High school juniors and seniors from across the Mahoning Valley recently gathered at Youngstown State University for the inaugural Summer Leadership Institute, hosted by the Tressel Institute for Leadership and Teamwork.

The three-day program brought students together for hands-on experiences focused on building leadership, communication and teamwork skills through interactive workshops, group challenges, and community engagement.

The Tressel Institute for Leadership and Teamwork is a student development initiative at YSU that helps young people grow into confident, purpose-driven leaders through reflection, mentorship and real-world experiences. Named after Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel — former YSU president and long-time advocate for student success — the institute emphasizes leadership that begins with self-awareness, building strong relationships and promoting positive impact.

Last year, the Tressel Institute piloted a high school program with Liberty High School and South Range High School, focusing on personal growth and leadership development through interactive activities and group challenges. This hands-on approach allowed students to practice communication, decision-making and teamwork in real time. The success of the pilot highlighted the need for a larger initiative, leading to the creation of the Summer Leadership Institute.

“We knew we needed to create a summer opportunity to keep that momentum going and give more students the tools and confidence to grow as leaders beyond the classroom,” said Amy Cossentino, associate provost and dean of the Sokolov Honors College, who oversees the institute.

“The goal of the Summer Leadership Institute is to bring students together and give them a chance to experience leadership and teamwork in a dynamic, hands-on way,” said Jenna Binsley-Smith, program administrator for the Tressel Institute. “It’s not about sitting in a classroom — it’s about getting involved, meeting new people and stepping outside your comfort zone. Watching students push themselves, learn from one another and grow was incredible. By the end of the program, they left feeling more confident, more connected and ready to take on whatever comes next.”

Throughout the program, students explored campus, heard from faculty and professionals, and participated in activities that challenged them to communicate, problem-solve and collaborate in new ways.

“It really helped me see how important communication and teamwork are, no matter what you do,” said Walker Wolf, a student from Jackson-Milton High School. “We had to rely on each other, and it taught me how to work better with a group.”

For many, the chance to connect with peers from other schools was one of the most memorable aspects of the experience.

“My favorite part was meeting people from different areas and working together on challenges,” said Jessica Robins of Canfield High School. “It helped me become more confident and taught me how to bounce ideas off others in a meaningful way.”

With plans to continue the Summer Leadership Institute next year, the Tressel Institute remains committed to helping students strengthen their character, discover their leadership style and build the skills they’ll carry with them into college, their careers and their communities.