HSLC is a three-day, two-night leadership experience that is specifically designed for high school juniors. Every February, 300 students attend the conference at the University of Oklahoma. For the past 27 years, HSLC has made an impact on thousands of students from across the country.
HSLC's aims to equip, empower and inspire high school juniors through innovative and unique programming. Students that attend HSLC receive development that allows them to become better leaders, discover ways to positively impact their schools and communities, learn about working with others and understand more about applying and attending college.
The HSLC experience encourages and invests in the leadership skills and individual potential within every student attending the conference. HSLC is designed to impact juniors regardless of their leadership and life experiences. HSLC campers come from schools in Oklahoma and across the country; Students have even come from homeschools and international academies. HSLC's primary goal is to ensure that students realize their leadership potential and leave the conference as equipped, empowered, and inspired young leaders.
HSLC creates a tangible and measurable impact on high school juniors. HSLC provides students with resources and effective guidance that contribute to positive future outcomes. Following the 2018 conference, 97.6% of HSLC campers indicated that they had learned something about a perspective or culture other than their own. Additionally, 98.8% of campers said that they left the conference feeling equipped, empowered, and inspired - the three pillars of HSLC's mission.
HSLC also provides students, especially those who typically do not have formidable access to such opportunities, with a path to higher education. At HSLC, students receive college prep guidance as well as advice from current college students. While HSLC is not geared towards recruiting students to OU, 79.3% of campers indicated that they were considering OU for their collegiate experience and 50.6% were interested in concurrent enrollment at OU. Furthermore, 63% of HSLC campers in 2016, who are now college freshman, currently attend The University of Oklahoma.
HSLC is programmed and facilitated by an Executive Committee of over 100 University of Oklahoma students. Under the direction of a Chair and Leadership Team, the Executive Committee works from September to February to make HSLC happen by recruiting prospective students, programming the events of the weekend, acquiring sponsorship, designing creative elements, facilitating leadership development, and publicizing content.
Members of the HSLC Executive Committee understand how to communicate and work with high school juniors. Every member of the Committee possesses a unique story and personal leadership experience that can relate to high school students. The Executive Committee strives to meet students where they are with regard to their leadership and life experience.
