The future success of West Virginia depends on our youth. Today they're students; tomorrow they're (expected to be) our leaders. 

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Leadership isn't an inborn trait; it's a set of habits, cultivated over time. How and what they learn today will influence their opinions, behaviors and decisions for a lifetime—which will impact each of us. 

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There is a strong correlation between character and effective leadership. As mentors, we must prepare students students to be leaders, but we are? 

• Are they learning how to work well with others?

• Do they understand how to take smart risks?

• Can they self-manage?

• Are they inspirational?

• Are they adaptable?

• Are they courageous?

• Do they know how to set exceptions and follow through?  

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There is a void in character-based, interpersonal skills necessary to help build transformational leaders. We want to contribute. That's how the Habits of Heroes was created. 

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This program is designed to help students build strong values and leadership skills and nurture relationships—both between kids and mentors as there's a synergy in connecting them with local business and industry. 

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To develop leaders, we must 

• Invite students into the conversation 

• Encourage them to find their voice 

• Encourage them to share in local and regional solutions important to them and relevant in their lives

• Encourage collaborations 

• Guide them in connecting with local business and industry 

• Pay it forward through community service and peer mentorship 

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These contributions will build an emotional, spiritual and values-based foundation for students, which is not only important, but critical for West Virginia's future.