Future leaders of America, the Alamo Community Colleges’ Student Leadership Institute is calling your name.

SLI is a program designed to develop proactive and productive leaders. Dr. Daniel Rodriguez, director of Student Life, is instructor of SLI Tier II, and Veronica Rosas-Tatum, Business Management instructor is in charge of SLI Tier I. Although each community college has SLI members, the amount varies throughout each Alamo Community College. Currently, 22 Palo Alto College students are involved in the program.

By the end of the program, an SLI Scholar will be able to demonstrate leadership qualities, such as organizational skills, communication skills and civic engagement. The program has plenty to offer, some even say that the program builds courage.

"I’m willing to go out and speak freely about the issues in America," said Rigo Amaya, a Tier II student at Palo Alto. Amaya mentioned that the SLI program brings together students from all of the Alamo Community Colleges and teaches them about real life.

"In our last meeting, we experienced how it would feel to be in the shoes of a poor person, a medium class person, and a rich person. Everyone got a chance to experience each class. It was a good lesson," he said.

The High School Senior Summer program was designed for high school graduates who wanted to enter the program. Now the Summer Program has a different incentive. Rodriguez said that SLI Tier I students have the opportunity to travel at no cost to Washington, D.C. Students get to experience Capitol Hill at its fullest and enjoy the many sites the city has to offer. The trip is seven to 10 days long; meals, room and board and transportation are all paid for.

"I think the trip gives students an entirely different perspective," said Rodriguez.

During the trip, students have the opportunity to interact and discuss public issues with members of Congress and other legislative leaders.

Although the trip does come with a contract that must be completed, the only requirement is that students maintain their GPA. All Alamo Community College students travel together to our nation’s capital. For every 10 students, one instructor is present, so the trip is safely monitored.

Tier I students have more responsibilities than the other ranks. They have to focus more on learning leadership and management skills, and they have to commit to more community service than the other students. Tier II, the more experienced group, is usually in charge of planning and organizing all the events for the entire program. Since they have the experience and knowledge to lead, more challenges are placed upon them. The entire SLI organization meets once a month on Saturdays for socials. SLI I meets every Friday for meetings, and SLI II meets every other Friday.

Besides gaining the skills it takes to become a leader, the Student Leadership Institute is a great way to build lifelong friendships. The SLI schedule is designed to fit into two full semesters, and a SLI scholar must actively participate in all events and activities.

Besides all the great opportunities SLI offers, the program also gives scholarships to both Tier I and Tier II students. Every year a student is in the program, they will receive $500 or $250 per long semester.

In order to become a part of this prestigious program, students must meet certain standards. To be eligible, all student applicants must be enrolled and currently attending one of the Alamo Community Colleges, be taking a minimum of six credit hours per semester, and maintains a minimum GPA of 2.75. Students should submit a complete application packet that includes a formal application, two recommendation forms, a current transcript, and a 500 word personal essay. All the information can be picked up and turned into Rodriguez, whose office is located in the Student Center, Room 100.

If a person is accepted into the Student Leadership Institute, that student must be available for a possible interview and able to commit to a year-long program. Overall, the purpose of SLI is to learn about social change locally and nationally. The program prepares students for the working field and teaches them about issues concerning America.

"I’ve heard about the Student Leadership Program, and I am interested in joining. I just don’t know how to get started," said Jessica De La Garza, a Criminal Justice major.

By logging onto the District homepage then clicking the Departments’ option, you can find information on Student Leadership Institute curriculum, events, a photo gallery and scholarship links.

For more information on SLI, e-mail Rodriguez or Rosas-Tatum. You may also contact Rodell Asher, at District SLI.