THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
Your support is transforming lives and building a brighter future for high school students!
Eligibility Requirements
To be selected as a participant in the VLA, you must meet the following criteria:
-
Must be between the ages of 12 to 19 years old
-
Must be enrolled in school
-
Must have a minimum G.P.A. of 2.00
-
Must provide an unofficial copy of school transcript
-
Must not have more than one disciplinary infraction. (Please note: Type of infraction may impact final acceptance)
-
Available on the scheduled days for the entire duration of the program
-
Interested in learning new skills for growth in leadership
What is SLI?
SLI is Not Just a Program — It’s Your Launchpad
The Summer Leadership Intensive is a 3-week immersive experience — not just a camp. It’s your entry point into the Vanguard Youth Leadership Academy, our year-round program designed to shape tomorrow’s changemakers. After the summer, you’ll stay plugged in through monthly leadership labs, mentorship events, and more.
SLI is where it begins. The Academy is where you grow.
What You’ll Do at SLI
Leadership Development
Discover your leadership “superpower”
Practice networking + professional etiquette
Build emotional intelligence + mindfulness
Personal Growth + Teamwork
-
Real-world team challenges
-
Small-group mentoring from pros and alumni
-
Guided goal setting + confidence building
Literacy & Life Skills
-
Financial Literacy Store (budgeting, spending, saving)
-
Word of the Day: Vocabulary expansion through our Word Multiplier system
Program Highlights
Students will receive instruction in the following topic areas:
​
Leadership and Life Skills: Participants will receive instruction in crucial areas such as Test-Taking Skills, Leadership Development, Problem-Solving Strategies, Cultivating a Positive Mindset, and Effectively Managing Stress and Peer Pressure.
​
Entrepreneurship and Goal Setting: Students will explore the world of entrepreneurship, learning the foundations of becoming a successful entrepreneur. The curriculum includes mastering Toast Master Skills, setting and achieving goals, setting priorities, and making informed decisions.
​
Interactive Group Projects and Assignments: The program incorporates group projects and homework assignments that encourage teamwork, critical thinking, and practical application of the skills learned.
​
Financial Literacy and Self-Image: Sessions on financial literacy and self-image will provide students with essential insights to make informed financial decisions and develop a positive self-image.
​
Team Building: Our team building activities bring students together to cultivate essential life skills. Through interactive challenges, games, and shared experiences, students develop effective communication, collaboration, problem-solving, empathy, and leadership skills. These activities create an inclusive environment that nurtures lasting friendships and a sense of belonging, while also instilling the values of teamwork and cooperation that are vital for successful leadership and personal growth.
Our Impact in Numbers
Not every student starts at the same point and that’s the beauty of VLA. Whether they’re discovering their leadership voice or stepping into leadership roles, we provide the right program at the right time.
Program Criteria and Application Process
Eligibility Requirements​
To be selected as participant in the Vanguard Leadership Academy, you must meet the following criteria:
-
Must be between the ages of 12 to 19 years old
-
Low to Moderate Income
-
Must be enrolled in a public school
-
Must have a minimum G.P.A. of 2.0
-
Must provide an unofficial copy of school transcript
-
Must not have more than 10 unexcused absences
-
Must not have more than one disciplinary infraction. (Please note: Type of infraction may impact final acceptance)
-
Available on the scheduled days for the entire duration of the program
-
Interested in learning new skills for growth in leadership
Application Process
Your application must include the name and email address of the referring community partner, school counselor, or social worker. They will receive notification of your application and must be willing to complete their portion of the online application. Be sure to talk to your school counselor or school social worker about your desire to join the program. If they need more information in order to refer you to the program, they may schedule a 15-minute discovery call with our Program Director using this link: https://appt.link/meet-with-felicia-momon/discovery-call-tiffany-mclymore
-
Complete your application. The referring school support staff will complete an online application by following the prompted steps.
-
Attend In-Person or Virtual Interview. The selection process includes a student empathy interview. Students will receive a link to receive an acceptance letter with onboarding instructions.
-
View your decision letter. The referring person and student will be notified of acceptance status. If selected, you will receive an acceptance letter with onboarding instructions.
-
Complete Onboarding. Students and parents/guardians are required to attend the onboarding orientation. Documents provided include:
​
Program Overview
Welcome to Vanguard Leadership Academy, a transformative experience designed to empower and equip students with valuable skills and insights. Our program takes place in the month of June each year providing participants with a unique opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
Application Submission Period: Rolling
Early Decision January
Final Decisions for the Annual Cohort: March- April each year.
Cohort Capacity: Up to 35 students per year.
What Type of Curriculum Will The Students Follow?
Students will be tested to determine general proficiency in English, Science, and Mathematics; any student demonstrating a deficiency will receive tutorial services. In addition to core subject tutorials, students will receive instruction in the following areas: Developing Test-Taking Skills, Developing Leadership Skills, Developing Problem-Solving Skills, Developing a Positive Mindset, Handling Peer Pressure, Handling Anxiety and Stress, Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur, Setting and Achieving Goals, Setting Priorities, and Making Good Decisions. Group Projects and homework assignments will be key components of the curriculum.
Eligibility Requirements
To be selected as a participant in the VLA, you must meet the following criteria:
-
Must be between the ages of 12 to 19 years old
-
Must be enrolled in school
-
Must have a minimum G.P.A. of 2.00
-
Must provide an unofficial copy of school transcript
-
Must not have more than one disciplinary infraction. (Please note: Type of infraction may impact final acceptance)
-
Available on the scheduled days for the entire duration of the program
-
Interested in learning new skills for growth in leadership
SUMMER LEADERSHIP INTENSIVE
OUR APPROACH
We achieve our mission through a multifaceted approach that revolves around four cornerstone principles: holistic education, increasing awareness (exposure), instilling confidence, and fostering community. By exposing our students to a diverse range of experiences and perspectives, we broaden their horizons and open their minds to new possibilities. Through inspirational and interactive educational programs and activities, we spark their curiosity and passion for learning, helping them discover their unique talents, interests, and leadership capabilities.
We understand that learning and growth also require a strong foundation of self-belief and confidence. Therefore, we prioritize building self-assurance and resilience in our students. We encourage them to embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth, and we provide a supportive community that nurtures their sense of belonging and empowerment.
Students
Students will be chosen by an executive committee based on references from school counselors. Students who have promise but are not reaching their potential for some reason will be targeted.
Weekly Commitment
Students accepted into the program are expected to dedicate approximately 25 hours per week, with sessions scheduled on Monday -Thursday.
Application Process
Our applications are rolling. This means you can apply at any time throughout the year. However, early acceptance applications must be in by December 31 and applications for consideration for the current year cohort must be submitted by March 31. We encourage motivated individuals to seize the early decision window of opportunity to apply. After the submission phase concludes, our team thoughtfully reviews applications, with decisions communicated by May each year.
Cohort Selection
Each year, we welcome up 25-35 students into our cohort. This ensures a focused and personalized experience that fosters meaningful connections and collaborative learning. Our selection process is designed to assemble a diverse group a motivated individuals who are eager to embark on this journey of growth and development.
Application Requirement
All prospective students must complete an application to be considered for our program. This application serves as a gateway for us to understand your aspirations, experiences, and commitment to the journey ahead.
At Vanguard Leadership Academy, we are dedicated to creating an environment that nurtures learning, self-discovery, and personal development. Apply and take the first step toward unlocking your potential.
​
We look forward to receiving your application and exploring the possibility of embarking on this transformative journey together.
VANGUARD LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Vanguard Leadership Academy (VLA) is dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of high school students. Our mission is to propel underserved students to reach their highest potential and to provide learning and leadership opportunities to each student we serve. We firmly believe that every student deserves the chance to explore, learn, and grow, and we are committed to creating a nurturing environment that fosters their personal, academic, and professional development.
Summer Programs
There is more to learning than test taking and achieving good grades. Camp offers one of the most powerful learning environments and can be a place where a child's social education takes place. It provides opportunity to try new activities, build self-esteem, social skills, and problem-solving skills.
Leader is Important
Effective leadership not only guides but identifies, understands, and communicates the organization's vision to motivate others to support them to achieve objectives. In a world where AI is becoming more prevalent, having the ability to lead is essential to career placement and advancement.
Positive Outcomes
By establishing a track record amongst participants, Vanguard Leadership Academy will influence others and positively position the organization as a change maker, creating a larger impact and following each summer. Participants enrolling in the summer leadership program can be assured they too will experience positive outcomes.
Community
To provide students with the best opportunity to succeed, we know that having a sense of community is vital. Vanguard Leadership Academy empowers families and communities to be more actively engaged in the educational lives and outcomes of their children and challenges the organization to care deeply beyond academics.
