A colorful graphic design of two abstract faces in profile, facing each other, made of overlapping vibrant lines on a black background, with the text "VOICES OF CHANGE EXCHANGE" and the tagline "Your Voice. Your Change" below.
A colorful graphic design of two abstract faces in profile, facing each other, made of overlapping vibrant lines on a black background, with the text "VOICES OF CHANGE EXCHANGE" and the tagline "Your Voice. Your Change" below.

A transformative leadership experience for high school students ready to sharpen their skills, develop their craft, and lead across difference

The Voices of Change Exchange brings together students from St. Louis-area public and private schools for deep dialogue, leadership practice, relationship-building, and action around equity and inclusivity.

July 13–16, 2027 · John Burroughs School · St. Louis
30 students · Public and private schools
across the St. Louis area

What Students Experience

VoCE creates space for students to explore who they are as leaders, learn across difference,
build relationships across schools, and
move ideas toward action.

Amplify Your Voice‍ ‍
Use storytelling, dialogue, and reflection to explore identity, power, and leadership.

Harness Your Agency
Connect personal experience to broader systems and build practical tools for change.

A group of children and a woman sitting cross-legged on the floor of a room, engaged in a discussion or activity. The children have various hairstyles, including green hair and braids, and are surrounded by cards and markers. The woman is speaking and gesturing with her hand. Large windows behind them show outdoor greenery and playground equipment.

Connect Across Schools
Build relationships with peers from public and private schools across St. Louis.

Move Toward Action
Turn insight into concrete planning for equity-focused change in your school or community.

Lead Across Difference
Strengthen your capacity to listen, communicate, collaborate, and navigate difference with curiosity and courage.

A Shared Exchange with TEE

As part of VoCE, participants join educators from The Equity Exchange cohort for a 90-minute intergenerational exchange of ideas, perspectives, and questions.

Who Should Apply?

VoCE is designed for students in the process of becoming: sharpening their leadership edge, developing their equity craft, and learning alongside peers.

A group of young women seated in a circle during a discussion or workshop in a room with wooden panel walls, large windows, and several posters with notes on the wall behind them.

VoCE may be a good fit for students who are:

✓ Students entering grades 10–12 in Fall 2027
✓ Curious about leadership, equity, and inclusivity.
✓ Ready to build connections across school communities
✓ Committed to moving from dialogue to action

What matters most is curiosity, courage, and a willingness to grow

2027 Participation Details

Dates & Location

July 13–16, 2027
John Burroughs School · St. Louis

8:30 AM–5:00 PM · July 13–15
8:30 AM–12:00 PM · July 16

Application Timeline

Applications open: February 1, 2027
Application deadline: April 30, 2027

Cost & Financial Access

Participation fee: $300

The fee includes all VoCE programming, materials, snacks, and lunch each day.

Financial support is available.
Students who need assistance may indicate that on the application, and we will follow up with available options.

Students may apply directly or be nominated by an educator, counselor, or another adult who knows them well.

Apply to VoCE
Apply to VoCE
Nominate A Student
Nominate A Student