Welcome to GlocalX
GlocalX is a club, lead by students and hosted by teachers, with guest facilitators who inspire students to develop innovative projects. GlocalX meets at times that suit students and faculty and is enhanced by weekend workshops and conferences. Students have the opportunity to brainstorm to identify local problems, find solutions and request support and resources needed to develop and apply their ideas. FTLA facilitators are selected for their global academic and commercial awareness and ability to foster inspiring, creative, and collaborative environments. They create the framework for students to thrive in the program and are the crucial link between students and FTLA workshops and other events. GlocalX upholds the essential pillars of success: innovation, empowerment, leadership, collaboration, technological acuity, problem solving, and fosters a mindset of lifelong learning. Engaging in the program will give students the tools and confidence to engage with and problem solve in an
ever-changing social, educational, and commercial world and the possibility of contributing their unique teenage perspectives to contemporary challenges.
What to expect?
Weekly FTLA Glocalx Club Meetings
Monthly Workshops
Regional Conferences
After school and Weekend Access to Project Building Facility
GlocalX Chapters
About FTLA
Mission
To provide a project based leadership program to High Schools which empowers and develops student leaders capable of addressing contemporary social, environmental and technical problems. We believe leadership is fostered when students are able to take ownership, engage with and find solutions for the challenges facing their communities and the world today.
Vision
FTLA's core values guide the growth and development of our students as they become responsible leaders committed to education. In partnership with schools and parents, FTLA forms educational opportunities for students in a community committed to excellence. It is FTLA's intent that students carry a spirit of intellectual curiosity and a love for learning on their continuing journey of personal growth.
Philosophy
FTLA students must recognize that each student is made in the image and likeness of education and shaped by differences in interest, ability, family background, economic status, and ethnic heritage. FTLA's goal is to develop a community of learners dedicated to generative, lifelong learning that teaches students to assume responsibility for their own educational growth.
Our Core Values
Leader Cultivation
Community Outreach & Social
Responsibility
Technical Visionary Thinking
Leader Cultivation
Community Outreach & Social
Responsibility
Letter From the Director of Education
Greetings,
On behalf of the Forward Thinking Leadership Academy, I’d like to extend my warmest welcome to you all and thank you for your interest in our mission. With every child comes a unique story of trials, tribulations, and triumphs, slowly molding each one into the adult they will soon become. Here at FTLA, we intend on redefining an individual’s personal struggles and showing them that these are moments they will not only overcome, but will also use to make them much stronger.
Without guidance or a support system, it is too easy for teenagers and children to be discouraged, giving into a simpler path by giving up on their aspirations for their fear of failure or inadequacy. We will not sugar coat it. It will be difficult but far from impossible. We will be there to help them explore their options, develop goals, and actually help them achieve it. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine.” We are the only ones who can limit how far we can go. It is not a matter of if you can, it is simply how far and how hard you are willing to work.
We are very confident in the program we have created and we will continue to improve because life isn’t about having all the answers right now. It is about being able to adapt to the times and the situations that will get you to where you want to be. The core values and skills that will be taught and practiced in FTLA will do exactly that, it will give them the tools to acclimate and problem-solve anything life throws their way, and do so with confidence.
We look forward to working with you, your school, and your children. Let us show the world that every child has what it takes to be successful and that they can become the person they truly want to be.
Maureen Sollenberger, M.S.
Executive Director
Meet our Team
Christine Todd, M.A., MPLANPRC
Associate Director
Christine is originally from New Zealand and has spent a number of years living in Australia prior to her relocation to the United States. Christine holds Masters Degrees in Sociology and Town Planning and is currently completing a Doctor of Business Administration. She has held a number of diverse roles ranging from sales to business management to working and researching in university departments sociology, town planning, architecture and sustainability departments. Christine has 3 teenage/college age children and loves travel, culture and wilderness adventures.
Carlos Salazar, MBA, Ed.D
Founder & Board of Directors, President
Dr. Salazar has been an educator in San Diego for 4 years, serving as a professor of business and information technology at the University of San Diego. In 2010, he launched Forward Thinking and has helped almost 600 students get in to college with his leadership development program. His vision for helping others transcends through his commitment in community service and entrepreneurship. He deeply believes in the power of education and aspires to help his students develop their interpersonal skills and business savviness to become future leaders of the world.
William Harvey, B.A.
Board of Directors, Treasurer
Mr. Harvey takes the role as a Technical and Arts Educator with 8 years experience in the Music Tech industry after graduating from UCSD from the "Interdisciplinary Computing and the Arts" bachelors program (an academic look into the world of art, created by computers). He has spent most of his life as a professional musician and holds a continuous life goal to spread the message of music to the world, either through technology or by ear.
