Group 7 STEM Challenges for Student Leaders Empowering the Next Generation of Thinkers, Builders, and Change-Makers
- Kirk Carlson
- Oct 23
- 3 min read
🧠 What Happens When Leadership Meets Innovation?
The Group 7 trend took the internet by storm—what started as a viral TikTok video became a metaphor for identity, uniqueness, and bold self-expression. But at JLBC Cadet Corps and Covenant of Courage, we saw more than just a trend. We saw a gateway to growth.
We asked:
What if “Group 7” didn’t just mean being chosen by an algorithm… but being chosen to lead?
Now, we’re merging the energy of Group 7 with hands-on STEM training to build a new generation of innovators who lead with courage. Welcome to the Group 7 STEM Challenge Series—a blueprint for student leaders who aren’t afraid to think critically, solve real-world problems, and step into command.
⚙️ What Are Group 7 STEM Challenges?
Group 7 STEM Challenges are 7 mission-based activities designed to develop leadership, teamwork, and technical skills across science, technology, engineering, and math. Each challenge pushes cadets and student leaders to analyze, build, adapt, and lead under pressure—just like real-life crisis responders, engineers, and mentors.
The program is built around the Group 7 Values:
Service-Driven Innovation
Resilience Under Pressure
Creative Problem Solving
Command Presence
Team Collaboration
Courage to Fail Forward
Mission-Ready Mindsets
🛠️ The 7 Challenges (Sample Format)
Challenge 1: The Bridge That Bears Burden
Build a working bridge using only popsicle sticks, string, and glue. Then test its weight capacity.
🧠 Leadership Focus: Resource allocation, stress testing, risk analysis.
Challenge 2: Code Red
Using drag-and-drop coding (like Scratch or Blockly), design a basic emergency response simulation.
🧠 Leadership Focus: Command communication, scenario planning, decision logic.
Challenge 3: Power Grid Crisis
Create a mini solar-powered system that can light an LED during a blackout simulation.
🧠 Leadership Focus: Alternative energy, emergency preparedness, innovation under constraint.
Challenge 4: Chain Reaction Rescue
Design a Rube Goldberg machine that simulates delivering emergency supplies.
🧠 Leadership Focus: Systems thinking, timing coordination, logistics.
Challenge 5: The Mission Map Maze
Use simple geometry and robotics kits to code a bot that navigates a maze to a “rescue zone.”
🧠 Leadership Focus: Path planning, strategic sequencing, tech integration.
Challenge 6: The Signal Flare Test
Use circuitry to build a working distress signal with a flashing pattern using a breadboard or Snap Circuits.
🧠 Leadership Focus: Communication clarity, problem solving with limited tools.
Challenge 7: The Group 7 Summit
Student teams present their solution to a real-world crisis (climate, disaster relief, or cyber threats) using STEM tools.
🧠 Leadership Focus: Public speaking, mission briefing, collaborative planning.
🌍 Why Group 7 STEM Challenges Matter
In a world that moves fast and faces complex problems, we need leaders who can do more than memorize facts. We need:
Critical thinkers who know how to assess risk
Builders who can turn ideas into reality
Leaders who inspire others to rise above fear
Civic-minded engineers who use technology to serve their communities
The Group 7 STEM Challenge series turns these values into action. It’s more than a program—it’s a proving ground for the next generation of purpose-driven warriors and servant-leaders.
🪖 Who Can Join?
Middle & High School Students (Grades 6–12)
JLBC Cadets
Homeschool STEM Clubs
After-School Leadership Teams
Youth Groups, Mentorship Programs, and More
This challenge is modular, mobile, and designed to run in-class, at summer camps, or as part of a Covenant of Courage community mission project.
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
Depending on the setup, the program can use:
Low-cost STEM kits (Snap Circuits, Ozobots, MakeyMakey, etc.)
Recyclable materials for prototyping
Open-source coding platforms
JLBC-led instruction or peer-facilitated leadership training
Bonus: Students who complete all 7 missions earn a Group 7 STEM Leader Certificate, an exclusive patch, and are eligible to apply for mentorship roles in JLBC or Covenant of Courage field projects.
🧭 Final Thoughts: This Is Group 7 Leadership in Action
Being in Group 7 isn’t about fame. It’s not about being chosen by chance.
It’s about showing up. Innovating. Collaborating. Serving.
It’s about being the kind of person who steps up when others step back.
If you’re ready to lead, learn, and launch—Group 7 STEM is waiting for you.
🖊 Sign the petition: https://chng.it/5yXYvkBtMR
🌐 Explore programs: www.covenantofcourage.com | www.juniorleadership.net
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