In June, nearly 120 high school sophomores from across Missouri visited Westminster College in Fulton for the 18th annual Leadership in Practice program, sponsored by the Missouri Chamber Education Foundation.

The program teaches important leadership skills by immersing students in hands-on activities, simulations, and games. Participants evaluated their leadership skills based on what they learned. Then, they set goals to improve those leadership skills.

“It helps a lot with your leadership ability,” says Leadership in Practice participant Billie Thompson, a Polo High School sophomore.

Business, civic, education, and military leaders from around the state help lead the program and share their personal knowledge from their careers.

Othellis Roper III, a sophomore at Joplin High School, says he plans to attend West Point to pursue a career in the military.

“I figure learning all this will help me be a better leader before I even get to West Point,” he says.

For more information about Leadership in Practice, contact Brian Crouse, Missouri Chamber Education Foundation vice president, at bcrouse@mochamber.com or 573-634-3511.