The Isle of Chamber of Commerce in 2013 launched a leadership development program structured especially for high school students, the Student Leadership Institute. The Student Leadership Institute program is the first offered to high school students in the Hampton Roads region.

The Student Leadership Institute is offered to juniors who reside in Isle of Wight, Smithfield, and Windsor.

The students learn about team building, utilizing resources, building self-confidence and making a difference in their communities. An ethics component is built into each class which will parallel the academic year. The program is privately funded through sponsorships to offset the bulk of its expenses, and students pay only a nominal participation fee.

The Facilitators for 2025-26 are Cat Johnson - Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Renee Rountree - Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors, Nicole Talton - Isle of Wight Economic Development, and Jamilia Shipman - GirlTREK.

The Student Leadership Institute is sponsored by Smithfield Foods and the Town of Smithfield.

The Student Leadership Institute taught me valuable skills, such as cooperation, understanding, and dedication that I am able to use, not only for my current leadership positions, but also for my future endeavors.” - Jenny Saunders