At the May 31, 2023, public board meeting, the Board passed the following motion: 

That $100,000 be added to the budget to facilitate increased opportunities for student leadership including cross-school gatherings and funding to support student leadership projects and initiatives.

In its second year, the student leadership fund is ready to be allocated on an application basis to support student leadership projects for the 2024/2025 school year.

Criteria 

Elementary and Secondary student voices and ideas were gathered by the Vancouver District Students' Council (VDSC) in developing the student leadership fund criteria. Based on ideas generated by students for students, the following principles and criteria will guide the allocation of the student leadership funds:

• Projects should uphold the principles of the VSB Education Plan and the student code of conduct, with attention to the District’s commitment to diversity and inclusion as well as student safety and wellbeing.
• Projects can be oriented towards community-building. Such initiatives can be based on any student leadership initiative/idea, including but not limited to student engagement events, volunteer-based initiatives, sustainability projects, fundraising endeavours, curricular enhancements, philanthropic pursuits, coaching, art, design, and student wellness. The list is endless – students are encouraged to get creative!
• To foster student-to-student leadership, student groups rather than individuals lead projects. 
• The student leadership fund aims to support initiatives that are purposeful, achievable, and accessible. Applications for funds should include a feasible timeline and a clear action plan.
• Project costs can not exceed the grant funding or be supplemented by additional funding.
• Grant funds will be subject to VSB Accounting procedures and are to be spent within the school year.
• Projects will be invited to present at the student leadership project showcase hosted by VDSC in Spring 2025 to connect student leaders and student leadership initiatives across the district.

Eligibility 

• Applications must involve students studying in the Vancouver School Board, grades K-12.
• Up to $2,000 can be allocated per project led by secondary school students, up to $1,000 can be allocated per project led by elementary school students and up to $4,000 can be allocated per project for cross-district projects led by students.
• Project mission must align with student-developed grant leadership principles:
  • Uphold the principles of the VSB’s Education Plan and the student code of conduct
  • Support diversity and inclusion, as well as student safety and wellbeing
  • Oriented towards student-generated ideas and opportunities 
  • Foster youth leadership by being run by a team of students
  • Build skills in task delegation, discussion, team management, communication and organization
  • Connect the school community
  • Support initiatives that are purposeful, achievable, and accessible
  • Applicants must have a student lead, sponsor teacher and approval from the school administrator via the application form.

Apply for the student leadership fund here. Please ensure you complete and submit the application form by December 2, 2024. All submissions will be reviewed to ensure that each proposal meets the established criteria and eligibility. Allocated funds will be confirmed through the teacher sponsor, student lead, and school administrator by the week of January 6, 2025