At VLA, we believe leadership begins with character and is shaped by action. Over the course of three weeks in June (Monday through Thursday), our students embark on a journey of growth and self‑discovery. They engage both collaboratively and independently, building the habits of effective learning and leading.

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Our guiding principles, integrity, expectancy, ingenuity, community, and tenacity, form the foundation of everything we do. Students will develop the integrity to stand for what’s right, the expectancy to believe deeply in their potential, the ingenuity to solve challenges in fresh ways, the commitment to community that values and uplifts others, and the tenacity to persist when the path is tough.

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Through this experience, we don’t just focus on what students should know to success, we teach about making decision on who you are becoming. Because for overlooked and underserved young leaders, the greatest opportunity lies not just in knowledge gained, but in character strengthened and purpose clarified.