The Leadership Academy

Since 1992, the Maynard Jackson Youth Foundation's Leadership Academy has been preparing metro Atlanta's talented young people of color for college, career, and lifelong leadership. The Leadership Academy meets two Saturdays per month from October to June of each year. The semi-monthly meetings include speakers, hands-on projects, cultural events, workshops, and field trips. This program and activities are FREE for all participants. Over the course of our students' junior and senior years in high school, the Leadership Academy develops and teaches skills and principles in five areas: Leadership, Critical Thinking, Entrepreneurship, Community Service and Civic Engagement, College and Career Readiness.

Benefits of Enrolling

Hundreds of metro Atlanta high school students have completed the MJYF Leadership Academy and many have earned the opportunity to attend a college or university. Leadership Academy alumni have gone on to careers in business, government, law, medicine, education, media, art, fashion, social services and beyond.

Students in the Leadership Academy:

  • Participate in educational trips where they meet with elected officials and business leaders at prominent businesses, tour colleges and universities, and visit popular tourist sites
  • Get free hands-on writing assistance for college essays.
  • Get free SAT/ACT prep/mock testing and possible test waivers.
  • Receive scholarship information and college ready-ness.
  • Have the opportunity to connect with successful MJYF alumni for networking and career advice.
  • Acquire the skills to become a leader in the community with workshops from career professionals.
  • Participate in community service projects and activities.
  • Earn a Leadership Academy Certificate upon completion of the program.

How to Apply

To be eligible to apply, students must be:

  • An 11th grade students, in good standing.
  • Enrolled full-time and attending a high school in Atlanta Public Schools or another public school district in Fulton, Clayton, DeKalb, or Douglas counties.
  • Self-identified as being a person of color, including multi-racial.
  • Recognized as having leadership potential.
  • Nominated by the principal, guidance counselor, or teacher at their school.

*Note: To apply for the MJYF Leadership Academy you will need a signed letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, coach, or other non-family leader. This person should know you well and be able to tell us about your character, academic and leadership skills, and/or your experience with community service. Be sure they discuss ways in which you would be an asset to the Leadership Academy and how the Leadership Academy would help you achieve your goals. Please attain this signed letter prior to beginning the application process.

Before starting the enrollment application, please have your signed letter of recommendation ready to submit. This application includes 2 essay questions and will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Application must be completed in one session.

DOWNLOAD COMPLETE LIST OF APPLICATION QUESTIONS