Summer Leadership Intensive
SLI is Not Just a Program
It’s Your Launchpad
About SLI
What is SLI?
The Summer Leadership Intensive is a 3-week immersive experience; not a summer 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 leadership labs, mentorship, arts & cultural events, and more.​
SLI is where it begins. The year-round Academy is where you grow.
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PROGRAM DATES
Dates:
June 8 - June 26, 2026
Monday - Thursday
Time:
​9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
(Dates and times are subject to change based on our host location.)
💬 Overview
Program Overview
SLI is 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.
Rolling
Application
Submission Period
January
Early Decision
March- April annually.
Final Decisions for the Annual Cohort:
Up to 35 students annually.
Cohort Capacity
What Type of Curriculum Will The Students Follow?
Students will receive instruction in an array of areas including: Test-Taking Skills, Leadership Skills, Problem-Solving Skills, Positive Mindset, Handling Peer Pressure, Handling Anxiety and Stress, Entrepreneurship, Setting and Achieving Goals, Setting Priorities, and Making Good Decisions, Emotional Intelligence, & Team Building.
You Matter
Our Process
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Embarking on
Excellence
Students will be chosen by a committee based on references from school counselors. Students who have promise but are not reaching their potential for some reason will be targeted.
Students
Students accepted into the program are expected to dedicate approximately 25 hours per week, with sessions scheduled on Monday -Thursday.
Weekly Commitment
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.
Application Process
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.
Cohort Selection
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.
Application Requirement
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.
What You’ll Do at SLI
Leadership Development
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Discover your leadership “superpower”
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Practice networking + professional etiquette
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Build emotional intelligence + mindfulness
Personal Growth + Teamwork
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Real-world team challenges
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Small-group mentoring from pros and alumni
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Guided goal setting + confidence building
Literacy & Life Skills
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Financial Literacy Store (budgeting, spending, saving)
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Word of the Day: Vocabulary expansion through our Word Multiplier system​
Outcomes
What You’ll Walk Away With
Practical leadership + communication skills
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Confidence and clarity in who you are
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Boosted vocabulary + real-world financial skills
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Lifelong mentorship and peer support
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A path to college, career, and community impact
Impact
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.
Testimonials
Hear from Students Who Started with SLI
“I thought I was just going to a summer program and I left with more confidence than I've ever had in my ability to be a leader.”
— Xavier- 10th grade
“I’m still learning and growing with VLA, even months after the summer ended.”
— Morgan, 12th grade