A high school student at American Heritage School of Boca and Delray is among 140 students chosen as “Global Leaders” for a program that helps raise money for education in developing and emerging countries.
Corrine Sypek of American Heritage School organized a 5K run with the help of friends and family, according to Education Rocks. The Delray Beach-based nonprofit organization started almost 10 years ago by helping one student in Bali, Indonesia, and says it currently has over 700 U.S. students participating in the program.
Education Rocks says the program helps two students at the same time: one in a developing country that lacks funds or infrastructure for schooling and another in the U.S. who develops creative ways to raise the funds. Education Rocks has worked in Indonesia, Uganda, Haiti and Guatemala.
“What happens in the process is the added value of this program,” the organization wrote in a news release. “By committing to take a stand for another human being, on the other side of the globe, these U.S. Sponsor Students are making a life-changing impact in the world. The U.S. students are developing leadership skills, communication skills, and creating a sense of value more than just the number of followers they have on social media.”
Education Rocks says its leadership summit is designed to challenge students to be charitable, creative and step out of their comfort zone.
“Leadership is often an uncomfortable place,” the group said. “These exercises focused on understanding the varying personality and behavioral styles of people, putting intention into committed action, and declaring a personal vision for themselves in an environment of support and fellowship.”
According to a 2018 report from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, one in every five — over 260 million — children, adolescents and youth worldwide are out school.
“Being part of Education Rocks helped me discover my passion for helping others,” said Bella Grismondi, founding club sponsor for Education Rocks at Boca Raton High School. “This club helped me become who I am today — a global leader who is willing to end the poverty cycle. This club has helped me become empathetic and compassionate while truly understanding what other kids my age have to sacrifice to get an education.”
For more information, visit www.edrocks.org or call 1-833-EDROCKS (337-6257).