Identity & communication
Build a stronger self-image, practice self-advocacy, and work through disagreements in guided roleplay.
ELEVATE YOUTH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Find your voice.
Learn to lead.
Want to speak up with confidence, meet new people, and do something that matters? At Elevate, you’ll practice leadership through service, sailing, and projects you can be proud of.
Enrollment is open. No experience needed.
A place to belong.A chance to contribute.The skills to move forward.
OUR PURPOSE
Leadership begins
with everyday choices.
Speaking up. Listening well. Following through. These are skills young people can learn and use long before they hold a leadership title.
Elevate Youth Leadership Academy brings education, mentorship, and hands-on experiences together. Our program helps students build confidence, strengthen their character, and learn how to work with others.
Through a peer cohort, community service, and real opportunities to practice, students build a record of their growth and a clearer sense of what they can contribute.
THE ACADEMY
Practical skills.
Meaningful experiences.
Each part of the program gives students a chance to learn, practice, and reflect with the support of peers and mentors.
Public speaking
Organize ideas, practice speaking clearly, and deliver a prepared speech to a real audience.
Financial literacy
Create a personal budget. Explore saving, everyday spending, and the difference between needs and wants.
Civic leadership
Learn how local government works and practice making a case for a community issue in a mock town hall.
Community service
Contribute to community projects and document 40 service hours, with a record of each student's participation.
Mentorship & belonging
Connect at monthly in-person cohort gatherings and learn from guest speakers in finance, media, and civic leadership.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Leadership
on the Water
A crew needs people who listen, communicate, and do their part.
Our sailing module brings these lessons to life. Students practice clear instructions, rotate responsibilities, and learn to make decisions together under instructor supervision.
- 01 Learn the boat, safety basics, and crew roles.
- 02 Practice commands and coordinated teamwork.
- 03 Take the helm with an instructor's guidance.
- 04 Complete a crew challenge and reflect on the experience.
THE GRADUATE EXPERIENCE
Leave with work
you can be proud of.
Build a record of what you’ve done: service hours, a speech, a personal budget, and a final project. Use your graduate résumé to describe your experience in school, college, and scholarship applications.
40documented
community service hoursA program completion goal
community service hoursA program completion goal
A leadership capstone
A presentation reflecting on personal growth, lessons learned, and future goals.
A graduate résumé
A record of service, speaking, projects, and responsibilities to adapt for future applications.
A personal budget & civic experience
Completed work that shows students applying financial and civic learning.
Graduation recognition
A ceremony and certificate of program completion celebrating the student's work.
FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Your ideas deserve
to be heard.
You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to be a leader. You can start by asking a question, helping your crew, or speaking up for something you care about.
Get more comfortable speaking up
Practice a speech, work through a disagreement, and learn how to ask for what you need. You’ll have time to prepare and people to practice with.
Try something beyond school
Learn crew communication on a sailboat, make your voice heard in a mock town hall, and put together your own budget.
Build friendships and a record of your work
Meet peers at monthly gatherings, work toward 40 verified service hours, and finish with a capstone and a graduate résumé.
JOIN ELEVATE
There’s a place
for you here.
Enrollment is open, and we’d love to meet you. You don’t need a title, a perfect record, or any sailing experience. Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to try. Program dates will be released January 15.
Join the interest list
The quickest way to get started. Share a few details in about two minutes, and we’ll keep you and your parent or guardian updated on dates and next steps.
Join the interest listComplete a program application
Tell us about your interests, goals, and experiences. A parent or guardian completes the contact and permission section with you.
Start your applicationThere’s no payment to sign up or apply.
FOR THE ADULTS WHO SUPPORT THEM
Help young people
take the next step.
Parents & guardians
Understand what your child will practice, what participation involves, and how you can support their progress.
Mentors & volunteers
Help students prepare a speech, build a budget, or explore your field through a workshop or mentoring experience.
Community partners
Provide a supervised service opportunity, sailing instruction, or resources that help students participate.
FOR STUDENTS & FAMILIES
A few helpful details.
Who is the academy for?
Elevate is for any young person who wants to grow in confidence, make friends, and make a difference. Quiet or outgoing, experienced or brand new, you’re welcome here. Enrollment is open now.
How often will students meet?
The program includes monthly in-person cohort gatherings alongside learning, service, and signature experiences. The full calendar will be released January 15.
Do students need sailing experience?
The sailing module starts with the basics. Instructors guide students through crew roles, communication, and supervised responsibilities. No prior experience is needed.
How are the service hours documented?
Students will keep a service log showing the activity, date, hours, and supervisor verification. Families receive the list of approved opportunities and requirements.
When can families enroll?
Right now. Elevate has open enrollment, so you can join the interest list or start an application today. Program dates will be released January 15.
CHARACTER · LEADERSHIP · COMMUNITY
A stronger voice.
A greater sense of purpose.
Your next step can start today. Enrollment is open.
Join Elevate today