4901 E. University Dr.
Odessa, TX 79762
 

Student Leadership Forums:
We at the John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Institute believe that every young Texan can play a vital role in our state's future leadership. The Institute exists to strengthen our state by empowering and educating our youth about civic responsibility in their schools, their families, and their communities.
Leadership can be learned, and it should start at an early age. To promote this goal, Institute staff is available to guide your school or organization in hosting a Student Leadership Forum. For more information, please contact the John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Institute at (432) 552-2850 or JBS@utpb.edu.

Summer Camp:
The John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Institute is pleased to host the 11th Annual Youth Leadership Camp:

"The Millenials: A Generation for Change"

Applicants are chosen based on their previous participation in a student leadership forum, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The camp is held on the University of Texas of the Permian Basin campus located in Odessa, Texas.  All costs for attending the camp, including travel, are covered by the Institute.

Activities include, participating in a ROPES course, interacting with community leaders, attending leadership sessions, and developing a personal leadership goal.  Participants will also visit West Texas attractions which include museums and historical sites.

The goal of the camp is to return students to their respective communities prepared to assume leadership roles at their schools and become involved in public service.

Click here to download an application for the Summer Leadership Camp.

High School Curriculum:
Rising to the Challenge: A High School Study of Leadership Today is a high school leadership curriculum dedicated to the idea that positive leadership can be learned. Rising to the Challenge has been approved by the Texas Education Agency to be offered in Texas high schools as an elective course for credit towards graduation.  The course has been approved as both a semester and a year course.

One copy of Rising to the Challenge contains all of the materials needed for a teacher to present the materials to an unlimited number of students. Copies of the curriculum can be purchased from JBS for $50 each. To order your copy of Rising to the Challenge, please contact the John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Institute at (432) 552-2850 or JBS@utpb.edu.

Click here to view sample exercises from Rising to the Challenge.