The middle level years are a crucial time for student development, a time when the path for school success is set for many students. Educators who focus on character and leadership development realize that training in these areas can play a significant role in developing students who will become effective leaders and active citizens in middle school and beyond. Opportunities for both formal and informal leadership training abound at the middle level. From student council involvement to special leadership courses, this article discusses the kinds of formal and informal leadership roles open to students at four schools located in New Jersey, Oregon, Massachusetts, and New York, and the individual growth that results from their involvement in leadership activities.