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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

What Students Gain from Student Self Leadership

Join our next Cohort!

The benefits of Student Self Leadership go far beyond the course itself. After completing the programme, students will walk away with:

A Digital Credential
Ideal for sharing on social media, adding to online CVs, or including in applications for university, scholarships, jobs, leadership roles, and more.

A Personal Tool Kit
Reusable exercises and strategies to support goal setting, personal growth, and working effectively with anyone in a leadership role — now and in the future.

Confidence to Ask for What They Need
Students learn how to advocate for themselves and communicate clearly with teachers, parents, employers, and mentors.

Early Access to World-Class Leadership Training
Developed by global experts in leadership and personal development — before students even enter the workforce.

A Network of Young Leaders
Opportunities to connect with like-minded learners from around the world, building confidence and broadening perspectives.

A Mindset for Lifelong Success
They’ll leave equipped with practical skills and a leadership mindset to thrive in school, work, relationships, and life.

    Student Course Dates: 

    September 25th to October 22nd, 2025

    For students aged between 14 and 18

    Live Session Dates:  October 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd - Wednesdays @ 7.00pm

    WEEK 1: Get Past Limiting Beliefs
    WEEK 2: Find Your Power
    WEEK 3: Set Goals and Measure Progress
    WEEK 4: Communicate with Leaders

    STUDENT REGISTRATION: Click Here

    Champion Course Dates: 

    September 26th to October 23rd, 2025

    For parents, guardians, coaches and youth leaders

    Live Session Dates:  October 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd  - Thursdays @ 7.00pm

    WEEK 1: Support the Start
    WEEK 2: Foster Self-Empowerment
    WEEK 3: Guide Goal Setting
    WEEK 4: Cultivate Leadership

    CHAMPION REGISTRATION:  Click Here

    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.

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    How We Do It

    We offer student leadership programmes at no cost to the participants.

    Student Self Leadership Collaborative Online

    Exclusively for secondary school students, this course runs three times a year and is designed to fit around busy school schedules. Over four weeks, students complete approximately 90 minutes of self-paced learning each week and join a one-hour virtual session with a certified Blanchard trainer.

    In total, the course takes about 10 hours to complete. Along the way, students earn points and badges for their progress — and those who meet the requirements receive a digital credential, ideal for CVs, portfolios, and online profiles.

    Student Self Leadership Collaborative Online for Champions

    Designed for parents, coaches, teachers, and any adults who guide or support high school students enrolled in the Student Self Leadership course, this programme runs four times a year alongside the student sessions.

    Champions learn practical strategies to effectively support and encourage their young leaders throughout the course, helping students apply new skills and stay motivated.

    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.

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    Additional Resources

    image of Over 200 Taranaki Students Attend Inaugural Global Student Self Leadership Event
    Articles & Media

    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...

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