On September 14th, 2024, Best Buddies Pennsylvania held its annual student local leadership training days in a unique and simultaneous fashion. Both the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia offices hosted the event at the same time, drawing nearly 100 student leaders from schools across the state. The training days were designed to equip students with the skills, confidence, and tools necessary to lead their Best Buddies chapters effectively throughout the school year.

A special thank you goes out to PHLY Insurance Companies, who generously donated the space for the Philadelphia training, and Clearview Federal Credit Union, who sponsored the entire event in Pittsburgh. Their support made it possible to provide a dynamic and enriching experience for all the participants!

The excitement was palpable as students, both from near and far schools, arrived at the respective training locations. Each group represented a diverse range of schools, from high schools to colleges, all united by a shared commitment to the Best Buddies mission of inclusion, friendship, and leadership for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The day began with an introduction to the mission and goals of Best Buddies, followed by sessions on leadership, inclusion, and event planning. But this year, there was a new and exciting twist that had students buzzing with enthusiasm.

For the first time, Best Buddies Pennsylvania introduced an interactive “Shark Tank” component to the leadership training. This new addition challenged the student leaders to think outside the box and apply their newfound skills in a real-world setting.

Students were divided into groups and given the task of designing an inclusive and unique event for their chapters. Each group had to work within a budget, develop recruitment strategies, and create a detailed event plan. Afterward, they had to pitch their ideas to a panel of “sharks” — a team of Best Buddies staff members and community leaders acting as judges.

The “Shark Tank” format not only encouraged creativity and strategic thinking but also gave students the opportunity to practice public speaking and teamwork. The challenge pushed them to consider all aspects of event planning, from financial management to inclusive practices that ensure every participant feels welcome and valued.

The judges were highly impressed by the students’ innovative ideas, which ranged from inclusive sports tournaments to themed social events aimed at fostering friendship and community among people with and without disabilities. Many of the ideas presented during the challenge will undoubtedly inspire events in Best Buddies chapters across the state in the coming months.

These training days mark an important step in empowering the next generation of Best Buddies leaders. Throughout the day, students were encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, network with fellow leaders, and develop their skills as advocates for inclusion. The training also emphasized the importance of community building and creating environments where all individuals, regardless of ability, can thrive.

Many students expressed excitement about applying what they had learned to their chapters. “I can’t wait to take these ideas back to my school and make a real impact,” Ursinus College Chapter President and SAB Co Chair, Madison Smith shared. “The ‘Shark Tank’ challenge was a great way to get us thinking practically about what we can do this year.”

As the day came to a close, the energy in both offices was palpable. Students left with new connections, a deeper understanding of their leadership roles, and a sense of purpose for the year ahead. The dual-location format was a huge success, allowing for more students across Pennsylvania to participate in a day of learning, networking, and growth.

Best Buddies Pennsylvania is incredibly grateful to PHLY Insurance Companies and Clearview Federal Credit Union for their support in making this event possible. Their generosity ensured that the student leaders could focus on honing their leadership skills in a positive and engaging environment.

“We are so thankful for our student leaders here in Pennsylvania,” said Pennsylvania State Director, Samantha Civitate, “We can’t wait to see all that they accomplish this school year.”

With these student leaders at the helm, there is no doubt that Best Buddies chapters across the state will continue to thrive, making a lasting impact on their schools and communities. The leadership training days have set the tone for what promises to be an incredible year of inclusion and friendship across Pennsylvania!