The 2021 Summer Leadership Academy application will be available on this website beginning January 1, 2021. All applications must be submitted by March 1, 2021. We will notify applicants by April 1, 2021 regarding their acceptance.

We are committed to including young 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 interests is considered a strength of the program.

There is no limit to the number of applicants from each high school. However, in order to maintain diversity within the program and integrity of the leadership experience, the maximum number of accepted applicants from any one high school is five.

The Summer Leadership Academy will be held Monday, June 21 through Thursday, June 24, 2021. 

Yes, if we are able to hold the traditional, residential program. This program provides the opportunity to meet incredible young 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 suitemate (sharing a restroom). In order to get the most out of this experience, participants will be assigned roommates and suitemates from different schools.

A determination will be made in spring as to whether the 2021 Summer Leadership Academy will be an on campus/residential program, an online program, or a hybrid program. All applicants will be notified as soon as a determination is made.  

The cost to attend is $150 per student for the traditional, residential experience. This fee includes all meals, lodging, activities, and program materials.

If the program is changed to a hybrid program – part on campus and part virtual – the cost will be $100 per student.

If the program is entirely virtual, the cost of the program will be $50 per student.

There is no fee for Peer Mentors.

The Summer Leadership Academy is supported by grants from corporate sponsors and individuals that cover some costs for this program. Financial need scholarships are available, and there will be a place on the application to indicate that need. If you receive a scholarship to attend the academy, a deposit fee of $25 will be returned to you after your successful completion of the Academy.

If the program is fully residential or a hybrid program, students will be responsible for their own travel to/from Mount Mary at the start and end of the program. Participants are expected to bring their own bedding and towels for a fully residential program.

Below is a sample Summer Leadership Academy agenda for an on campus/residential experience. Sessions and times are subject to change.

Monday, June 21

Tuesday, June 22

Wednesday, June 23

Thursday, June 24