United Way is encouraging student leadership in local school districts this week.

The inaugural Community Schools Student Leadership Retreat is bringing together local students from Erie's Public Schools, as well as from the Girard and Iroquois School Districts.

The goal of this event is to give students the opportunity to build relationships with fellow leaders.

The participants spent time at UPMC Park for a day of team-building activities, alongside motivational speeches from local community leaders. 

200 students from 13 different community schools are expected to be in attendance.