Recently, we sat down with Dr. Latoya Thomas, a 2025 Lead4Change Fellow, along with a group of her students at New Manchester High School in Douglasville, Georgia, to talk about their latest Lead4Change project. What they shared was a powerful reminder of the role students can play in shaping not just their schools, but their entire communities.
Meet the Students Behind the International Teacher Support Project
The International Teacher Support Project was launched by the school’s FBLA chapter after dozens of international teachers arrived in the district to help fill local teaching shortages.
As these educators settled in, the students noticed something important was missing: support.
Many of the teachers had traveled thousands of miles with only what could fit in a suitcase. They weren’t just adjusting to a new school—they were adapting to a new country, climate, culture, and community, often without family nearby.
Rather than standing by, the students stepped up.
🎥 Watch their story
Turning Empathy Into Action
Guided by their teacher and supported by the Lead4Change Core Curriculum, the students set out to understand what these new teachers truly needed—both practically and emotionally.
They began by interviewing the incoming international teachers, listening closely to their experiences and challenges. From there, they got to work.
Through their project, the team:
- Gathered climate-appropriate clothing and basic household items
- Assembled welcome bags filled with essential school supplies
- Coordinated transportation support
- Hosted gatherings to help teachers feel connected, welcomed, and supported
What started as a service project quickly became something much deeper: a bridge between students and teachers, cultures and communities.
A Project That Hit Close to Home
For many students, the experience was deeply personal. As the FBLA president shared:
“As an immigrant, I know how it feels to be in a different culture away from home. I’m proud of the progress and dedication our team poured into this project.”
Students described the experience as life-changing—one that broadened their perspectives, deepened their empathy, and strengthened their connection to their school and community.
What Lead4Change Makes Possible
This project is a powerful example of what happens when students are empowered to lead:
➡️ Students notice needs
➡️ Students identify opportunities
➡️ Students turn empathy into action and create real change
This is the heart of Lead4Change.
Our free, ready-to-use Core Curriculum equips educators to guide students through the same kind of transformation by providing:
- Flexible leadership modules that build confidence, compassion, and collaboration
- Step-by-step lessons, videos, and handouts—no extra prep required
- A proven framework that culminates in a student-led service project with real, lasting impact
It’s free. It’s flexible. And it’s trusted by more than 30,000 educators nationwide.
Now, Imagine What Your Students Could Do
Leadership isn’t just about learning content—it’s about learning to care.
And when students lead with empathy, entire communities feel the impact.
Learn more about our curriculum
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