High School Regional Programs ⟶ Program Themes ⟶ Leadership and Social Justice

Leadership and Social Justice

The Leadership and Social Justice (LSJ) regional program is a comprehensive, cross‑curricular program designed to cultivate socially responsible and civically engaged student leaders. The program creates a learning environment in which students develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to advance social justice within their schools and local communities. Rooted in personal growth and intercultural competence, LSJ builds on students’ communication, collaboration, and critical‑thinking skills to prepare them for ethical leadership and public service.

Core Experiences

• Connect with social justice advocates to learn community engagement strategies.
• Participate in internships with social justice organizations.
• Earn college credit through dual enrollment.
• Design and implement a multi-year social justice project.
• Present impact of original social justice projects on local communities.
• Participate in a social justice fair.
• Plan student social justice learning experiences.
• Participate in social justice field trip experiences.

Program Goals

1. Develop Foundational Knowledge and Skills
   Equip students with the knowledge and skills to become principled and effective leaders in public service.
2. Provide Hands-On, Real-World Experience
   Provide hands-on, real-world experience through internships and applied projects to ensure students can translate leadership theory and community engagement strategies into effective public service action.
3. Foster Career and College, Career and/or Community Pathways
   Create strong connections to college and career paths by linking students with a network of public service professionals to find great jobs, further their education, and stay involved in the community.

Application & Locations

Application: Interest-based application

Schools:

• Region 1: Whitman
• Region 2: Paint Branch
• Region 4: Wootton
• Region 5: Magruder
• Region 6: Damascus

Course Progression

Below is a sample sequence of courses for students enrolled in the Leadership and Social Justice Program. Cells in orange are related to the program pathway. This is subject to change as the programs are developed.

Program Requirements

In addition to MCPS requirements for graduation, students must complete the following to remain enrolled in the Leadership and Social Justice Program and earn the related certificate:

• Core leadership coursework (3 credits)
  • Introduction to Social Justice (0.5 credits)
  • Leadership & Social Justice (0.5 credits)
  • Community Organizing (0.5 credits)
  • AP Seminar or Social Justice Seminar (1 credit)
  • Internship with Social Justice Organization (0.5 credits)
• English (2 credits, both count toward 4 credit requirement for graduation)
  • Honors English 9 for LSJ
  • Honors English 10 for LS
• Statistics (1 credit)
  • Honors or AP Statistics
• LSJ Electives (2 credits)
  • 2 credits of related coursework taken in any grade level
• Non-coursework requirements
  • Attend LSJ Program Seminars
  • Facilitate at least 1 school-wide social justice event
  • 3 non-classroom experiences related to social justice per year such as:
  • Social justice club organizing
  • School or evening social justice event
  • Volunteer work