Leaders 4SC is a summer workshop for middle school (rising 5th to 10th grade) students on writing and speaking, as well as leadership, communication, decision-making, and advocacy. Our goal is to train the next generation of civic leaders: members of a community who actively participate in society.
Public Speaking, Argumentative Writing, and Civic Leadership Summer Workshop
2026 Workshop in Boston
July 6-10 & July 13-17
By the end of each week, students will have:
- Completed at least one writing or speaking assignment arguing for and defending their opinion on any current issue
- Participated in daily discussions and activities on a different major current event every day
- Participated in daily task force activities to role play as key decision makers and stakeholders
- Discussed, debated, and bonded with an incredible group of engaged young people!
Dates / Times
Students may attend one week or both:
Session 1 — Writing Focus: July 6-July 10 (M-F; 10am-4pm)
Session 2 — Speaking Focus: July 13-17 (M-F; 10am-4pm)
Pricing
One Week: $300/week
Two Weeks: $500/total
Need-based financial aid is available. Email us at [email protected] to inquire.
Location
Boston
Lesley University
29 Everett St, Cambridge, MA
Have questions? Email us at [email protected]
The Types of Activities We Do
Task forces
Task forces are interactive group activities where students take on leadership roles and work together to solve a problem that is related to the topic of the day.
Example: Students role-play as members of the U.S. Supreme Court and make a decision on a case.
Speaking and writing games
In addition to time to craft their own speech or article, students will participate in a daily game or workshop that helps build confidence and skills.
Example: Emotions game to practice using tone and speaking style to convey different emotions.
Topic deep dives
Everyday, we start out with a deep dive into the topic of the day, a lively discussion, and a persuasive speech or article relating to the topic.
Example: A deep dive into the effects of social media on mental health and an interactive discussion about possible solutions.
2026 Curriculum Breakdown
Week 1: 7/6-7/10 (Writing Focused -- Op-Eds)
Week 2: 7/13-7/17 (Speaking Focused -- Speech to School)
See what some former students have to say:
Instructors
Our instructors have spent years perfecting the curriculum and getting ready to help students become civic leaders! Some of our lead instructors are below.
Additional instructors and staff will be announced soon!
All instructors are background-checked and have conducted mandatory reporting training.
FAQs
General
Can I enroll my child in all the week(s)?
Yes! The workshop weeks are planned so that students can take either any one week separately or all of them together.
My child is really shy. Will the public speaking program be a poor fit?
Not at all! All our programs are built to accommodate (if not target) students who would traditionally not feel comfortable speaking in front of people. That’s part of what we work on with the students.
Can I follow along with what my child is learning?
Parents/Guardians will be able to follow along with all assignments and works through our online system as the week progresses. We’ll also occasionally send parents email updates with the students’ work.
Who is eligible to participate?
Students entering Grades 5 through 10 in Fall 2026 are eligible to participate.
Financial
Is financial aid available?
We have limited need-based financial aid available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please email us at [email protected] to inquire.
When are payments due?
A $50 deposit is due with the application to secure your child’s spot in the workshop. All other payments are due by June 15th.
Materials
Will my child get a certificate at the end?
Yes, students will get a certificate as well as their work in a digital magazine with the articles they and their peers submit.