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Over 200 Taranaki Students Attend Inaugural Global Student Self Leadership Event
Over 200 secondary school students from across Taranaki gathered for the one-day programme, which was proudly or...
Student Self Leadership – Free for all youth in study
Unleashing the Leadership Potential in Every Young Person
The Blanchard Institute (BI) is a US-based not-for-profit organisation founded by leadership pioneers Ken and Margie Blanchard. Established in 1985 as part of the Blanchard Foundation, the Institute carries forward their legacy: reaching young people with proven leadership tools before they enter the workforce.
With exclusive access to Blanchard’s world-renowned leadership content, the Institute adapts and delivers programmes specifically for youth. These resources are available at no cost — not to students, schools, teachers, parents, or facilitators. This ensures that leadership education is accessible to every young person who wants to grow.
Leadership starts here - and it’s completely free.
Empowering Young Kiwis to Lead Themselves — and Others!
Young people shouldn’t have to wait until adulthood to develop the skills to lead themselves through life’s ups and downs. That’s where Student Self Leadership steps in. This programme equips rangatahi with practical tools to overcome barriers, build confidence, and step up as leaders — not just for themselves, but for others too.
Student Self Leadership is designed for 14–18-year-olds who want to:
- Learn how to navigate life with more confidence and clarity
- Discover strengths and inner resources they didn’t realise they had
- Make real progress with less stress and frustration
- Reach their potential — in school, sports, and life
- Build resilience and thrive, whatever comes their way
The Blanchard Institute: Developing the Self-Leaders of Tomorrow
The Blanchard Institute is dedicated to equipping young people aged 14–18 with the mindset and skillset of a self-leader. Drawing on decades of experience in leadership development, we’ve taken proven strategies from the corporate world and adapted them specifically for students aged 14-18.
Through our Student Self Leadership programme, students learn how to take ownership of their actions, communicate effectively, build confidence, and set clear, achievable goals. Those who complete the course requirements also earn a digital credential - ideal for CVs, online portfolios, job applications, or leadership opportunities.
Currently, young people across Aotearoa and the Pacific Islands (and their Champions!) can enrol in the globally delivered Student Self Leadership Collaborative Online course at no cost.
To ensure the best experience for local learners, Blanchard Aotearoa New Zealand partners with The Blanchard Institute to offer virtual live events in a suitable New Zealand timezone.
Join us in supporting student empowerment
The Blanchard Institute is committed to removing barriers to high-quality leadership programmes. Our goal is to offer the same world-class Blanchard training to all intermediate and secondary students, as well as the organisations and leaders who support them.
You can help us make a real difference in young people’s lives. Bring the Student Self Leadership programme to your community or organisation, or learn how to become a facilitator and lead the change.
Additional Resources
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