NYAMWANGE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
The Nyamwange Leadership Academy (NLA) is a transformative leadership development experience for Black and Brown high school students who are deeply committed to supporting their communities. In this program, NLA Scholars attend workshops and seminars on leadership development, public speaking, financial literacy, and character development. They also discuss current events and complex social issues locally, during various field trips to Washington D.C., or at the offices of politicians and community advocates.
Through NLA, students receive dynamic, activity-based training using our proven 3-Prong Leadership Approach that develops a Skill Set, instills the proper Mindset, and provides a Toolkit for success. This approach provides a socially and culturally relevant curriculum that keeps students excited and engaged throughout the immersive four-year program. Upon graduation from NLA, Scholars are more confident in their leadership abilities at home, in school, in the local community, and abroad.
TO LEADERSHIP
OUR APPROACH
SKILLSET
MINDSET
TOOLKIT
SESSIONS WILL FOCUS ON EXPERIENTIAL ACTIVITIES THAT
ENGAGE, MOTIVATE, & BUILD CONFIDENCE
Program
Highlights
THE IMPORTANCE OF VALUES
At the core of every great leader is a strong sense of personal values. Using methods endorsed by the International Coaching Federation, NLA scholars participated in a group coaching experience designed to help them identify and better understand their personal values. By reflecting on how these values shape their daily lives, scholars laid the foundation for authentic leadership grounded in integrity and purpose.
WHAT IS A LEADER?
At the core of every great leader is a strong sense of personal values. Using methods endorsed by the International Coaching Federation, NLA scholars participated in a group coaching experience designed to help them identify and better understand their personal values. By reflecting on how these values shape their daily lives, scholars laid the foundation for authentic leadership grounded in integrity and purpose.
RESILIENCY & CHARACTER
In a world where knowledge is easily accessible, mental toughness is more critical than ever. This year NLA focused on emotional, cognitive, and physical resilience. Scholars were taught to embrace life’s challenges as opportunities for growth, building the mental fortitude to manage stress, reduce anxiety, and approach obstacles with a mindset of learning and perseverance.
PUBLIC SPEAKING & COMMUNICATION
Public speaking is a vital skill for leaders. In this session, Fellows chose topics they were passionate about and practiced delivering them in front of their peers. With constructive feedback and the opportunity to apply improvements, students grew more confident in their ability to communicate effectively, mastering the art of speaking with clarity and purpose.
TEAMWORK & DREAMWORK
Collaboration is key to achieving any vision. This year Scholars were able to work together in a dynamic group experience where they learned essential tools for effective teamwork. By navigating complex scenarios, students gained valuable insights into how to collaborate, resolve conflicts, and leverage collective strengths to achieve common goals.
IMPACTING MY COMMUNITY
True leadership begins with service. This year we taught the the concept of servant leadership, where scholars learned to lead by putting the needs of others first. Scholars developed their own community service plans, which they would carry out throughout the year, reinforcing the importance of giving back and making a tangible impact on the lives of those around them.
ADVOCACY 101
Advocacy is a powerful tool for change. This year scholars explored what it means to be an advocate, how to use their voices effectively, and how to engage in meaningful advocacy for causes they are passionate about. Through real-world examples and current events, they practiced key advocacy skills, learning how to raise their voices in support of social issues and become agents of change.
