Student Leaders
Student leaders are at the core of the programme
Student leaders use their creativity to determine the best ways to run a successful election at their school. They walk away with new skills and a sense of confidence in their ability to make a difference in the world.
The opportunity to become a student leader is open to highly motivated, reliable students who want to make a positive impact in the world. Student leaders earn Service Leadership Certificates from Giving What We Can, which make a unique addition to work, internship, and college applications.
Running the election
The suggested time commitment for each student leader is 15 hours over the course of 5-7 weeks as they plan and organise the election. Their responsibilities include:
- Completing a short training programme
- Spreading awareness about the charities and encouraging students to vote
- Interviewing students and teachers about the election
- Publishing and announcing the election results
🗳️ 2023 sponsorships now open! If you are interested in becoming a student leader, it is recommended that you apply together with a favourite teacher. The deadline to apply for sponsorship is at least one month before the election would be held.
“The Charity Election process gave us advanced insight into how campaigns and funding work, while simultaneously providing us with experience helping promote highly effective charities to the general public. It taught us leadership skills, problem solving, and was a very fun class activity, especially for a government and politics class, where there was so much to take away. Overall, the experience gave us fulfilment and knowledge while providing us with reason to promote donations to outstanding causes.”
- Lucia Willkomm and Maggie Muth, AP Government & Politics
Team Members
The team members working behind the scenes for student leaders include teachers, students ranging from high school to graduate school, and volunteers from around the world.
Kearney Capuano
Student Mentorship Coordinator
Kearney is in her junior year at Georgetown University studying Global Health, Philosophy, and Psychology.
Jenny Chapman
UK Development Lead
Jenny is a biologist, teacher and school sustainability network coordinator who believes in giving students opportunities to make a meaningful difference.
Greg Gianopoulos
Founder and Project Lead
Greg (he/him) is a graduate student in school psychology with particular interest in youth voice and positive school climate.
Hamidah Oderinwale
Digital Community Lead
Hamidah is in her senior year of high school in Canada with special interests in cognitive science and moral philosophy.
Alicia Pollard
Volunteer
Alicia is in her second year studying Philosophy and Psychology at the New College of the Humanities (Northeastern - London), where she runs the Effective Altruism student society.
Adam Steinberg
Communications Lead
Adam, who has an MA from NYU and songwriting chops, has taught IB English around the world, published an environmental magazine, and produced educational software.