Strong Minds Leadership Academy
Strong Minds Build Strong Futures
Strong Minds Leadership Academy develops young leaders, equips the adults who serve them, strengthens families, and helps schools and youth-serving organizations create more meaningful experiences for young people.
Our flagship Youth Leadership Academy provides structured leadership development, mentorship, academic support, entrepreneurship, executive-function coaching, personal growth, and community-centered learning for students ages 8–18.
Eligible Strong Minds alumni may continue participating through age 20 while enrolled in an approved post-secondary education or training program.
Four connected divisions
Explore Strong Minds
Strong Minds Leadership Academy serves young people, families, mentors, educators, youth workers, and organizations through connected programs built around leadership, relationships, learning, and purpose.
SMYLA
Strong Minds Youth Leadership Academy
Leadership development, academic enrichment, mentorship, entrepreneurship, executive-function support, brotherhood, personal growth, and real-world learning for students ages 8–18.
SMILE
Strong Minds Institute of Leadership in Education
Professional learning, consulting, coaching, and practical training for educators, youth workers, schools, community organizations, afterschool programs, nonprofits, and agencies.
SMLA-F
Strong Minds Families
Workshops, events, Parent Night Off, workforce development, community support, and practical resources for parents and caregivers.
SMMLA
Strong Minds Mentor Leadership Academy
Recruitment, preparation, training, resources, and ongoing support for adults committed to mentoring and developing young people.
Youth Leadership Academy
Leadership, Learning, Brotherhood, and Purpose
Strong Minds Youth Leadership Academy helps young people build the knowledge, habits, relationships, confidence, and sense of purpose needed to lead themselves and contribute to others.
Programs combine academic support, leadership development, mentorship, executive-function coaching, entrepreneurship, personal reflection, emotional intelligence, enrichment, and community-building.
Summer Intensive
11-Month Leadership Fellowship
Alumni Fellowship
Future Programs
SMYLA Virtual Campus
A Structured Virtual Campus
Enrolled fellows participate through the Strong Minds Youth Leadership Academy Virtual Campus, a secure, laptop-centered learning environment designed to help students remain engaged, organized, supported, and connected throughout the program day.
Students use the Virtual Campus to
- Complete daily check-ins
- Reflect on their day
- Organize priorities
- View personalized schedules
- Access Learning Labs
- Complete assignments
- Receive feedback
- Communicate with mentors
- Request support
- Track progress
- Open live-session links
SMILE
Developing the Adults Who Develop Young People
The Strong Minds Institute of Leadership in Education equips youth-facing professionals and organizations with practical tools for relationship building, leadership development, executive-function support, restorative practice, instructional delivery, youth engagement, and meaningful program implementation.
Strong Minds Families
Strong Families Support Strong Minds
Student growth is connected to family strength. Strong Minds Families provides practical support, learning, and community for parents and caregivers.
- Family workshops
- Family events
- Parent Night Off
- Workforce development
- Resume support
- Interview preparation
- Community-building opportunities
Mentor Leadership Academy
Become the Adult Every Young Person Deserves
Strong Minds Mentor Leadership Academy prepares and supports adults who want to build meaningful, accountable, and growth-centered relationships with young people.
Mentors receive training, resources, coaching, and access to the private Mentor Resource Center.
Upcoming
Events, Information Sessions, and Workshops
Filter by division or event type. Dates are announced as each session is confirmed.
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