The Middle Level Student Leadership (MLSL) Summit - to be held on March 25, 2026 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (Waikiki) - is seeking small groups of students (3-4 student leaders from 6th-8th grades) to facilitate "Leading Spaces" at the event. The goal is to model what works supporting/elevating student leadership and voice at middle/intermediate schools from across the State of Hawai'i.

What is a Leading Space?

• Leading Spaces are part-presentation, part-engagement for student facilitators to showcase leadership strategies for peer attendees. Building upon the theme of "Lead Like Duke", student leaders are asked to share how their school elevates different forms of leadership or provides opportunity for student voice on their campus. (See Guidelines for Student Presenters)

Does leadership look the same at every school?

• No. Student leaders can come from student government/councils, technology/media clubs, visual and performing arts, community partnerships, after school clubs, Nā Hopena A‘o (HĀ) exemplars, school newspaper/yearbook, sports or any group of students positively impacting their school community.

How do we recommend student leaders to serve as facilitators of a Learning Space?

• Your school's Administrator must endorse this proposal and identify the adult (SAC or Advisor for student leadership) who will be supporting the 3-4 student presenters. The adult representative may accompany the students, but is not considered a presenter. 

What should we expect for space and timing of a Leading Space?

• The meeting rooms at Hilton Hawaiian Village will be set up as round tables of 8-10 chairs to encourage table conversations and engagement activities. Additionally, each room will include a screen, projector and speakers/sound for presentations. Student facilitators should plan for a 45-minute session, and aim to engage their audience of peers in more than a sit-and-get experience. Plan to include hands-on activities so other 6th-8th grade student leaders can network and interact with each other. 

Can a school submit more than one proposal?

• Yes. Schools are welcome to submit multiple proposals; however, each proposal must be submitted on its own form. Please note that the goal of the MLSL Summit is to highlight a wide range of schools and student voices. For that reason, not every proposal may be accepted, and schools should not expect more than one proposal to be selected from their campus. Due to space and scheduling, not all schools will be guaranteed a presentation slot. 

When will our students know if their proposal has been accepted to host a Leading Space?

• Schools will be notified by the December 2025.

REMINDER: Pre-approval must be obtained by your Administrator before completing this form.

Link to "Call for Student Presenters" - CLOSED