The T.E.M. Pioneers Project

Students uncover the principles of servant leadership—empathy, listening, and community focus—and learn how these values shape effective teams. Group activities spark camaraderie and set the tone for the weeks ahead.

This week, participants research the role nonprofits play in addressing community needs. They prepare targeted questions for an upcoming meeting with the partnering nonprofit’s leadership team, learning how nonprofits operate and support their communities.

Students connect directly with representatives from a local nonprofit, discovering its mission, goals, and challenges. Together, they explore potential areas of collaboration, bridging their classroom insights with real-world needs.

Armed with information from the nonprofit visit, participants pinpoint specific issues the organization aims to address. They brainstorm project ideas that align with both T.E.M. and the nonprofit’s goals, honing their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Students map out a detailed plan—objectives, timelines, resources, and potential challenges—to ensure their community project is both feasible and impactful. This planning stage underscores project management and strategic thinking.

From outreach and logistics to volunteer recruitment, students finalize the tactics needed for a successful project launch. By diving into real-world planning, they learn teamwork, collaboration, and flexibility.

With plans in place, participants put their ideas into action—working side by side with T.E.M. staff, nonprofit partners, and possibly community volunteers. It’s a pivotal week for experiencing firsthand how leadership and empathy drive tangible results.

In the final week, students assess the project’s outcome and its effect on the community. They prepare and deliver a presentation, sharing lessons learned and celebrating their journey with peers, family, and community members.