Molly Duncan had misgivings about attending college far from home.

Then she enrolled in the Emerging Leaders Program at Atlee High School in Hanover County. Through a partnership with the Jepson School of Leadership Studies at the University of Richmond, Molly, 18, explored the concept of leadership during her senior year and graduated in June with a new outlook. She will head to the University of Alabama in the fall to study history.

"This program helped me deal with my nerves," she said. "I feel now I'm ready."

Established in 2005, the Jepson School's Center for Leadership in Education has targeted local and out-of-state high school students in programs. But this fall, for the first time, UR will partner with a middle school. The UR the Future Leadership Program will connect 25 students from Providence Middle School in Chesterfield County with students and faculty from Jepson.

"We are not here to train people," said Eric Loepp, program coordinator for the Center for Leadership in Education. "It's a stimulating environment where students can figure out what leadership is and apply it to their own lives. We don't write on chalkboards too much. The kids are the ones doing the exploring."

Eighth-graders at Providence will explore group dynamics and following; leadership as a service to society; ethics; and leadership in action.

"I can't wait," said Teal Barber, a Providence student enrolled in the program. "I've always wanted to be a leader. It's important because you don't always want to follow people. You want to show people what you can do."

UR the Future begins Aug. 12 with an all-day orientation session at the University of Richmond. The free program will continue throughout the year with four more full-day sessions -- two at Providence and two at UR.

Although most students enrolled in UR's leadership programs have no aspirations for political office, all may one day take on leadership roles in the community. Teens who encourage friends to avoid drugs are leaders, Loepp said. Students who arrange a fundraising campaign for a sick friend are leaders, too.

"Leadership happens on all levels," Loepp said. "They might not be running for president, but these students are serving as role models. That type of leadership is not acknowledged all the time."

Students interested in UR's leadership programs must apply to be accepted. School officials aren't necessarily looking for top grades for admission.

"We look at character, potential leadership skills and natural ability," said Becky Alexander, assistant director of gifted services for Hanover schools, where about 55 students participate in Emerging Leaders each year. "You don't have to be gifted to be a great leader. But leadership is a great gift."

At Providence, less than half of the 55 applicants were accepted.

"This is a great opportunity for students to see how what they are learning in school can be applied to the real world," said Tameshia V. Grimes, principal at Providence.

"For some students, this will be the first time they've been on a college campus. It's great exposure for them. It's a great chance for them to think beyond what they thought was possible before."
Contact Janet Caggiano at (804) 649-6157 or jcaggiano@timesdispatch.com.