National Leadership Academy takes place in June 2013

The National Leadership Academy (NLA) engages high school students in leadership training, service learning and civic engagement through participation in an intensive Summer Academy held in Lakewood, Colorado, just outside of Denver at Colorado Christian University. National Leadership Academy will take place on June 13 - 16, 2013.

Our vision is to create civic and service minded high school students by developing their leadership skills, inspiring purpose, and empowering them to make a difference. Students meet young leaders from around the county, hear nationally renowned leadership speakers, spend time serving the community and gain concrete and tangible leadership skills in the process.

National Leadership Academy keeps students busy with numerous activities and speakers that help develop their sense of what a leader is, ways for them to improve their own skills, and how to go out into their own communities as mature leaders with vision and direction.

Session Topics Include: Character Development, Social Etiquette, Global Awareness, Cultural Competence, College Preparation and Service Learning.

Experience and Development skills gained: Leadership & Influence, Communication, Teamwork, Time Management, Interpersonal, Assertiveness & Self Confidence, Empathy & Humility. Apply Today! NLA requires an application process. Students have to have completed one year of high school. Graduating seniors are encouraged to apply. A certain number of applications will be accepted after review. Limited space is available for NLA 2013.

Program Dates: June 13 -16, 2013

Apply Today National Leadership Academy requires an application and review process. Students who are incoming freshman all the way through graduating seniors are encouraged to apply. A certain number of applications will be accepted after review. Limited space is available. In order to apply, please visit the NLA portion of the website and then click apply. You can also request an application by emailing NLA at: joel@spauldingcompanies.com.

A Look Back At NLA 2012

Last June, we kicked the academy off with speakers from all walks of life. Tommy Spaulding inspired the group with his tales of travel and adventure. A Starbucks managerial staff helped our students with interviewing skills. U.S. Congressman Jared Polis related his experiences both in business and Washington. The students improved their table manners at a cotillion dinner with Katherine Mason. We had a leadership panel with five amazing community leaders as well as renowned author Eric Chester. Our students’ lives were forever changed after visiting Columbine High School and hearing a first-hand account of the tragic events from principal Frank DeAngelis. The students learned about overcoming adversity - leadership through tragedy.

Upcoming leaders stressed the importance of giving back by serving the local Denver community at two different sites – the Denver Rescue Mission and the Food Bank of the Rockies. We laughed a lot during a comedy improv theater at Chicken Lips where the students let go of their inhibitions and thrived with new ideas and outlook on problems. We briefly participated in a ropes course at the Air Force Academy and even stopped by the Olympic Training Center as a preview for the London Olympics in July.

Each speaker, event, and activity allowed the students to learn about their weaknesses and improve upon them. They were also able to find their strengths and learn how to utilize those to be successful. This group of students really bonded together and challenged each other to be the best leader they can be. As a staff, we were so proud to see how these young adults grew in these few days and we can’t wait to see where they go in the future. This past year was jam-packed and each student left with a renewed passion for becoming leaders that will change the world.