United Future Leaders (UFL) is a youth leadership development program that is a part of the Center for Adolescent Resiliency at Texas Tech University. The program is designed to actively engage adolescents in character development and civility. 

The group utilizes hands-on learning activities, mentoring relationships, and community service to guide youth in building knowledge, skills, and abilities, motivate students to effectively lead themselves and others, and promote healthy personal development and positive community engagement. 

At Upland Heights Elementary, 16 fifth graders have joined the UFL and work collaboratively to learn new skills and positively impact their community. The students are encouraged to practice what they are learning in the classroom and at home.  

In the springtime, service gets introduced into the program curriculum and the students take action in their school and community. This year, participants selected five adults at their school who went above and beyond in their roles and demonstrated leadership to be recognized with letters and hand-crafted mugs.  

This project was about recognizing the efforts of others who strive to improve the lives of students at Upland Heights. The students chose their most impactful teachers and one of the custodians to receive recognition.  

UFL equips youth with leadership skills such as communication, problem-solving, ethical decision-making, and goal setting. Sharpening these skills can help them navigate adolescence today while preparing to solve the world’s problems tomorrow. 

Check out this sweet video of the students surprising their teachers!