Communicate clearly
Share your ideas with confidence, listen well, and speak up for yourself and others.
High School Leadership Program
Speak up. Step up. Lead now.
You do not have to wait until you are older to make a difference. This youth leadership program in Austin helps high school students find their voice, learn how health works, and take on real community challenges alongside college mentors.
Skills you unlock
Leadership is not a personality. It is a set of skills you can learn.
The program focuses on four skills that help you in school, at home, at work, and in your community. You practice each one with guidance, then use it for real.
Navigate health
Learn how health care works, where to find trusted information, and how to help your family use it.
Build relationships
Work as a team, connect with mentors, and learn how strong relationships open doors.
Own your choices
Build personal responsibility and healthy habits that help you lead yourself first.
What you will actually do
Less lecture. More doing.
This is one of the most hands-on health education programs in Travis County. You will not just sit and take notes. You will work on real health challenges facing Austin neighborhoods, practice new skills with people your age, and see how your ideas can help.
The program runs during the six-week Summer Leadership Program, where sessions are interactive, age-appropriate, and built around culturally responsive health education.
- Tackle real challengesExplore health issues that affect your own community and brainstorm ways to help.
- Learn by practicingTry out new skills in guided activities, not just worksheets.
- Serve your communityDiscover local leadership opportunities and what it means to give back.
- Grow with your peersBuild friendships with students who care about the same things you do.
Today's student, tomorrow's leader
Your mentors were in your seat not long ago
Sessions are led by college students in the Community Health Leadership Fellowship. They are trained, supported by C2H, and close enough to your age to really get it. And this program is built as a pipeline, so the path does not have to end when summer does.
- 1High school participantLearn, practice, and lead with your peers
- 2Confident graduateCarry new skills into school, work, and home
- 3College studentKeep growing as a leader on campus
- 4Paid college fellowCome back to train and mentor the next group
- 5Community health leaderServe in health, education, ministry, or public service
For students
Want in? Ask a trusted adult to nominate you.
Students join through a nomination from someone who knows them, like a teacher, counselor, coach, pastor, parent, or youth leader. Asking can feel awkward, so we wrote the message for you. Copy it, add your name, and send it.
Not sure who to ask? Contact us and we will help you find a way in.
Message to send
Hi! I am interested in the High School Leadership Program with Community Coalition for Health (C2H). Students join through a nomination, and I would be honored if you would nominate me. It only takes a few minutes here: https://c2h.us/nominate-a-high-school-student-form/ Thank you for believing in me! [Your name]
For parents and guardians
What families should know
- Built for teens
- Activities are interactive and age-appropriate, with a focus on wellness, health systems, and leadership habits.
- Guided by trained mentors
- College fellows complete leadership and facilitation training and receive ongoing support from C2H.
- Skills for the whole family
- Students can bring what they learn home, from healthy habits to knowing where to find help, which helps strengthen the whole family.
- Two quick forms
- A parent or guardian completes the information form and signs the consent form.
How to join
From nomination to your first session
- 1
Nomination
A trusted adult submits the short online nomination form.
Nomination form - 2
Family forms
A parent or guardian completes the information form and consent form.
Parent form - 3
Next steps
The C2H team follows up with details and the program schedule.
Tentative schedule (PDF) - 4
Show up and lead
Meet your mentors and your cohort, and start building your leadership story.
Questions
Students and parents ask
Looking for more? Read stories and recaps on our Articles page or reach out anytime.
Do I need leadership or health experience?
No. The program is designed to help you build those skills. Curiosity and a willingness to participate are what matter most.
When does the program take place?
High school participants take part during the six-week summer program. Check the tentative schedule for dates and times.
Who will I be learning with?
Other high school students from the Austin area, plus trained college fellows who serve as your mentors and session leaders.
How do I get nominated?
Ask a teacher, counselor, coach, pastor, parent, or youth leader to fill out the nomination form. You can copy the message above to make asking easier.
Is there a cost?
Please contact our team for current program details. Our goal is to keep the program open to every family.
Can I come back as a mentor later?
The program is built as a pipeline. As a college student, you can apply to the Community Health Leadership Fellowship and mentor future high school students.
Know a student with something to say?
Help them find their voice. A nomination takes just a few minutes.
Invest in young leaders
Your gift supports training, materials, and mentors for teens across Austin. Want to help in other ways? Visit Get Involved or explore all of our community wellness programs in Austin.
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