Symposia & Conversations
About
All learning activities offered through the Leadership by Design (LBD) program are given to developing leadership abilities, facilitating career exploration, and enhancing academic achievement. As well, the LBD provides a distinct category of activities that is devoted to nurturing intellectual curiosity, fostering critical thinking, and cultivating openness to new experiences and diverse perspectives. Aspiring leaders are encouraged to engage thoughtfully with the pressing issues of our time — including the vitality of our democracy, the rapid advancement of generative AI, and the well-being of our cities. Any activity that sparks imagination, invites reflection, or promotes constructive dialogue is welcomed within the LBD’s programming.
The format of these learning experiences varies and may include symposia, workshops, hackathons, or other events. These can take the form of large plenary sessions involving students and parents, or more intimate small-group discussions.
As an out-of-school-time initiative, the LBD typically hosts its in-person symposia and conversations on Saturdays, often in university or corporate venues. Saturday sessions are centred on collective learning, relationship-building (both among students and among parents), community development, and instilling a profound sense of belonging in students, parents, and volunteers.
The LBD program fosters environments rich in ‘by-the-way-learning,’ where incidental knowledge is acquired organically. For example, during a symposium dedicated to exploring AI, students may unexpectedly encounter concepts and skills beyond the formal curriculum such as academic integrity, and human decision-making. Additionally, plenary gatherings of students are designed to enhance concentration and social skills, support incidental mentoring, and encourage the discipline necessary to honour meeting commitments.
