For ages 12–14 and English learners 13+
Activating leadership through civic impact
Participants explore the UN Sustainable Development Goals and learn how civic participation, leadership, and collaboration can create meaningful impact.
What participants learns
Leadership in Action
Leadership in Action
Apply leadership skills to execute a community-based action project.
Apply leadership skills to execute a community-based action project.
Strategic Planning
Strategic Planning
Build time management, and communication skills in a team setting.
Build time management, and communication skills in a team setting.
Civic Responsibility
Civic Responsibility
Understand equity, community engagement, and civic responsibility.
Understand equity, community engagement, and civic responsibility.
Presentation Confidence
Presentation Confidence
Build confidence by presenting real solutions to real audiences, practicing clear communication, and storytelling.
Build confidence by presenting real solutions to real audiences, practicing clear communication, and storytelling.
Leadership Reflection
Leadership Reflection
Reflect on personal growth through journaling, feedback, and structured reflection.
Reflect on personal growth through journaling, feedback, and structured reflection.
How a program delivery works
Instructional time
Instructional time
02
PSL orientations
02
Participant orientations
10
1.5-hour sessions
10
45-min sessions
*depends on the organization schedule.
Requirements
Requirements
Partner institutions provide basic classroom support to ensure smooth program delivery
Partner institutions provide basic classroom support to ensure smooth program delivery
Classroom space
Classroom space
Devices & tech setup
Devices & tech setup
Delivery Mode
Delivery Mode
Two delivery options based on the needs and setup of the partner institution
Two delivery options based on the needs and setup of the partner institution
Virtual
Virtual
In person
In person
Career pathways facilitator
Leads program delivery and guides participant learning.
Partner support liaison
Supports classroom coordination, engagement, and communication.
Weekly CPF–PSL check-ins
Align on goals, review progress, and plan engagement strategies.
Career Connector
Returning partners may include alumni age 14+ as paid peer mentors.
Quality Support
CPFs are recruited, trained, and supported through ongoing professional development.
Ambassadors
Five peer leaders guide Career Cohorts and support participation.
Connect With Our Team
Organizations that enroll in this course results in creating leaders with civic participation making impact
Organizations that enroll in this course results in creating leaders with civic participation making impact
Organizations that enroll in this course results in creating leaders with civic participation making impact
80%
80%
Career exploration completion
75%
75%
Leadership confidence growth
90%
90%
Future career awareness
SpeakHire transformed our internship program during the pandemic, matching our newly arrived immigrant students with dedicated mentors who reflect their backgrounds. Through this partnership, students have developed leadership and advocacy skills while gaining the confidence to dream beyond their circumstances.
Kevin Hesseltine
Principal, Flushing IHS
I would like to share that at the beginning, I felt very insecure and nervous, as I was not confident in my abilities. However, my mentor supported me with patience, kindness, and encouragement, which gradually helped me build confidence and courage. Over time, I began to feel more comfortable expressing myself, and I am truly grateful for the guidance and support I received.
Abigail
Cortona IHS
I chose SpeakHire because I was attracted by the opportunity to have connections with people in the field I am interested in. During the 9 sessions for Foundational Year, my Champion provided a great amount of information, always looked for our interests and questions, and gave us the best advice. I really enjoyed my matches because I was able to learn something new from each session, and the information we received is very useful to continue learning in the future. It was a great opportunity to learn more about my interests and it gave me more confidence in what I would like to do when I finish high school.
Erick Cuzco
IHS Union Square
I truly appreciated the teacher who was patient with me, especially since I do not speak English as well as I would like. However, I believe it is better to try than not to try at all. I have enjoyed sharing my purposes and goals, which I will achieve with God's guidance. I am very grateful to be part of this group with all of you.
Eimy
Crotona IHS
Our students are working directly with professionals and getting mentored by them. They are enjoying the program, receiving rating reviews, and are very deeply connected to the professionals. The program provides a great and unique opportunity for students, especially younger youth starting 9th and 10th grade, and our school plans to continue participating in the future.
Shweta Ratra
Principal, Crotona IHS
I felt that the match was perfect for me because my Champion helped me develop myself more professionally and advised me in my current college application process. Excellent job and really helpful for immigrant kids who need help in preparation for college, work, and other areas. Thank you for your hard work
Ashmel Martinez
ELLIS
This is a great opportunity and experience for me. It has helped me a lot with my university and my future, and has let me know myself better and where I want to go. The experiences and suggestions the Champion shared with us were helpful, and I learned a lot during the sessions. She is more like a friend when we communicate and share ideas together. I love the format, and SpeakHire—this program is really nice to have.
Ziyi Lin
Flushing IHS
SpeakHire transformed our internship program during the pandemic, matching our newly arrived immigrant students with dedicated mentors who reflect their backgrounds. Through this partnership, students have developed leadership and advocacy skills while gaining the confidence to dream beyond their circumstances.
Kevin Hesseltine
Principal, Flushing IHS
I would like to share that at the beginning, I felt very insecure and nervous, as I was not confident in my abilities. However, my mentor supported me with patience, kindness, and encouragement, which gradually helped me build confidence and courage. Over time, I began to feel more comfortable expressing myself, and I am truly grateful for the guidance and support I received.
Abigail
Cortona IHS
I chose SpeakHire because I was attracted by the opportunity to have connections with people in the field I am interested in. During the 9 sessions for Foundational Year, my Champion provided a great amount of information, always looked for our interests and questions, and gave us the best advice. I really enjoyed my matches because I was able to learn something new from each session, and the information we received is very useful to continue learning in the future. It was a great opportunity to learn more about my interests and it gave me more confidence in what I would like to do when I finish high school.
Erick Cuzco
IHS Union Square
I truly appreciated the teacher who was patient with me, especially since I do not speak English as well as I would like. However, I believe it is better to try than not to try at all. I have enjoyed sharing my purposes and goals, which I will achieve with God's guidance. I am very grateful to be part of this group with all of you.
Eimy
Crotona IHS
Our students are working directly with professionals and getting mentored by them. They are enjoying the program, receiving rating reviews, and are very deeply connected to the professionals. The program provides a great and unique opportunity for students, especially younger youth starting 9th and 10th grade, and our school plans to continue participating in the future.
Shweta Ratra
Principal, Crotona IHS
I felt that the match was perfect for me because my Champion helped me develop myself more professionally and advised me in my current college application process. Excellent job and really helpful for immigrant kids who need help in preparation for college, work, and other areas. Thank you for your hard work
Ashmel Martinez
ELLIS
This is a great opportunity and experience for me. It has helped me a lot with my university and my future, and has let me know myself better and where I want to go. The experiences and suggestions the Champion shared with us were helpful, and I learned a lot during the sessions. She is more like a friend when we communicate and share ideas together. I love the format, and SpeakHire—this program is really nice to have.
Ziyi Lin
Flushing IHS
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes
Portrait of a Graduate
Click any segment to learn more about it
Global citizen
A graduate understands their role in a diverse and connected world. They show respect for different cultures, communities, and perspectives while contributing positively to society.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes
Portrait of a Graduate
Click any segment to learn more about it
Global citizen
A graduate understands their role in a diverse and connected world. They show respect for different cultures, communities, and perspectives while contributing positively to society.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes
Portrait of a Graduate
Click any segment to learn more about it
Global citizen
A graduate understands their role in a diverse and connected world. They show respect for different cultures, communities, and perspectives while contributing positively to society.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes
Portrait of a Graduate
Click any segment to learn more about it
Global citizen
A graduate understands their role in a diverse and connected world. They show respect for different cultures, communities, and perspectives while contributing positively to society.
Learning framework
Wonder
Identify civic challenges and explore them through the lens of the UN Sustainable Development goals
Reflect
Impact
Track
Empower
What our alumni say about us
What our alumni say about us
“I learned about the Sustainable Development Goals and how even at our age we can work together to create change in the community. I started asking questions like how can nearby schools work together to reach the SDG of 0% poverty.“
“I learned about the Sustainable Development Goals and how even at our age we can work together to create change in the community. I started asking questions like how can nearby schools work together to reach the SDG of 0% poverty.“
ELMHLAY P.
ALUM 2025 IS 125 WOODSIDE
Moments that tell the story
A glimpse into the people, programs, and shared experiences that bring the SpeakHire community to life.
Ready to bring civic leadership into action?
Partner with SPEAKHIRE to help participants develop confidence, career readiness, leadership skills, and meaningful professional connections.
Partner with SPEAKHIRE to help participants develop confidence, career readiness, leadership skills, and meaningful professional connections.
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SpeakHire is a 501c3 organization. EIN 47-4132773
SpeakHire is a 501c3 organization. EIN 47-4132773
About Us
Our Mission
Impact
Our Board
Theory of Change
News
SpeakHire Magazine
Get Involved
Partners
Interns
Champions
Careers
Volunteers
Quick Link
SpeakHire Series
First Step
Seminars
Leadership Courses
Foundational Year
About Us
Our Mission
Impact
Our Board
Theory of Change
News
SpeakHire Magazine
Quick Link
SpeakHire Series
First Step
Seminars
Leadership Courses
Foundational Year
Get Involved
Partners
Interns
Champions
Careers
Volunteers