Osseo Area Learning Center students attend fall leadership conference

On Oct. 10-11, five students from Osseo Area Learning Center (OALC) attended a fall leadership conference hosted by the Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs (MAAP) STARS program. At the conference, the OALC student leaders connected with other alternative school students, made new friends and represented their school proudly. The team had the unique chance to explore a camp, witness the northern lights and participate in valuable leadership training.

MAAP Stars is a student leadership organization in alternative schools that seeks to develop social, academic and career skills in competitive individual and team competitions. Students create career portfolios, prepare and perform public speeches, and participate in many other group problem-solving activities that foster responsibility and life skills. The three main events for MAAP Stars are a leadership conference in the fall, Legislative Day in the winter and the competition in the spring.

Throughout the conference, students attended various breakout sessions that focused on key leadership skills. They learned how to develop their school STARS chapter, explored leadership and personality styles and worked together to design their own school from the ground up. Another session emphasized vulnerability and authentic communication, where they practiced building trust and overcoming adversity through open dialogue and affirmations. These activities helped strengthen relationships, grow confidence and build essential teamwork skills.

“Our scholars left the conference with new ideas and big plans for our school,” said advisor Tori Nagy.