The Summer Academy for Black Girls

*25-30 spots available. Slots go quickly!

Registration CLOSES on May 9, 2025.

Selection is completed by April 30.

2025 REGISTRATION/APPLICATION LINK:

ABOUT The L.E.A.D. WITH PURPOSE SUMMER ACADEMY for Black Girls:

Purpose of the Summer Academy: The purpose of the LEAD with Purpose Summer Academy for Girls is to institute and discover interventions to improve the quality of life for Black girls. The curriculum addresses high level risk factors for girls according to research including the City of Columbus; Commission on Black Girl Report, PushOut, and the theory of Black girlhood and women's intersectionality. All girls are eligible to apply regardless of race and ethnicity.

The Mission: The THEME for summer 2025 is "THINK LIKE A BOSS".

Activities: Subject matter includes professional development, entrepreneurship, mindfulness, civic education, "crown" creativity, career & college exploration, lunch & learns, physical health, and more! The camp concludes with presentations, a talent show and graduation.

The Targeted Audience: 12–16-year-old girls in Columbus, Ohio.

Cost: FREE. *With generous donations from supporters, grants from Columbus partners and funding from external sources, the academy is provided at no cost for participants. This includes all meals, field trips, supplies and materials

The Duration: June 30, 2025 - August 3rd, 2025. A total of 25-30 participants will be selected. Selectees will be notified no later than May 15. Answer ALL of the questions in the application. Incomplete applications may not be considered. The answers should reflect quality of response, NOT length.

The Daily Time Frame: 8:00am-5:30pm Monday-Friday. This is an in-person academy. Attendees are expected to attend EACH day of the program. Some flexibility will be given to those participating in multiple activities. Participants cannot miss more than 3 days of the academy. Girls who complete the program (and all of its requirements) receive a $500 stipend, over 150 hours of personal and professional development, and an internship validation certificate of completion.

VIDEO DOCUMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Neaio-oIKvA