Margaret E. & Henry R. Roberts Center for Leadership
A Systematic Approach to Leadership Development
Our Mission
The Roberts Center for Leadership believes in the ability and capacity of all people to be leaders. Our goal is to empower individuals to positively impact and create just and meaningful communities by uncovering their authentic selves, building empathy for local and global issues, and fostering effective collaboration.



“It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger, then people will appreciate your leadership.”
— Nelson Mandela
Tapping Leadership Potential with Real-World Experiences
KO gives students multiple opportunities to learn the skills required to lead. Whether they are engaged in clubs, sports, classes, and activities, students can actively practice their burgeoning abilities. They can lead a group project and learn how to make a group function effectively; they can test their judgment under pressure; they can sharpen their intuitive gifts and see how their words and actions impact others.Â
Global Leadership
Leadership in Civil Discourse & Public Speaking
Student Leadership, Teamwork, Communication
Academic Leadership
Service Learning Program
Student Events & Workshops - 2025 Highlights
2025 Summer Leadership Institute
- Open to new and returning Upper School students, a free two-week summer program where students work together to create solutions to real-world problems at KO and within the Greater Hartford community.
Leadership Curriculum
Impact Leadership Lab
- semester-long IMPACT Lab course designed for Form 3 and Form 4 students, working with KO leaders and local non-profit organizations.
Lead and Learn
- Form 4 students work in groups to develop projects supporting local organizations fighting food insecurity in the Greater Hartford community.
- Work in collaboration with the Director of Service Learning, the Director of DEIB, the Dean of Students, and the Wellness Team to create curriculum for Wyvern Wellness (Form 3), College Counseling Seminar (Form 5), and Senior Seminars (Form 6).
IMPACT Design Challenge
Leadership Council Initiative
- KO Community pitch, plan, and execute new initiative for the upcoming academic year
- Leadership Council students coach participants and refine ideas
- Next year Challenge Winners are chosen by senior administrators: MS Skills Incubator Course, US IMPACT course on Global Development, culminating in a service trip



