Summer Leadership Academy
The Summer Leadership Academy brings together high school girls from across the U.S. to campus for a residential college-prep, career exploration, and leadership program. Mount Mary excels at developing confident women, and reaching them at an even earlier age through the Academy will help ensure successful futures for these young women on whatever path they take.
A Summer Leadership Academy like no other
The Summer Leadership Academy will bring together up to 65 high school girls from across the U.S. to the Mount Mary University campus Sunday, June 23 through Wednesday, June 26, 2019 for a three-day residential college-prep, career exploration, and leadership program. This is an increase in our attendance from 45 young women in 2018. During the Academy, panels, lectures and interactive workshops will be presented by experts from a variety of backgrounds, including law, business, education, and non-profits. Mount Mary University prides itself on hosting an incredibly diverse group of young women from across the metropolitan area and across the country.
What you will learn at the Summer Leadership Academy
Sessions for your career and personal development led by Milwaukee business leaders
and Mount Mary faculty:
- Leadership Development
- Confidence Building
- Public Speaking
- Mindfulness
- Vocational Exploration
- Financial Aid 101
- Choosing the Right College/College Readiness
- Career Exploration
- Teamwork
- Networking with Young Professionals
What’s New? A Peer Mentor Program for the 2019 Summer Leadership Academy
Young women who have participated in the 2018 Summer Leadership Academy are eligible
to apply to be Peer Mentors for the 2019 Summer Leadership Academy. These young women
will put their leadership skills and experiences as Summer Leadership Academy participants
into practice by assisting current academy participants. They will develop and maintain
relationships with and provide support to participants, focusing on transition, acclimation
and a sense of belonging. These Peer Mentors will participate in training and small
and large group programs and activities. During the small group sessions, they will
serve as facilitators alongside their Adult Mentor partners, leading discussion and
conversation to help participants reflect on what they are learning.
How to apply
The preferred method of application is through Google Forms:
Summer Leadership Academy Participant Application
Summer Leadership Academy Peer Mentor Application
If necessary, applicants may download the PDF version of either application and submit by email or mail as indicated on each form.
It teaches you about different career opportunities. Even if you think you have your mind set, there are a (number) of opportunities to seize and take on. It’s just a great thing to make sure that people grow up with the right experience with college to get them on the right path to a good career and happy life.
Megan Herlache
Who is eligible to apply?
We are committed to including women from diverse socioeconomic, ethnic, racial and educational backgrounds in each Summer Leadership Academy. Young women currently in their freshman, sophomore, or junior years of high school at the time of application are eligible. We encourage all students with all kinds of interests and backgrounds to apply because we believe that everyone who attends benefits in some way. Diversity of views and positions on interests is considered a strength of the program.
When does the Summer Leadership Academy take place?
Sunday, June 23 through Wednesday, June 26, 2019. A closing ceremony will be held at 11:00am on June 26, and parents are invited to attend.
Do I live in the residence halls during this leadership academy?
Yes. This program provides the opportunity to meet incredible women from around the state who will mentor, coach, and teach you important skills for the future. The residential nature of the program creates an intensive learning experience that cannot be replicated with a series of one-day programs. This experience encourages friendship and camaraderie, building mentoring relationships and extends the learning experience beyond the formal program sessions, as conversations continue over meals and throughout the evening. Some participants will have roommates while others will have a single room with a suite mate (sharing a restroom). In order to get the most out of this experience, participants will be assigned roommates and suite mates from different schools.
What does the program cost?
The cost to attend is $100 per student. This includes all meals, lodging, activities and program materials. The Summer Leadership Academy is supported by grants from corporate sponsors and individuals that cover some costs for this program. Some financial need scholarships are available, and there will be a place on the application to indicate that need. Students will be responsible for their travel to/from Mount Mary University at the start and conclusion of the program. Students may want to bring a small amount of spending money for personal expenses, but it is not necessary. Participants are expected to bring their own bedding and towels.
When is the registration deadline?
Deadline to apply: April 1, 2019 (4:30 p.m.). Sixty-five applications will be accepted, and accepted applicants will be notified by May 1, 2019.
Past Summer Leadership Academy Information
The new Summer Leadership Academy brought over 45 high school girls from across the U.S. to campus in June 2018 for a three-day residential college-prep, career exploration, and leadership program. Mount Mary excels at developing confident women, and reaching them at an even earlier age through the Academy will help ensure successful futures for these young women on whatever path they take. During the Academy panels, lectures and interactive workshops were presented by experts from a variety of backgrounds, including law, business, education, and non-profits.
Click here to view a slideshow summary of the program.
Click here to view SLA 2018 coverage from the Catholic Herald.
The program is sponsored each year by community organizations interested in developing strong leaders. Thank you to Johnson Controls for seeing the potential in programs like this and for investing in the lives of these women.
Sponsored in Part by:
Virginia Cornyn '62 Nancy Cheski '65