Jean Frazier Leadership Institute
The Jean Frazier Leadership Institute at Sacred Heart Schools is a formal leadership development program for students and the first and only of its kind in Louisville.
The mission of the Jean Frazier Leadership Institute is to inspire students of all ages to discover the leader within themselves and empower them to share their leadership with the world. We earnestly believe leadership can be taught and nurtured through deliberate study and practice. Everyone can learn to lead.
Intentional and Integrated Leadership Development at SHA
The Jean Frazier Leadership Institute teaches every student how to discover her unique gifts and attributes and find her personal leadership style.
JFLI empowers every student to share her gifts through authentic, experiential, often transformational experiences in real-world settings.
JFLI Approach to Leadership Development
Through research and best practices of leadership education, the Jean Frazier Leadership Institute created a four-part process for leadership development in schools that begins with self-discovery and skill building and progresses to authentic experiences and reflection.
Self-Discovery
Freshman and Sophomore Leadership Seminars
Year-long required foundational courses that equip students with essential skills and mindsets for academic and leadership success.
• House of Shine self-discovery curriculum to better understand themselves, their strengths, and unique contribution to the world
• Practical skill-building such as goal setting, resume writing, and communication skills
• Sophomore Ursuline Service Project, including long-term, student-driven research about needs in the community and a detailed action plan for direct service or advocacy
Experience and Application
Junior and Senior Career Exploration
Through a partnership with JFLI, SHA College Counseling, and the SHA Alumnae Association, juniors and seniors explore potential career paths and college majors.
• Comprehensive Career Day encompassing leadership workshops and career fair
• Resources including O*NET career inventory to understand their natural career-related tendencies
• Senior workshops, including financial literacy, self-defense, and professional skills
Frazier Fellows Leadership Certificate Program
Over 1/3 of the Class of 2025 will complete this three-year leadership certificate program encompassing every program in the Lucy Lee Helm ’75 Leadership Pillar. Students take an in-depth look at leadership and their role as a leader through guided study, enhanced networking opportunities, and authentic leadership practice.
Charles Kane Family Internship Program
30% of the Class of 2025 will graduate, having completed an internship for academic credit, exploring a career path, and developing in-demand skills in a professional setting. Students interview a leader at their organization and reflect on their observations and application of leadership in a capstone presentation. Each internship is individualized to meet the intern’s and the worksite’s objectives.
Presenting Yourself Workshop
Covers professional etiquette, written and oral communication, assertiveness and a mock interview.
Lead with Heart Networking Luncheon
Networking opportunity for juniors with SHA alumnae and community leaders that includes an inspirational keynote speech and small group discussions.
Guest Speaker Series
Past speakers include Amanda Agati, Chief Investment Officer for PNC; Lucy Lee Helm, Executive VP and Chief Partner Officer (retired) for Starbucks; and Nina Leigh Krueger, President and CEO of Nestle Purina North America.
Learn & Lead Career Exploration Pathways
• Flexible framework that provides the opportunity for college credit, career-related skill development, career immersion program, capstone course, and job shadow opportunities.
• Future Pathways include Medical Science, Engineering, Global Business and Public Policy.
Lunch and Learn Speaker Series
In-depth and intimate discussions with SHA Alumnae in various careers.
Personal Finance Course and Workshops
Courses and additional workshops covering basic financial principles and applications.
Heart Tank Entrepreneurship Competition
Product pitch competition open to all students at SHA.
Ursuline Global Scholars Program
Students with a strong interest in global citizenship will take courses with global themes, participate in service or global immersion experiences, and connect with other Ursuline schools.
Results that Add Up
- More than doubled the number of students receiving college scholarships specifically related to leadership.
- More than 20% of graduates each year since 2022 have completed the Frazier Fellows Leadership Certificate Program.
- 30% of the Class of 2025 have participated in the Charles Kane Family Internship Program
- During the summer of 2024, students completed more than 3,180 hours of work in the community through internships.
- 80% of the Class of 2024 participated in at least one optional JFLI program.
- More than 70 students have participated in the Heart Tank Entrepreneurship competition since 2022.