Who We Are

The vision for Kern County Student Leadership began with a conversation in Washington, D.C., about how community leaders could make a meaningful and lasting impact on young people. The idea was simple: by investing in student leaders at the high school level, those students could positively influence their peers, schools, and communities.

In 1990, Warren Carter invited business and community leaders in the McFarland area to bring that vision to life at McFarland High School. A small group of volunteers began meeting once a month during lunch with Associated Student Body leaders and club officers.

Over pizza, students and volunteers would catch up on what was happening around campus before breaking into small groups. Together, they discussed the qualities of effective leadership, the challenges leaders often face, and the influence leaders can have within their communities and across the nation.
In 1995, Kern High School District Superintendent Tom Jones was introduced to the program at McFarland High School. Recognizing its potential, he supported expanding Kern County Student Leadership to North High School and Shafter High School. Local business professionals committed to serving as volunteers, and the first year of expansion was a success.

The program continued to grow throughout Kern County:

• Bakersfield High School and Centennial High School joined in 1996.

• Ridgeview High School and Stockdale High School joined in 1998.

• Garces Memorial High School and Highland High School joined in 2000.

• South High School joined in 2001.

• Foothill High School and Liberty High School joined in 2003.

• West High School joined in 2004.

• Golden Valley High School joined in 2005.

• Arvin High School and Frontier High School joined in 2007.

• Mira Monte High School joined in 2008.

At the suggestion of North High School Principal Jim Wren, students and adult volunteers from participating schools were invited to gather for an end-of-the-year celebration. The event gave students the opportunity to meet and connect with fellow student leaders from across the county, and the Spring Banquet was born.

The gathering was so successful that students asked why they had to wait until the end of the year to meet one another. In response, the Fall Bash was created and became another annual tradition.

Today, Kern County Student Leadership continues to engage students through honest conversations, real-world examples, and the principles of Leadership. Community volunteers help students develop the confidence, self-awareness, values, and moral grounding needed to become leaders of character and integrity.

We believe that when students are equipped with integrity, character, and purpose, they can positively influence their peers, strengthen their communities, and shape generations to come.