Strong MindsLeadership Academy

Youth Academy

Strong Minds 11-Month Leadership Fellowship

A structured virtual leadership experience for students ages 8–18, with continued opportunities for eligible alumni through age 20.

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Program overview

A full year of structure, mentorship, and momentum

The Strong Minds 11-Month Leadership Fellowship combines structured after-school engagement, mentorship, leadership development, academic support, executive-function coaching, personal development, entrepreneurship, enrichment, and project-based Learning Labs.

Fellows participate virtually Monday through Thursday and attend selected Saturday experiences throughout the year.

Program components

Ten Connected Components

Academic Development

Literacy, mathematics, strategic thinking, and school success.

Enrichment

Creative, cultural, and interest-driven learning experiences.

Brotherhood

Belonging, shared norms, accountability, and peer support.

PASE

Purpose, Awareness, and Self-Empowerment.

Entrepreneurship

From idea to plan, brand, presentation, and launch.

Social Skills

Communication, collaboration, and conflict navigation.

Emotional Intelligence

Self-awareness, regulation, and empathy in practice.

Executive Functioning

Planning, organization, task initiation, and follow-through.

Mentorship

A weekly scheduled meeting with a trained Strong Minds mentor.

Leadership

Responsibility, initiative, service, and leading self and others.

Format

How the Week Works

  • Monday through Thursday
  • Virtual after-school programming
  • Program generally concludes by 7:00 PM
  • Start time may vary by student schedule and placement
  • One scheduled mentor meeting each week
  • One required in-person Saturday experience each month
  • One optional Saturday experience every other month
  • Two Parent Night Off events during the program year
  • Personalized schedules based on age, placement, assignments, Learning Labs, mentor day, and student needs
Students do not attend every Saturday.

Structured engagement

This Is Not a Drop-In Zoom Program

Students do not simply attend one online lesson and disappear.

During program hours, fellows participate in structured combinations of:

  • Daily check-in
  • Guided reflection
  • Mindful Minute
  • Daily planning
  • Schoolwork
  • Academic support
  • Live instruction
  • Learning Labs
  • Independent activities
  • Collaborative group work
  • Assignments
  • Weekly mentor meetings
  • Responsive adult support
  • Daily wrap-up

Every fellow remains engaged during program hours, but each fellow's daily pathway may be different.

Student journey

A Day in the Fellowship

  1. 01

    Arrive and Check In

  2. 02

    Reflect and Reset

  3. 03

    Plan the Afternoon

  4. 04

    Complete Academic Work

  5. 05

    Join Live Learning

  6. 06

    Work in Learning Labs

  7. 07

    Connect With a Mentor

  8. 08

    Complete the Session

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