5 School Leadership Activities to Empower the Next Generation of Girls

Because Real Leadership Starts in Everyday Moments

Here’s the truth: girls don’t need to wait to be “older” or “ready” to lead.
They can lead right now—in their schools, friend groups, and communities.
The key? Giving them the space, support, and opportunities to practice.

Leadership doesn’t have to mean being the loudest or holding a title.
It’s about using your voice. Living your values. Supporting others.
And when girls are given tools to grow those skills early? Game. Changer.

These 5 leadership activities are perfect for school-based empowerment programs, clubs, or classrooms—and they’re designed to help girls own their strengths and lead in ways that feel authentic, brave, and kind.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Leadership is a skill—and girls get better with practice and encouragement

• School is the perfect place to nurture real-world confidence and voice

• These activities are inclusive, collaborative, and values-driven

• Every girl deserves the chance to discover the leader she already is

• No fancy titles needed—just heart, courage, and support

1. Lead a School-Wide Kindness Campaign

Invite girls to design and launch a kindness initiative for their school. Ideas include:

• Compliment cards for lockers or desks

• “Kindness Wall” with quotes and positive notes

• Random Acts of Kindness Challenge

• Lunch buddy program for new students

Let them plan, assign roles, create posters, and present their campaign to teachers or student council.

🧡 Why it works: Girls learn project planning, communication, and how to lead with compassion and impact.

2. Create a Leadership Values Vision Board

Have each girl create a personal vision board based on the kind of leader she wants to be—not just what she wants to achieve.

Prompts to include:

• “I want to lead with…” (e.g. honesty, courage, kindness)

• “A leader I admire is…”

• “When I’m leading, I feel…”

• “What I want others to feel when I lead is…”

Let them share their boards in pairs or as a gallery walk.

🧡 Why it works: Helps girls define leadership on their terms—and connect to their inner values and strengths.

3. Run a “Girls Lead” School Circle

Once a month, have your girls leadership group host a morning circle or lunchtime meet-up open to all girls. They can:

• Pick a discussion theme (confidence, friendship, mental health)

• Prepare icebreakers, journaling prompts, or activities

• Facilitate peer-led conversation and reflection

This gives them real leadership practice in a safe, supportive setting.

🧡 Why it works: Girls lead by example—and learn how to guide conversations and hold space for others.

4. Real-World Role Model Interviews

Assign or invite girls to interview women leaders in your school or community—teachers, coaches, principals, parents, or local business owners.

Prompt questions like:

• “What does leadership mean to you?”

• “How do you stay confident when things are hard?”

• “What advice would you give your teen self?”

Girls can turn their reflections into a poster, podcast, or class presentation.

🧡 Why it works: Exposes girls to diverse leadership styles and helps them learn from real stories—not just textbook examples.

5. Start a “Lead Like a Girl” Peer Mentoring Program

Pair older girls with younger ones (e.g., 8th graders with 6th graders or high schoolers with middle schoolers). Mentors can:

• Lead check-ins or journaling circles

• Offer advice on transitions or friendships

• Model leadership through kindness and presence

Offer mentor training first, and let them co-create what the mentoring time looks like.

🧡 Why it works: Builds confidence and community—because when girls lead each other, everyone rises.

Want Ready-to-Use Tools to Help Girls Lead With Confidence?

The FearlesslyGiRL Program Kits include journaling prompts, leadership activities, group planning tools, and facilitator guides to help you run powerful, empowering leadership sessions—without all the prep.

You don’t have to teach girls how to lead.
You just need to create the space where they remember:
They already can.

And your school? It’s the perfect place to start.

– Kate