Porter's LEADS, programs for middle schoolers

Porter’s LEADS inspires girls to become comfortable with their personal power.

Porter’s LEADS is a series of programs for middle school girls in grades 5 through 8. The LEADS workshops offer unique ways to engage and introduce participants to the competencies and skills necessary to begin their journeys as leaders–locally, globally, and for a lifetime.

middle school girls working in groups in MPS gym

Equal Play: Girls in Sports and Beyond

Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024

Time: 9:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET

Cost: $150

Where: Miss Porter’s School, Farmington, CT

Note: you will be taken to our registration website that requires you to create a login to access the Porter’s LEADS registration forms.

In this engaging, one-day workshop, middle school girls will explore the powerful connection between sports and social justice, focusing on the inclusion of women. With the rise in popularity of women’s basketball at both collegiate and professional levels, it’s clear that girls and women have much to contribute in every field. Sporting events are not just games; they are cultural milestones that influence society and the economy. This workshop will delve into the impact of women’s representation in sports and what it means to be truly represented.

Using our state-of-the-art athletic and academic facilities on Porter’s campus, students will tackle social issues relevant to their everyday lives through the lens of sports while building the skills and confidence to shine in their own right. In this hands-on workshop, students will take on the roles of social media managers, marketing directors, and athletes as they work collaboratively on developing media campaigns to promote women in sports.

Join us to learn, engage, and become empowered to be the next generation of female leaders in sports and beyond!

WNBA star Morgan Tuck

Keynote Speaker: Morgan Tuck

We are thrilled to announce Morgan Tuck as our keynote speaker! She is the Assistant General Manager and Director of Franchise Development for the Connecticut Sun. Prior to her role with the Sun, Tuck was a four-time National Champion with the University of Connecticut’s Women’s Basketball team (2012-2016) where she graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Business Management.

She then went on to be the third overall pick in the 2016 WNBA draft to the Connecticut Sun. After 4 seasons with the Sun she played her final season with the Seattle Storm, which ended with winning the 2020 WNBA Championship. Tuck is a five-time gold medalist with USA Basketball (U17, U19, U18, U19, and the National Team). During her professional basketball career, she also played overseas in China and Turkey.

As a dedicated professional in women's basketball, Tuck brings relatable experience and a proven track record in leadership and team collaboration. Her passion for the sport drives her to excel in dynamic environments, where her attention to detail and strong work ethic consistently contribute to the success of her teams. She is known for fostering a collaborative atmosphere and enhancing team performance, which leads to her commitment to advancing the growth of women’s basketball. Her ability to blend strategic vision with hands-on leadership drives positive change in the industry.

Equal Play - Schedule of Events

9:00 a.m.
Event Registration
9:15 a.m.
Welcome and Program Introduction
9:25 a.m.
Workshop: Introduction to Sports Equality
10:00 a.m.
Keynote from a Collegiate Women’s Basketball Player
11:00 a.m.
Guided Speaker Reflection
11:35 a.m.
Lunch
12:10 p.m.
Movement Break: Obstacle Course Relay Race
1:00 p.m.
Workshop: Introduction to Athletics in Advertising
1:30 p.m.
Design Thinking Challenge: Create an advertisement featuring an athlete
2:45 p.m.
Advertisement Screening Party

Lead a Changing World: Be a Politician for a Day!

Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025

Time: 9:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET

Cost: $150

Where: Miss Porter’s School, Farmington, CT

Note: you will be taken to our registration website that requires you to create a login to access the Porter’s LEADS registration forms.

Calling all future politicians! In this dynamic, day-long workshop, middle school girls will start gaining the skills necessary to be strong and effective leaders. In our rapidly changing political, social, and economic landscapes, the ability to think critically and analyze the constant stream of current news and events is incredibly valuable. Students will examine the different issues impacting them and their communities, analyze current policies and laws, and assess the different aspects of a political campaign. 

Through this program, students will gain a deeper understanding of how laws are made, the impact they have on our lives and the roles politicians and citizens play. They will consider where old laws came from, the impact they have on our modern lives and what we can do to change out-of-date legislation. Participants will utilize this knowledge to create new policy platforms by the end of the workshop. Through these collaborative exercises in public speaking, critical thought, and policy development, students will leave feeling confident and prepared to not only shape, but begin to lead a changing world!

Lead a Changing World - Schedule of Events

8:45 a.m.
Event Registration
9:05 a.m.
Public Speaking Warm-Up
9:45 a.m.
Workshop: Introduction to the Legislative System
10:30 a.m.
Policy Analysis Exercise
11:35 a.m.
Lunch
12:05 p.m.
Movement Break: Yard Games
12:30 p.m.
Policy Writing Research
1:15 p.m.
Workshop: Policy Writing
2:30 p.m.
Policy Presentations