How do we prepare students not just for graduation—but for life?

This episode kicks off our special summer series on School on a Mission, highlighting the educators, mentors, coaches, nonprofit leaders, and community partners who are helping students thrive beyond the traditional classroom.

Gina Watts and Andrew McPeak welcome Penny Abbott, Executive Director of the Foundation for Leadership Education, for a conversation about one of the most overlooked ingredients in student success: meaningful relationships across generations.

Penny shares how her organization is helping students develop leadership, confidence, and character through school partnerships, iLead leadership curriculum, scholarships, and intentional mentoring relationships between young people and experienced community leaders. Together, they explore why leadership development should begin early, why communities are essential partners in education, and how investing in students today creates leaders who will shape tomorrow.

Resources Mentioned

Growing Leaders iLead Leadership Curriculum
Ready for Real Life by Andrew McPeak
Books by Tim Elmore

Journal Prompt

Andrew challenged listeners with this reflection:

Look around you and ask: What leaders and resources are already around me that could be available to my students? How can I help make those connections happen—even if I don't have time?

Take a few minutes this week to reflect on the people, organizations, and opportunities already present in your community. What's one step you can take to better connect students with those resources?

Learn More About Penny Abbott

Penny Abbott is the Executive Director of the Foundation for Leadership Education, where she works to prepare tomorrow's leaders through leadership education, scholarships, mentoring, and meaningful community partnerships.

Learn more about the Foundation for Leadership Education:

https://www.lowcountryleaders.com

Connect with Growing Leaders

Learn more about Growing Leaders, explore the iLead Leadership Curriculum, and discover additional resources designed to help you invest in the next generation.

🚀 Welcome to the School on a Mission Podcast! 🎙️

Hosted by Andrew McPeak and Gina Watts, this podcast is for educators, school leaders, and change-makers who believe in building schools where leadership, character, and social-emotional growth matter just as much as academics. If you believe education should inspire, equip, and empower the next generation—you’re in the right place!

Each episode features engaging conversations, expert insights, and real-world strategies to help you create a school culture where students thrive. From leadership principles and community engagement to AI in education and social media strategy, we tackle the most pressing topics in modern education.

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🔹 The School on a Mission Podcast is produced by Growing Leaders, powered by the Maxwell Leadership Foundation.