E-LEAD is an independent organisation dedicated to providing leadership development to young Australians in disadvantaged situations and areas.  In 2017 E-LEAD launched its Step Up and Stand Out program to fast track leadership development among high school students.  The program was so successful that E-LEAD will be delivering the program again this year.

Participant of the program in 2017, Georgia Terry of Heathcote High, today said “I met so many new and amazing people being part of the program and it also helped me a lot in my communication.  It also affected my ability to be compassionate, empathetic and kind towards others,” Georgia added.

“The big thing for me is that it also helped me to realise my potential and improve my confidence.  I am not going to let anyone hold me back anymore.   I have also been brought closer to my school peers which is amazing."

The Step Up and Stand Out program is available for students of years 9 – 11 and includes four days of workshops which are held in Sydney and a three-day residential which provides them with the opportunity to enhance their leadership potential through a contemporary leadership framework.

Founder and CEO of E-LEAD, Shahid Majeed is a globally renowned leadership professional.  His resilience and resourcefulness have been paramount in the development of the Step Up and Step Out  program.

“Every high school student should have the opportunity to learn and lead regardless of their background, ethnicity, faith, race or financial situation,” Shahid Majeed said today.

"I would like to see the program become a mandatory part of every high school’s curriculum.  Nothing teaches you about leadership like the Step Up and Stand Out program does.

“The program includes learnings that students just don’t get at school and is delivered by a wide range of corporate professionals, leaders and leadership experts.

“I’m absolutely passionate about creating an impact through developing and enhancing the capacity and aspiration of future emerging leaders for active global leadership and citizenship.

“This particular program was designed to support and facilitate the leadership development of young Australians using a contemporary leadership framework that is modelled on those used at the world’s leading universities.

“We’re trying to help them to succeed and standout in the 21st century.  Young people should continually seek ways to develop as leaders and inspire change.

“We are also offering scholarships for those students and schools that are unable to afford participating in the 2018 program.

“The program has made an incredible impact on the lives of many young Australians in the past and we’re hoping that we can continue to do so in the future.”

The 2018 Step Up, Stand Out program is to be held from 12-18 March and more information about the program can be found at www.e-lead.com.au.