What is a Horizons Leadership Conference?

Horizons is a one-day regional student leadership conference designed for middle and high school students. Hosted by schools across Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Student Leadership Association (CSLA), Horizons helps students develop leadership skills, build school spirit, learn about their community and connect with peers from other schools.

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Who Attends?

• Students in Grades 7–12. All types of students can benefit from a Horizons Leadership Conference!

• Teacher/advisor supervisors. We will host a professional development session for you at Horizons.

• Schools typically bring a team of 6–50 students, but there is no limit

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Why Attend a Horizons Leadership Conference?

By attending Horizons, students will:

• Hear from inspiring keynote speakers

• Participate in interactive leadership activities and workshops

• Gain practical strategies to strengthen their school communities

• Build connections with student leaders from other schools

• Return home with action ideas and renewed school spirit

Advisors will participate along side students, plus:

• Connect with colleagues from across the region

• Access resources and ideas to support student leadership

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What Do We Need To Know About Registration?

• Cost: $35/student (CSLA Member Schools*) or $40/student (Non-Member Schools*), Includes Lunch

• Group Size: There is no limit to how many students you can bring to Horizons.

• Deadline: Register for a conference near you up until one week prior to the event!

• Register Online: www.studentleadership.ca/horizons

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How Do I Become a CSLA Member School? 

You can become a CSLA Member by visiting www.studentleadership.ca/membership or emailing our team at info@studentleadership.ca!

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Other Frequently Asked Questions: 

• Schools arrange their own transportation

• Students And Advisors should bring: refillable water bottle & a notebook, pen/pencil

• Dress code: casual/school-appropriate - we recommend school spirit wear!

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Host School FAQ's

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What are the benefits to hosting a Horizons at my school? 

Horizons Leadership Conferences are a great opportunity for your students to plan and facilitate an event for other student leaders in your school and community. Each host school receives 20 free registrations for their student organizers, a discounted rate for other students attending from your school, and a dedicated training program that culminates in a CSLA Horizons Leadership Certificate (a value of over $1000). 

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Can I host the program in English or French? 

You can host a Horizons Leadership Conference in English, French, or a bilingual program. We work with a number of keynote speakers who can work with either audience, and have supportive facilitators in both official languages.

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Does it cost money for my school to host Horizons?

There is no financial risk to your school to host a Horizons, but we will ask for you to reach a minimum registration target. Our team works with you to agree on that number. 

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What does CSLA pay for and organize as part of our Horizons Leadership Conference? 

As part of your Horizons process, CSLA will cover all expenses related to the keynote speakers (speaking fee, travel expenses, etc), program features (lunch, lanyards, name tags, training program) and our own staffing (honorariums, travel expenses). We will facilitate the registration of the event, and provide a series of resources including event flyers, activity resources, sample outreach emails, a script template for your emcees and more! We also send a staff member to your conference to support your students throughout the day, lead an advisor professional development session, and more. We like to say we handle the behind the scenes logisitics.

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What is my school responsible for as part of our Horizons Leadership Conference? ​​​

Your student leaders are responsible for planning and leading the day. As a team, these leaders will be the hosts/emcees of the event, coordinate on-site registration and check in, plan and lead student-run activities and more.  Your school and student leaders also play a critical role in recruitment and marketing to other schools. We have lots of school contacts, but you know your area best. It's important that you and your leaders are reaching out to all youth in your community to attend. In summary, the student leaders plan the forward facing components of the event and ensure that other youth are invited to participate.

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