The Bush Center

Leadership Studies

Innovative Path To the Future

Leadership is in our DNA at Houston Christian High School.  In 2005, a Leadership program was created to inspire our young people to lead by uniting their faith, intellect, and gifts to reach their greatest promise.  Our programming has strengthened through the years, and we now see an even greater and overwhelming need for future leaders who will influence and guide others, lead with character, and advance the Kingdom of God. 
In 2012, The George & Barbara Bush Center for Scholars & Leaders was dedicated on the campus of Houston Christian High School.  President & Mrs. Bush endorsed the need for a leadership program with our vision, and thereby blessed the building of the only leadership center bearing a presidential name in the United States.  The Bush Center is dedicated to investing in our students by nurturing and developing lifelong leadership skills and providing a strong foundation so our students can lead the creation of a better tomorrow.

Course Components:
All freshmen begin their leadership journey in An Introduction to Christian Leadership, our entry-level course designed to open the door to exploration of self as well as Christian Worldview.  This course combines the values and goals of the Bible with leadership dimensions to focus on both Spiritual and Individual leadership.  

Students have the opportunity to continue to learn, discuss, and practice leadership skills through three additional elective courses focused on Interpersonal, Managerial, and Organizational aspects of leadership.  Students participate in lively discussions using the harkness method, interact with industry leaders through guest speaker experiences, and work together through case studies to identify, design, iterate, and debate their findings.

In addition, a new Entrepreneurship strand has been introduced which will combine collegiate ties with industry collaboration to establish baseline understanding and skills.  Upper class students will have the opportunity to network with industry leaders through a partnership with The Cannon, learn from internal Houston Christian family community, and walk through both entrepreneurship and intrepreneurship models, and determine the best risk-tolerance for the individual student.  The goal of this program is to introduce our students to opportunities at an early stage to thus determine their academic trajectory.

The student experience

List of 4 items.

  • Collegiate Connections

    • George H.W. Bush Presidential Library at Texas A&M
    • The Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M
    • The Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Houston
    • The McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship at Texas A&M
    • The Hankamer School of Business at Baylor
    • Oschler Engineering Design Kitchen at Rice University
  • Field Trips & Events

    • The Cannon Houston
  • Intership Experiences

    We are excited to announce that we are actively working through internship experiences. Check back soon for more details. 
  • Professional Business Engagement

    • Mercuria
    • Shell
    • BP
    • AIM

Leadership around campus

List of 11 items.

  • Course: Advanced Leadership

    This elective course continues student development in leadership skills in all five dimensions of leadership with a specific focus on the managerial dimension of problem solving within organizations. The class uses a Socratic method of discussion to engage students in problem-solving. Students analyze case studies, ethical dilemmas, and actual major failures in leadership, followed by a healthy discussion on leadership successes and failures observed. Additional activities include guest speakers, movie studies, written assignments, and field trips. At the course conclusion, students are required to research, present and defend an extensive capstone study on a leadership topic.
  • Course: Entrepreneurship

    This course is designed to expose students to a basic understanding of entrepreneurship and to learn the entrepreneurial skills critical for success in the present digital age. Topics include but are not limited to: ethical business practices, generating business ideas, developing a business plan, building a customer base, creating a platform, launching a product, marketing and branding, and use of social media and communication media. Additionally students will explore ideas such as brand loyalty, economic factors for business success, and the role of technology in today’s entrepreneurial environment. Examination of past and current entrepreneurs will also play a significant role in the course.
  • Course: Introduction to Christian Leadership

    This course combines biblical values and goals with leadership dimensions to educate students about themselves, God, and the world. The underlying biblical foundation is the Greatest Commandment as a guide for understanding a Biblical worldview, discipleship, and servant leadership. The course focuses on the first two dimensions of the leadership of the HC leadership program: 1) Spiritual Dimension and 2) Personal Dimension. Teaching methodology involves varying activities that engage students in discussion, self-reflection, and teamwork.
  • Course: Leadership Organizational Design

    This elective course focuses on the organizational dimension of leadership. During the first semester, students study strategic planning and the development of organizational culture. They learn how organizations successfully handle change and how organizations develop a vision for the future to remain competitive. Students complete two finance projects during the first semester. In the second semester, student teams will develop their own small business to include a comprehensive presentation, a business plan, and a website. They will present their projects to business owners and leaders in our community, who we invite to receive and critique their small business presentations. Students complete this course with an understanding of large corporations, small businesses, and non-profits. 
  • Course: Leadership Studies

    This leadership studies course covers all five Dimensions of Leadership taught at Houston Christian: spiritual, personal, interpersonal, managerial and organizational. This course’s main focus is on the interpersonal dimension. The students will learn about communication (both formal and informal), teamwork, mentorship, compassion, motivation, character studies and case studies through instruction, discussion and a variety of individual and group activities. 
  • Program: Passport to Lead

    Houston Christian High School's Passport to Lead program is designed to develop students into leaders by equipping them to reach for a higher standard, stand apart, and lead with honor, conviction, and integrity. Through instruction and practical experience, students are challenged to grow in their knowledge and practice of leadership qualities.

    All Houston Christian students participate in the Passport to Lead program. At the culmination of the four-year journey, those who exhibit their engagement and understand the leadership outcomes will be recognized with a leadership distinction on their diploma. Passport to Lead began in the fall of 2006 to lead, monitor, and evaluate program effectiveness.

    Click here to learn more.
  • Club: Model UN

    The Model UN Club at HC provides an immersive experience for students to engage with global issues and gain a deeper understanding of the United Nations' operations. Through our realistic simulations of UN meetings, students are able to develop important skills in diplomacy, negotiation, and public speaking. Additionally, our club regularly attends national and international conferences, offering members the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals from around the world. Whether you're passionate about international relations or simply eager to learn, all students are encouraged to become a part of our diverse and dynamic community.
  • Club: Future Business Leaders of America

  • Club: Future Lawyers of America

  • Program: Texas Boys State & Girls State

  • Servant Leadership Opportunities

    Houston Christian endeavors to develop students in their leadership skills and to provide students with numerous opportunities to serve as leaders. Students have many opportunities to serve and lead on campus via various student organizations and clubs, as well as the arts, athletics, and spiritual life programming.