About the 2024 Summer Leadership Academy
The 2024 Academy hosted a record-breaking 91 young women at this 5-day/4-night leadership development, college preparation, and career exploration program. Participants stayed overnight in Mount Mary's residence hall and earned 2 college credits from Mount Mary University! It was an amazing week of learning, growth, exploration, socialization, and getting comfortable on a college campus.
Here are just a few of the positive comments our Summer Leadership Academy students shared with us:
"The Summer Leadership Academy enlightened me on things I thought I knew but really didn't! It helped me identify what I really want to study and it also helped me with my social skills." ~ Deontrenique W.
"I feel like I have the skills to know how to step out of high school with the right start. I know what to do, who to talk to, how to do it, and I learned all of that here at Mount Mary. I’m truly grateful..." ~ Ariel S.
"Thank you for sharing the Impact Report... The survey results speak for themselves in terms of impact on students, and the stories we hear from the young women who participate certainly support that data. Mount Mary continues to be a blessing to so many!" ~ Allison Jacobsmeier, Director of College Advising & Alumni Engagement, St. Augustine Preparatory Academy
Through workshops, mentorship, and hands-on career exploration activities, students in the Summer Leadership Academy developed essential leadership skills, gained confidence, and learned about different college and career pathways. On average, participants felt 30% more knowledgeable and confident in their understanding of each topic area. Here are some highlights:
- Confidence in participants' ability to be a leader increased from 69% Pre-Academy to 92% Post-Academy.
- Awareness of a variety of funding sources to help make college affordable increased from 56% Pre-Academy to 93% Post-Academy.
- Students' confidence in their understanding of the factors to consider when choosing a college increased from 69% Pre-Academy to 96% Post-Academy.
- Students' knowledge of 5 practical steps to build their personal brand increased from 17% Pre-Academy to 90% Post-Academy.
Read more about their incredible learning outcomes in our annual Impact Report.
2024 Summer Leadership Academy Impact Report
Discover the Summer Leadership Academy’s impact through captivating photos – see the transformation unfold!
2024 Summer Leadership Academy Photos
About the 2023 Summer Leadership Academy
The 2023 Summer Leadership Academy was held June 25-29. Over 80 young women from Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Virginia and one international student attended the program. The 2023 Academy was a robust 5-day, 4-night immersive leadership, college preparation, and career exploration program where participants earned 2 college credits from Mount Mary University.
"I have 100% grown into a better leader, more confident, and I feel like I have figured out my goals." ~ Payton J,. 2023 participant
Summer Leadership Academy Sessions
Students gained essential skills and valuable knowledge that will strengthen their college applications and follow them into their future careers. Sessions for college readiness, career exploration, leadership, and personal development led by Milwaukee business leaders and Mount Mary faculty included:
- Leadership and Social Justice
- Small Group Communication
- Racial and Social Dynamics as a Leader
- Personal Finance
These morning leadership sessions were followed by hands-on college and career pathway classes in Arts & Design, STEM, and Humanities & Business with a focus on User Experience Design during the afternoons.
Evening sessions included small group discussions, personal and professional leadership sessions, and time for socialization and roommate bonding. 
"Our daughter is now a proud graduate of the program and we can say without any hesitation that it truly was a transformative experience for her and we could not be more grateful for the opportunity to partake in such an empowering program." ~ Kim and John H., parents of a 2023 Summer Leadership Academy participant
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 2023 SUMMER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY:
2023 IMPACT REPORT
2023 PHOTO SLIDESHOW
The 2022 Summer Leadership Academy
Over 70 students from Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin participated in the 2022 Summer Leadership Academy, as well as one international student. These young women attended the program from June 19-24, 2022 to learn about leadership, college preparation, and career exploration. Students gained essential skills that will help strengthen their college applications, valuable knowledge that will follow them into their future careers, and earned 2 college credits!
The Summer Leadership Academy has consistently attracted young women from different races, ethnic groups and geographic locations. The 2022 Academy continued to welcome a group of young women that reflects our society and the Mount Mary University student population.
"I have a better understanding of college life and what I want my career pathway in life to be."
~ 2022 Summer Leadership Academy Participant
Summer Leadership Academy Sessions
Sessions for college readiness, career exploration, leadership, and personal development led by Milwaukee business leaders and Mount Mary faculty included:
"I learned a lot of things from this Leadership Academy... this was a huge experience for me and a big growing space. I enjoyed it and I'm glad I signed up."
~ 2022 Summer Leadership Academy Participant
- Leadership Development
- Confidence
- Introduction to Financial Aid
- Finding the Right Fit in a College
- Networking with Young Professionals
- Career Exploration highlighting 3 college and career pathways:
- ARTS & DESIGN
– Fashion Design
– Merchandise Management
– Interior Design & Architecture
– Studio Art
– Art Therapy
- HUMANITIES & BUSINESS
– History
– Budgeting/Finance
– Negotiations
– Writing
– Public Speaking
- STEM
– User Design Experience (UX)
– Nursing
– Occupational Therapy (OT)
– Psychology
– Art Therapy/Counseling
– Food Science
– Dietetics
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 2022 SUMMER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY:
2022 SUMMER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY IMPACT REPORT
2022 PHOTO SLIDESHOW
Because of the ongoing public health restrictions, the 2021 Summer Leadership Academy was held as a 4-day hybrid program. Academy participants were able to choose the format they preferred: in-person and on campus or virtual. Forty participants attended the in-person program and 16 attended the program virtually. Each day of the Academy had a focus:
- College Prep
- Career Exploration
- Personal Leadership
- Leadership in the Community
The Academy has consistently attracted young women from different races, ethnic groups and geographical locations, including 5 different states. The 2021 Academy continued to welcome a group of young women that reflects our society and the Mount Mary University campus.
A sample of the general programming sessions the Academy attendees participated in includes:
- Finding the Right Fit in a College
- Importance of Sisterhood
- Your Authentic Self
- Campus Tour
- Racial & Social Dynamics as a Leader
- Financial Aid 101
- Leadership and Social Justice
- Challenges to Women's Leadership
- Q&A with current MMU Students
"I feel very empowered by a strong female community. I feel on fire and like anything is possible." ~ 2021 Summer Leadership Academy Participant
Students were able to choose from the following hands-on elective courses:
- Exploring the School of Natural & Health Sciences and Education
- Exploring the School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies
- Exploring the School of Arts & Design and Business
- Interior Architecture & Design
- Food Science
- Fashion Design
- Nursing
- Education
- Yoga
- Self-Defense
Learn more about the 2021 Summer Leadership Academy:
2021 SUMMER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY IMPACT REPORT
2021 PHOTO SLIDESHOW
Due to the Coronavirus, the 2020 Academy was held as a successful online program. Over 30 high school students from the Milwaukee metropolitan area and 6 Peer Mentors from around Wisconsin joined us June 22-24 to learn about leadership, college preparation and career exploration. Students gained essential skills that will help strengthen their college applications and valuable knowledge that will follow them into their future careers.
The Summer Leadership Academy prides itself on hosting an incredibly diverse group of young women from across the metropolitan area and across the country. The Academy has consistently attracted young women from different races, ethnic groups and geographical locations. The 2020 Academy continued to welcome a group of young women that reflects our society and the Mount Mary University campus:
"I have more courage. I was scared at the beginning to participate in the big or even small groups but I just had to learn to get out of my head...I also have a much deeper understanding of the experience of those that may not have the same color skin or religion as me." ~ 2020 Summer Leadership Academy participant
- African American/Black - 26%
- Asian American - 16%
- Caucasian - 19%
- Latina/Chicana - 26%
- Latina/Chicana/Caucasian - 7%
- Middle Eastern/North African - 3%
- Multicultural - 3%
A sample of the general programming sessions the Academy attendees participated in includes:
- Finding the Right Fit
- Importance of Sisterhood
- Making a Difference: Know Your Passion, Develop Your Skills
- Campus Tour
- Racial & Social Dynamics as a Leader
- Financial Aid 101
- Leadership and Social Justice
- Embracing Imperfection & Growth
Students were able to choose from and experience five of the following hands-on elective courses:
- Q&A with current MMU Students
- Exploring the School of Natural & Health Sciences and Education
- Nursing
- Education
- Exploring the School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies
- Exploring the School of Arts & Design and Business
- Digital Storytelling
- Food Science
- Fashion Design
- Yoga
- Self-Defense
Watch the 2020 Summer Leadership Academy video HERE!
Learn more about the 2020 Summer Leadership Academy HERE!
In 2019 over 55 emerging high school leaders participated in the three-day program of career exploration, college preparation and leadership. This is an increase in our attendance from 45 young women in 2018. Students came from three states to participate.
Mount Mary University prides itself on hosting an incredibly diverse group of young women from across the metropolitan area and across the country. In 2019 students reflected the diversity of the world around them:
- 36 percent Latina
- 34 percent White
- 19 percent African American
- 6 percent Middle Eastern
- 5 percent Asian American.
"This Leadership Institute has helped me meet new people and understand their views on leadership, sisterhood, and their values. It helped me to realize how completely different yet similar we all are as women, leaders, and students."~ 2019 Summer Leadership Academy participant
A sample of the general programming sessions the Academy attendees participated in includes:
- Financial Aid
- The Importance of Sisterhood
- Finding Your Authentic Self
- Overcoming Obstacles: Finding Your Leader Within
- Creating Your Brand
- Self Defense Seminar
- Yoga Class
- Examining Programs of Study
- Racial & Social Dynamics as a Leader
- Confidence
Students were able to choose from and experience two of the following hands-on elective courses:
- Food Science
- Fashion Design
- Nursing
- Bodies of Text: Women, Words and Senses
- Graphic Design
Eight young professionals joined the participants for a special dinner, offering advice on making mistakes, intentional volunteering, the importance of mentors, and much more to these young leaders. These professionals included:
- Charmyse Tillman ‘14 – IT Operations Analyst at Clarios
- Holly McCoy – Executive Director of Literacy Services of Wisconsin
- Noletta Franz – Labor & Employment Paralegal for Johnson Controls
- Vanessa Vasquez – Assistant Director of Career Readiness at Carmen High School of Science & Technology
- Jasmin Treske – Relationship Management/Pricing Associate at BMO Harris Equipment Finance Co.
- Lisa Emery, CLTC – Assistant Director of Client Services for Northwestern Mutual
- Samantha Belasco, SHRM-CP – Human Resources Business Partner with Chr. Hansen, Inc.
- Johannah Karstedt St. John – CEO, Professional Dimensions
Learn more about the 2019 Summer Leadership Academy HERE.
View more photos from the 2019 Summer Leadership Academy HERE.
In it's first year, the Summer Leadership Academy saw 45 young women from 4 different states attend the Academy. Students were on campus for 3 days and spent 2 nights in on campus housing in the residence halls.
Students reflected the diversity of the world around them:
- 57 percent Latina
- 24 percent White
- 14 percent African American
- 4 percent Middle Eastern.
The Summer Leadership Academy presented several sessions over the 3 days of programming including the following:
"Through this experience I have grown positively. I made new friends ... and even got out of my comfort zone. I learned so many things and gained new insights about life and myself. I'm glad I was able to experience all of this." ~ 2018 Summer Leadership Academy participant
- Happy and Healthy on Social Media
- Financial Aid 101
- Finding Your Authentic Self
Body Mapping
- Racial & Social Dynamics as a Leader
- Finding the Right Fit
- Vocational Exploration
- Examining Programs of Study
- Confidence
- Young Professionals Industry Panel
All students participated in the two hands on Electives that were offered:
- Fashion Design
- Food Science
The Center for Women's Leadership reimagined the summer leadership program and in 2018 created the Summer Leadership Academy for high school students. This 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.
