The Impact Of Queen Creek Unified School District's LOL Club and Participatory Budgeting

Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) is setting a powerful example of promoting leadership and civic engagement among its students through the Leading Out Loud (LOL) Club and school participatory budgeting (SPB) initiatives. These programs not only empower students to lead but also teach them skills to identify and address the needs of their peers and school community.
The LOL Club is a platform where students like Rylan C., a dedicated member at Eastmark High School (EHS), have found their voices as leaders. Rylan was introduced to the LOL club by her middle school social studies teacher. “I’ve always wanted to get involved,” she shared, “and LOL gave me the opportunity to step up and make a difference.” Since joining, Rylan has grown as a leader, inspiring others to participate in meaningful school initiatives. “It’s helped me be more confident in encouraging my friends and peers to get involved and vote in the participatory budgeting process.”
SPB, a key element of the LOL Club, allows students to propose and vote on projects to improve their school environment. For Rylan, the experience has reframed her leadership skills and her perspective on civic engagement. “It’s like a smaller version of voting in a real election,” she said. “It gives us a feel for how important it is to have a say in what happens in our school community.”
EHS dean of students, Fern Otero, has witnessed the significant impact SPB has had on the school’s culture. “Students are realizing that their ideas matter,” he explained. “For example, one of Eastmark’s earliest SPB projects was the creation of a sensory room—a place where students can decompress and take a moment for themselves. It was an idea that resonated with the student body, and seeing it come to life showed them they could make a real difference.”
One memorable example of SPB’s impact occurred at Jack Barnes Elementary (JBE), where elementary students were tasked with brainstorming ideas to improve their school. While many suggestions focused on playground equipment and sports gear, one student took a different approach. “A student pointed out that while she loved the swings, students in wheelchairs couldn’t use them,” Otero recalled. “She proposed adding an accessible swing, even though it wouldn’t benefit her directly. It was such a selfless and thoughtful idea, and it reflected the true purpose of these programs—to teach students to think beyond themselves and consider the needs of others.”
Both Otero and Rylan C. stress the importance of promoting leadership and civic involvement across all schools. “There are so many students who want to make a difference but don’t know how to start,” Rylan said. “Programs like LOL and SPB give them a chance to channel their energy and ideas into something meaningful.”
As Otero concluded, “Everyone has a voice, and the more students we can get involved, the stronger our school community becomes. Whether it’s through SPB, student council, or city programs, the message is clear: don’t be afraid to step up, share your perspective, and make a difference.”
Enroll your student in QCUSD today, and be a part of a school community that makes a difference and empowers students to be heard.
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