“The National Leadership Academy was one of the single most impactful experiences I had in high school. I attended NLA twice and came away inspired and motivated to help others and give back to my community. Thanks to the experience I had at NLA, I started my own non-profit organization to perform random acts of kindness in my community. I can’t recommend NLA enough to all high school students!”

“National Leadership Academy was truly a game-changer for our daughter, Lauren. She has always been a confident young woman, but her time at NLA, spent with peers who were seeking inspiration to make an impact on their world, was very significant for her. In those few short days, she was encouraged and empowered by the dynamic group of speakers and presenters, as well as impacted greatly by the community service opportunities. She returned to her community inspired to make a difference.”

“National Leadership Academy has done so much for our students in Rockwood School District and the leadership skills learned are guiding the district to new directions in terms of service, love for others, and an admiration for differences. In light of some of the civil unrest in the St. Louis area as of late, it has been amazing watching our NLA students in action. Quite simply, they get it…”

“NLA is a program that I deeply believe in. Our kids always come back stronger, more inside themselves, more able to use their voices and to give back to others.”

“I loved that everyone was included and it was a safe environment. Everyone was able to be open and experience new things. You leave inspired to do more.”

“NLA helped me to be so much more confident in everything I do. Every aspect of the event, from the moment I sat down to the moment we said goodbye, was life-changing. I am so grateful for everything Tommy, Claire, Jared, BC, Mitch, Kaylee, and all the other staff did for me. I would say that the REAL me was brought out when I was vulnerable and courageous, all because of NLA. I am forever indebted to what that program did for me, and I will give back to NLA someday.”

“It was life changing and the fact that they implemented not only leadership skills, but skills with the heart and emotion was so amazing. I felt like I could finally open up about everything in my past and I could speak with confidence. I loved the chance I had to speak about my experience at Columbine, and the compliments I got from staff and my peers. Everyone is so supportive and lovely and kind. I learned more about myself and how I can take a break from my phone as well.”

“It helped me forgive people and move on, very thankful and very much needed.”

“The education, connection, environment and support/love created is so amazing and rare. I think there is nothing like this kind of environment where the kids are pushed to connect, pushed to feel with their hearts and told they are loved regularly anywhere else on the planet! It’s incredible. I also love that it takes place on a campus and is so close knit yet we have opportunities off site and to experience different things. I also love that each day there is a different focus (Love, Serve, Lead, etc).”

“This has been the most constructive, loving, and empowering experience of my life!”

“I love NLA; the students, staff, the people. There’s a level of love that can’t be reached anywhere else. Thank you!”

“I feel like I could actually say how I felt without being judged.”

“I grew a lot as a person and I learned a lot about myself.
I cleared my soul.”

“I loved getting to know people. The best part was getting so close to the people here and going from complete strangers to family. ”