For young people, leadership often begins with an opportunity to step outside their comfort zone, try something new, and discover how they can make a difference. For Ethan, that opportunity has come through the Prep Club Club, a student-led service club within Beaches Habitat’s Scheidel Prep Club.

Now serving as the club’s president, Ethan helps organize volunteer events, encourages student involvement, and creates new opportunities for his fellow students to grow as leaders.

From Prep Club Member to President

Ethan’s journey into leadership began by watching the example set by the student who held the presidency before him.

“I have seen the involvement and leadership that the past president had, and I wanted to make a similar impact and help our club grow further and reach out to more,” Ethan explains.

Now, as president, Ethan gets to put his goal into action.

“My favorite part about being involved in the Prep Club Club is that I get to plan our volunteer events and with that I get to bring more and more students involved in these activities,” he says.

For Ethan, building that community of active students is what makes the club meaningful.

Learning Through Service and Leadership

The Prep Club Club has also changed the way Ethan thinks about service. It’s not just about showing up to volunteer.

“To me the Prep Club Club is a way for me to learn how to work with and help others in my community,” he says.

Ethan sees the difference the club makes for other members, too.

“I believe the greatest impact that this group has is how it pushes its members to go outside their comfort zone, and helping them become leaders in their own way.”

That growth can look different for every student. Through service projects, club members discover their own strengths while learning how to contribute to the community around them.

Building Skills Beyond the Club

Ethan’s leadership experience has also helped him develop practical skills that extend beyond volunteer events.

Becoming president has shown him what happens behind the scenes to make those activities possible.

“I used to just participate in these events but learning how to handle the timelines and coordinating with people has made me much more responsible as well as helped me with my communication skills and being more open and confident,” he explains.

Organizing an event requires planning, communication, coordination, and follow-through. Through his role in Prep Club Club, Ethan has been able to practice those skills in a real-world setting while working with other students and community members.

Ethan’s experiences shows how participation in the club and the broader Prep Club build confidence and leadership skills alongside their academic goals.

Investing in Education and Opportunity

The Scheidel Prep Club is part of Beaches Habitat for Humanity’s broader commitment to partnering with families to build long-term stability and brighter futures.

The program began in 2000 through the support of Herb and Miyuki Scheidel and the Scheidel Foundation. Through a partnership with Take Stock in Children, children of Beaches Habitat homeowners can participate from sixth grade through high school graduation.

Students in Prep Club receive:

• One-on-one in-school college preparation advice.
• Guidance from a college success coach and a caring mentor.
• Encouragement in academics, saving, and building financial independence.

For students who want to continue their education after high school, the Scheidel Scholarship Programs provide additional opportunities. Children of Beaches Habitat homeowners can access scholarships at the University of North Florida and Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ).  Homeowners can also qualify for scholarships to complete their own education at FSCJ.

Together, these opportunities help make education part of the foundation families build alongside safe, affordable homes.

Building Brighter Futures Beyond the Home

From volunteering and organizing events to preparing for college and developing financial skills, students like Ethan are building tools they can carry with them long after their time in Prep Club comes to an end.

Just as Ethan found opportunities to lead, serve, and grow, every Prep Club member has the chance to find their own way to serve the Beaches community.

Ethan’s Advice to Future Prep Club Students

For students who may be considering joining the Prep Club Club, Ethan encourages them to see it as an opportunity.

“I would tell them that the Prep Club is a place to learn life skills, develop your leadership skills and find your own way to help out your community.”

Learn more about Prep Club and the Scheidel Scholarships on our Education Page.

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