Where Young Leaders Take Off With a Plan
Program Overview
Middle Level Liftoff is a one-day, high-energy leadership experience built specifically for middle school students who are ready to step up.
This isn’t just about exposure to leadership.
It’s about helping students function as a real team and walk away with a clear plan for their school year.
Every part of the day is designed to answer one question:
“What are we actually going to do when we get back to school?”
What Makes Liftoff Different
Most middle school leadership events focus on engagement.
Liftoff focuses on application.
Students don’t just participate in activities—they:
- Build real goals
- Plan actual events
- Define their team roles
- And create a vision they can execute
By the end of the day, teams leave aligned, motivated, and ready to lead.
What Students Work On
Throughout the workshop, student teams actively build:
✔ A SMART goal roadmap for their year
✔ A step-by-step project plan for a school event or initiative
✔ A clear team structure + roles
✔ A shared vision for their school culture
✔ Practical strategies for teamwork, communication, and inclusion
This isn’t theory. These are tools students take back and use immediately.
How the Day Flows
1. The LIFTOFF Experience
We start with our LIFTOFF team challenge: a high-energy, hands-on experience that pushes teams to define:
- Where they want to go this year
- What success looks like
- And what’s currently holding them back
This sets the foundation for everything that follows.
2. Leadership in Action Sessions
Students rotate through interactive sessions led by our Michigan Student Board of Delegates.
Each session focuses on real leadership skills they will use right away:
- Hosting engaging, school-wide events
- Building a positive and inclusive team culture
- Understanding leadership styles and how to work with others
Every session includes a hands-on activity + quick application moment tied directly to their school.
3. The Launch Session
The day ends with teams coming back together to build something real.
Using the MASC/MAHS project planning model, students begin:
- Mapping out an event or initiative
- Assigning responsibilities
- Identifying next steps
- Preparing a simple plan they can take back and implement
What Schools Get Out of It
When your students return, they don’t just feel inspired, they’re ready.
You’ll see:
- More organized and focused student meetings
- Stronger student ownership of events and initiatives
- Clearer communication within your leadership group
- Students taking initiative instead of waiting for direction
Perfect For
- Middle school student councils
- Emerging student leaders
- Schools looking to build or reset their leadership program
- Advisers who want structure, not just ideas
This is a can’t miss opportunity for your whole student crew!
Liftoff dates and locations:
- October 7th: Craig’s Cruisers (Grand Rapids) HS and ML
- October 12th: Bavarian Inn (Frankenmuth) ML ONLY
- October 13th: Bavarian Inn (Frankenmuth) ML ONLY
- October 26th: MISD (Macomb) Ml ONLY
Investment:
$60/person for students/adults of member schools
$70/person for students/adults of non-member schools
$0/first member Adviser
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made seven (7) calendar days or more in advance of the training date, will receive a 100% refund. Cancellations made after this date, including no-shows, are nonrefundable.
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