Social Impact and Leadership in 8th grade
The Social Impact and Leadership (SIL) program is Hillbrook’s year-long 8th grade capstone experience, led by the Scott Center for Social Entrepreneurship in partnership with the 8th grade teaching team. SIL invites students to combine their academic learning and personal interests while leading with their heart. This hands-on journey revolves around our two essential questions: What matters to me? and What am I doing about it?
To begin the year, students explore their communities through a series of field studies, learning about and from individuals and organizations already making a difference. Using the Scott Center’s six lenses of social entrepreneurship to guide these experiences, students engage with community partners. They examine the difference between charity and social impact, deepening their understanding of reciprocal relationships and sustainable long-term impact.
As the year progresses, students take increasing ownership of their time and focus, working closely with faculty and staff mentors to develop meaningful projects. Rooted in reflection and process, SIL empowers students to become changemakers in developmentally appropriate ways, while also challenging them to step outside their comfort zones. Along the way, they build critical skills in research, communication, design, project management, and problem solving—bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world engagement.
ZACH
Zach’s project focused on the global issue of access to clean water. To raise awareness, he partnered with Ms. Mayberry’s 4th grade class to lead a hands-on lesson, constructing and testing DIY water filters using simple, accessible materials. While these filters aren’t a long-term solution, Zach used them as a powerful teaching tool to demonstrate how basic technologies can make a short-term impact in underserved communities. Throughout the SIL process, Zach deepened his understanding of social impact by stepping outside his comfort zone—reaching out to faculty he didn’t previously know and learning the value of collaboration. He is especially proud of the connections he made and the confidence he gained by leading this project.
Milah and JOjo
Milah and Jojo partnered to design and paint a mural in the middle school that celebrates diversity, community, and belonging. Inspired by the bold, accessible artwork of Keith Haring, the mural features vibrant figures, cultural symbols, and flags representing historically marginalized communities. The students gathered input from peers and teachers, and collaborated with a local artist to bring their vision to life. Through this experience, they discovered importance of planning and communication while also gaining a deeper appreciation for how visual storytelling can powerfully express ideas. At the heart of their project is a shared commitment to creating an inclusive community that values equality and justice.
Stella
Stella created an original comic book to raise awareness about the impact of Roe v. Wade and the ongoing challenges many women face in accessing healthcare. Her project combines storytelling and advocacy, offering readers an accessible entry point into complex issues surrounding gender equality and reproductive rights. Through the process, Stella discovered how passionate she is about this topic and learned the importance of steady planning and consistent effort. Despite initial challenges with time management, she is proud of the work she produced and hopes her comic book will inform and inspire others to speak up for women’s rights.
