Be the change… you want to see in the world.
Absolute’s School of Leadership is a nine month personal development program with global possibilities!
It focuses on you, your generation, and the global community in which we all play a key part.
Imagine changing the world, and you being changed in the process! It is possible; your life is meant to be lived and to make a difference now! Time is your most valuable commodity, so why not invest some in the future of our world, and leave a mark on this generation for the rest of time? The world needs you, and you need to step out and take your place!
Students of Absolute’s School of Leadership Receive:
- Participation on a High School Road Tour
- Four month intensive Cross-Cultural experience in Mexico
- Social Justice courses including:
- Global Citizenship, Poverty, Health, Education, Politics & Advocacy
- Leadership training in Character Development & Public Communication
- Personal Mentoring
Applications and Student Documentation:
School of Leadership Application
Program Information:
Half of your year with Absolute will be in Canada, where you will be a valuable part of reaching high school students across the nation with the message that they have been created for a purpose and they can make a difference. The other half of your year will be spent in Vicente Guerrero, Baja, Mexico, where you will be a part of a team of young leaders who are making a visible difference in the lives of those who need it. During your time with us, you will also have substantial class and personal development time as you begin to understand the bigger picture of our global community and how your life can help change and shape the future.
While in Mexico, our students will be working with and training under our Hero Holiday Mexico team. It will be an exciting opportunity to focus on 
social justice issues and opportunities to effect change. While in Canada, our students work with our high school assembly teams, speaking in high schools and advocating for social justice to this generation.
The focus of the whole year is built on the foundation of what Absolute Leadership Development is and what we believe we are able to accomplish together: changing the world and allowing ourselves to be changed in the process. Absolute School of Leadership is not an accredited college course, nor do we consider it to be the completion of an education; it exists to be experiential and life-directing. Our staff and leadership are very confident that after a year with us, you will have a much clearer direction for where you want to go in the future and what you are capable of doing today. You will discover gifts and talents that you never knew you had, as well as have the amazing opportunity to grow in an environment you would not normally get the chance to be a part of.
The cost for the year will be $7950 CAD. This price includes all accommodations, travel costs during your time with Absolute, as well as your meals while touring in Canada and Mexico. When at home in Hamilton, Ontario, during training and when off the road, your accommodations will be in Absolute Housing, and you will be responsible for your own groceries and laundry. Each student is responsible for their personal travel costs to Hamilton. Absolute is committed to the potential in this generation, and because of this, we are also currently offering a $1000 bursary to successful applicants who are in need of financial assistance. Qualified applicants must be 18 years and over, or have a high school diploma.
Locations:
Main Campus - Hamilton, ON
In July of 2004 the door opened for us to purchase one of the most historic buildings in the city of Hamilton. Formerly known as the old Picton tavern, Absolute’s head quarters is a 125 year old building, which houses a dormitory for men and women, offices, meeting rooms, and internet café. Due to the building capacity, each dorm room is unique and can house between one and four people.
The building is located in Hamilton’s north end. You will be only minutes away from the city centre, grocery store, mall and bus stops. It is also a five-minute walk from the harbour front and Yacht club, bike path, and running trails. Hamilton is conveniently located less then an hour’s drive from Niagara Falls and downtown Toronto; it is a unique and diverse multicultural atmosphere with many opportunities. For more information please visit http://www.hamilton.ca/.
When students are home in Hamilton, they are involved in daily classes with various instructors and special guests. Come prepared for an adventure! Each day is a unique opportunity to grow and learn. The classes vary in intensity and focus, and include things such as personal development, communication and public speaking, time management, philosophy, cultural studies and understanding, urban reality opportunities, as well as personal disciplines and one on one mentoring with leaders and entrepreneurs. Part of the Leadership Development experience in Canada is an assortment of urban experiences. These opportunities are arranged for the teams and range from helping in inner city shelters to serving at food banks.
Vicente Guerrero - Baja, Mexico
The cross-cultural international component is located in Vicente Guerrero, Baja California, Mexico. The town is a four hour drive south of the American Border, a couple of kilometres from the Pacific Ocean. Vicente Guerrero is located in the San Quitin Valley, an area of coastal desert plains, with mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. The area is more desert than tropical. December and January are the coldest months. Because it is a desert, there is a marked difference between the temperature during the day and at night. After the sun goes down there is a chill in the air and it is necessary to dress properly to stay warm. Even in the winter months the days can be warm, the sun is very intense. If it is an overcast day then the temperatures stay under 10 degree. In the Fall and Spring months, when it is not overcast, it is beautiful and warm in the sun.
There is a single-wide mobile home that will house the women and a trailer that will house the men. The trailer is fully equipped with kitchen and 
bathroom. Both of these places could be considered “rustic” by Canadian standard, somewhat like a cottage at a lake. They are completely suitable with many of the conveniences of home. They are located at Posada Don Diego, an RV Park/Campground. Don Diego’s is also where many of the Mexico Hero Holidays are located and is the home of Absolute and Hero Holiday’s International Office.
There isn’t much in the town in regards to entertainment. Posada Don Diego’s is wireless enabled and there are Internet Cafes in town. There are miles and miles of sandy beaches, rocky beaches, even a beach with a ship wreck! You will visit a few different beaches! There are a few surfing spots in the area. There is a surfing school open every once in a while, on Mexican time, a half hour from town. If you want to surf, it will be at your own expense, but we will make it happen!
Touring in Canada
During your time on the road, you’ll have the opportunity to tour all across Canada. While we cannot guarantee that your tour will visit every province, our High School tours do reach all across the country, and you’ll be participating in a portion of that. Our teams travel on school buses that are renovated for road life. This means that half the bus is cargo space for gear, and the other half has bunks, couches, a tv and fridge, etc., to accommodate the teams on long trips.
Our road teams are commonly billeted out when they are in a city or community. We work with local organizations to find families who offer to 
take in members of our teams for whatever length of time they are in that area. Sometimes, at short notice, or when billets are not available, the teams will stay at a school, church or on the bus (in the summer!). Make sure to bring your sleeping bag!
There are many different possibilities for team members on the road. The main goal of each road team is to work together to ensure that each show runs smoothly and therefore no job is more important than another. Some areas of responsibility include sound, lights, audio/video, public speaking, set-up & tear-down crew, etc.
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