present a solution plan during the interview (e.g., resolving peer conflict, motivating a disengaged group)
     
     

4. Interview (15–20 minutes)

• Conducted by a selection panel (counselor, leadership advisor, admin, current senior peer leaders)

• Format:

  • 5–10 min for candidate performance element

  • 5–10 min Q&A with panel

• Example Questions:

  • “How do you motivate people who don’t want to participate?”

  • “What’s a leadership mistake you’ve made, and what did you learn from it?”

  • “How will you manage your time between leadership commitments and other responsibilities?”
    
    

5. Selection Criteria

• Teacher Recommendations – 25%

• Application Completeness & Quality – 15%

• Performance Element – 30%

• Interview Q&A – 30%

• Aim for a team that reflects academic, social, cultural, and extracurricular diversity
  
  

6. Notification & Commitment

• Acceptance letter + role/expectation outline

• Students sign a Peer Leader Agreement covering:

  • Attendance at trainings & events

  • Positive representation of the school in and out of class

  • Completion of assigned leadership responsibilities
    
    

7. Orientation & Training

• First day of school, summer or early-year leadership retreat

• Training in public speaking, event facilitation, mentoring, and conflict resolution

• Planning calendar for the year’s leadership projects