EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING AND THE INSTITUTE FOR LEADERSHIP & PURPOSE
The Institute for Leadership & Purpose (ILP) empowers students of all ages to become purpose-driven global citizens through immersive experiences aimed at widening their world view. On Calvert’s campus, the ILP facilitates guest speakers, local service opportunities, and partnerships with nearby student groups and organizations. Off campus, the ILP distinguishes itself through enriching leadership journeys to local, national, and international locations.
In 2022, a group of Calvert eighth graders journeyed to San Juan, Puerto Rico for a week of outdoor learning, community engagement, and cultural immersion. As part of this trip, the students partnered with a local non-profit that promotes sustainable development to improve inhabitants’ quality of life after decades of natural disasters and cultural change. In addition to visiting historic locations and meeting resident artisans, the students improved the community’s access to clean water by clearing debris out of a deep 150,000-gallon cistern.
“Learning about different cultures and immersing yourself in different experiences is great for learning, growing, and seeing more of the world from somebody else’s perspective,” Allie K. ’22 said. “It was amazing to get to know Puerto Rico on this level through the service we did and the opportunities we got to experience.”
