Student Self-Governance Pillar

There is no other opportunity in the world where high school students essentially run a company - managing the budget, working out contracts, promoting the program, buying and selling equipment, and much, much more. 

We believe that education of the heart is just as, if not more important than the education of the mind. As part of it, we allow for students to contemplate their role in a community that holds each other accountable. The students are tasked with governing itself and working with advisors in the institution's day-to-day operation. Students are mutually selected to leadership positions within the student body. 

Additionally, students serve on one of three standing committees where they learn skills ranging from replying to emails and posting on social media to finding research grants, arranging travel, writing contracts, and much more. However, even if work technically resides outside of a student's committee, students are expected to step up whenever they see something that can be improved.

Resources Committee: 

Manages all the resources within the program, from equipment, finances, and documents, and much more

Vitality Project: starts, organizes, manages, and teaches local K-8 Vitality programs

Initiatives Committee:

Manages initiatives such as volunteering events, conferences, competitions, and travel logistics; primarily handles admissions, and much more

Vitality Project: starts, organizes, and manages local nonprofit initiatives, such as food drives, minimum monthly

Communications Committee:

Manages relations outside of Vitality; from social media, website, sponsor negotiations, handling inquiries, and much more

Vitality Project: monthly 30-minute episodes recapping what occurred during the month

From the moment one steps into Vitality, they become a leader. Every decision they make has real-world consequences. At Vitality, there’s no hand-holding or pre-made pathways. Students have the freedom to shape our journey and the responsibility to ensure that our work upholds the program’s standards of excellence. 

In a democracy, self-governance requires collaboration, trust, and communication. Whether you’re working on any project, planning an outreach initiative, or managing lab logistics, students need to learn how to lead and work within a team.

Self-governance also means holding yourself and your peers accountable. At Vitality, the success of the program depends on commitment, discipline, and integrity. Our purposely small and close knit group of students will help through the process. What hurts one teammate hurts us all. 

There are no presidents or executive officers in Vitality programs, only committee chairs. Every student carries the same degree of responsibility to the team.