Then here is your chance to develop your leadership skills to the next level.

Exclusively available for current student leaders (prefects, student ambassadors, head students, student union/council/parliament members etc) or aspiring student leaders, the Portsmouth Student Leaders Fellowship is a part residential programme that could be your chance to develop your leadership skills, explore democratic principles, connect with inspirational leaders from Politics, The Media, Business and campaigners both locally and nationally. You will also get the opportunity to develop and deliver your own campaign around something you are passionate about, whilst using the weekends to develop your skills which will support your campaign delivery. On top of this, the programme is led by two Unloc staff who have experience with leadership and campaigning so can provide full support for your campaign.

As part of the fellowship, there may be the chance to connect with companies such as Sky, The Royal Navy, local MPs, politicians and Portsmouth Football Club. Although these are all to be confirmed.

How does the fellowship work?

The Fellowship runs over 4 weekends and a couple of dates in the school holidays from January – July, with each weekend having a different theme. The best thing is, it is completely free!

1) Team building & Understanding power – a 2 night residential taking part in activities such as high ropes, problem solving, rock climbing and Zip Wire! https://www.avontyrrell.org.uk/schools/activities_packages.html 

2) Influencing Power – Weekend to connect with local leaders from organisations such as Portsmouth Football Club, The Royal Navy, media industry & technology business. Plus, explore an introduction to politics and democratic principles by connecting with the local members of parliament and local councillors.

3) Building Power – Building your network & your campaign. Connecting with local campaigners from young people to adults to learn how to grow your following, including a trip to Parliament.

4) Creating change – Delivering your campaign, leading change and influencing decision makers and policy writers based on your passions.

There will also be meetups in between the months & independent work on your campaign to be carried out. But don’t worry, you have our full support. Each weekend will be full of fun activities and challenges too.

What are the dates?

There are two cohorts to choose from. Each cohort only has 15 spaces available.

Cohort 1

Weekend 1: 12 – 14th January (2 night residential commencing after 4pm on the Friday)

Workshop: 12th February

Weekend 2: 2nd & 3rd March

Weekend 3: 11th & 12th May

Weekend 4: 6th & 7th July

Celebration event: 26th July

Timings roughly 10-3.30pm each day except residential

Cohort 2

Weekend 1: 26th – 28th January (2 night residential commencing after 4pm on the Friday)

Workshop: 13th February

Weekend 2: 23rd & 24th March

Weekend 3: 18th & 19th May

Weekend 4: 20th & 21st July

Celebration event: 26th July

Timings roughly 10-3.30pm each day except residential

So, what do I get out of it?

• Exclusive opportunities to connect with inspirational leaders within their respective field.
• A free, 2 night residential, packed with exciting activities.
• A platform to elevate your chosen campaign and a chance to make a different within your community
• A unique chance to develop your skills such as Leadership, Networking, Communication, Project management and planning, problem solving and more
• A chance to meet new friends or attend with friends who are also Student Leaders.
• A trip to London to visit Parliament
• Free snacks and refreshments each weekend

How do I apply?

Click the link below to head straight to the application form. Spaces on this fellowship are very competitive and very limited, so please ensure your application is of a high standard.

If you have any more questions, please contact Katie on [email protected] or call or text her on 07776 256064.

Deadline for applications is Sunday 10th December at 11.59pm.

* If you are currently 17 years old, to be able to participate in the programme, you must not be turning 18 before 29th January 2024.