Emerging Leaders Academy
Overview
The Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA) is Youth Democracy Institute’s flagship leadership development program for high school students. Designed for youth ages 14–18, ELA cultivates civic knowledge, leadership skills, and real-world advocacy experience through an engaging five-week curriculum.
Whether you're a rising changemaker or just starting your leadership journey, ELA gives you the tools and confidence to make a difference in your community.
Program Format
ELA is offered in seasonal cohorts — Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring — to ensure year-round access to students. Each cohort meets once a week over five weeks, with in-person instruction, guest speakers, and field-based learning.
Participant Benefits
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Earn community service hours toward graduation requirements
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Engage in civic learning and local policy discussions
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Build advocacy, storytelling, and organizing skills
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Design and present community impact projects
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Earn a certificate of completion to boost college and career applications
Who Should Apply
High school students (grades 9–12) who want to:
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Explore leadership and civic engagement
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Learn how government and policy shape their lives
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Build confidence as public speakers and advocates
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Work with peers on real-world community solutions
No previous experience is needed—just a passion for leadership and a commitment to showing up.
Why It Matters
Youth deserve more than a seat at the table—they deserve preparation to lead it. The Emerging Leaders Academy prepares students to understand power, navigate systems, and lead with purpose.
At Youth Democracy Institute, we believe that leaders start here.
To host ELA at your school or organization, email us at info@leadydi.org
Seasonal Cohorts: One Mission, Three Paths to Leadership
ELA is hosted at schools, community centers, and youth-serving organizations. Each five-week series is tailored to meet the needs of the students and community partners at that location.
Students begin with issue analysis, teamwork, and campaign design while learning power, messaging, and organizing tools to drive community change.
Fall
Foundations in Leadership
Winter/Spring
Building on fall, youth explore public institutions, draft and deliver testimony, and present policy solutions directly to real decision-makers.
Leadership in Action
Summer
A condensed experience where students practice public speaking, map their identities, and participate in a field trip with a youth showcase.
Leadership Discovery