Leadership Development for High School Students in a Summer Performing Arts Program

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a summer performing arts (SPA) program using elements of a servant leadership model to assess potential impacts of a SPA program on leadership skills development. High school students enrolled in a SPA program were given both a pre- and post-survey that included leadership questions. There was a growth in all five servant leadership factors with an overall standardized effect size of d = 0.48. The largest growth was for enabling others to take action through cooperation. Summer performing arts programs can positively impact student servant leadership abilities. The idea of youth leadership education may resonate with community business leaders when it comes to funding support for summer arts activities.