A summer leadership academy like no other

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.

The incredibly diverse group of participants learned about confidence and communication skills, understanding personality differences and the importance of sisterhood. They learned about programs of study and career paths, as well as explored vocation as the place where their gifts and passions intersect with the world’s needs. Participants also walked through the college application process and learned how to find the right college for them. A young professionals panel provided guidance on how to prepare for college and a career, and participants were paired with a Mount Mary student mentor to answers questions about college life.

Click here to view a slideshow summary of the program.

Click here to view SLA 2018 coverage from the Catholic Herald.

How to apply

The application for the 2019 Academy will be available in January.

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

Summer Leadership Academy 2018

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:

Confidence
Vocational Exploration
Understanding Personality Differences
Importance of Sisterhood
Financial Aid 101
Choosing the Right College
Career Exploration
Networking with Young Professionals

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.

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.