About Leadership

Do you have a passion for leadership? Explore our Leadership Institute pathway, focusing on skills in areas such as organizational leadership, executive leadership, project management, business, sales, and entrepreneurship.

If you are a returning student, apply online at mcusd2.org/enroll-LIFT. If you are new to LIFT, welcome! Please start the application process by speaking to your high school guidance counselor.

Available Certifications/Dual Credit Opportunities in Leadership:

  • Franklin-Covey Certificates

  • FDIC

  • Ramsey Solutions

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Choose your Area of Emphasis (AOE)

Meet the Facilitator

Being the LIFT Leadership Facilitator has been one of the highlights of my 24 years of teaching! The foundational practices at LIFT such as: students leading their own learning and the whole person approach to education are at the core of my own educational philosophy. With a Bachelors in Music Education, a Masters in Education, National Board Certified since 2009, multiple certifications through Franklin Covey, and a certification in Executive Coaching, the culmination of this education has resulted in the best part of my role here at LIFT. To assist LIFT students in seeing their greatness and empowering them to take the lead with their future! Another favorite aspect of LIFT is being a Regional School. I love connecting with students throughout our region! With our strong emphasis on Service Learning, I believe LIFT Leadership students will not only see profound changes within themselves but also in the communities they represent. My husband and I reside in the village of Sigel and have started a Homesteading lifestyle with ducks, chickens, and bees. This tranquility provides a wonderful balance to our blended family which consists of 6 teenagers! I am thrilled to be able to be a part of LIFT and our amazing students' lives!

Jessica Peterson  

   Leadership Facilitator

LIFT Student Success Stories & Outcomes

97% of LIFT high school graduates are enrolling in postsecondary education, advanced training, military, apprenticeships, or employed in the year following graduation.

260 Certifications & Credentials earned in just one year. LIFT students gain technical skills, earn industry credentials, and earn college credits.

137 occurrences of students participating in active leadership opportunities. LIFT students develop as leaders within their chosen fields.

305 service projects were completed in the 2022-23 school year. LIFT students make an impact in our school & throughout the region.

Meet Jace, Leadership Student at LIFT

Meet Jace, a 2022-2023 Leadership student at LIFT and Martinsville Jr.-Sr. High School graduate. While attending LIFT, he expressed interest in Real Estate. Due to a partnership with Century 21 KIMA Properties, he has been able to job shadow with them. He has been going out on showing and listing appointments with some of their agents. Jace hopes to complete his real estate license and work for them.

Margie Swensen, the Designated Managing Broker - Owner at Century 21 had the following to say about Jace:

"Once Jace gets his Broker’s license, as the Managing Broker I will be sponsoring Jace’s license. Real Estate Brokers are not employees they work as independent contractors. In the State of Illinois, Real Estate Brokers are required to work under the direction of a Managing Broker. Once I sponsor Jace’s license he will work as an Independent Contractor for Century 21 KIMA Properties.

Century 21 KIMA Properties is the top-producing brokerage in our area. Jace will have the opportunity to be mentored by the top-producing brokers in our firm. He will tag along with me and the other brokers in our office to learn how to be a top producer. There are lots of different approaches to selling real estate. By learning from different agents, he can choose the approach that best resonates with him. We will teach him how to best educate his clients about real estate and how to write contracts. He will also be learning the process of how to get a deal from A-Z. From showing properties, listing properties, writing contracts, negotiating terms and conditions of the contracts, ordering inspections, writing repair addendums, ordering title work, and ensuring the settlement transactions are completed accurately. We will teach him how to ensure a smooth and successful process."

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