Applications Open for Teen Academy

Students participating in a previous Teen Leadership Academy explore Southern Maryland’s history and community assets. Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Leadership Southern Maryland Teen Leadership Academy presented by Stella’s Girls.

Leadership Southern Maryland and Stella’s Girls are accepting applications for the 2026 Teen Leadership Academy to be held at the College of Southern Maryland’s Hughesville campus July 27-31 from 8am to 5pm.

The academy will be presented by Stella’s Girls, a premier youth leadership development program designed to educate, empower, and inspire the next generation of leaders.

The week-long academy is open to students entering grades 9 through 12 who reside in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties. Apply here.

Applications are due Friday, June 19.

“Leadership doesn’t begin when someone earns a title,” said Sybol Anderson, executive director of Leadership Southern Maryland. “It begins when a young person begins to see themselves as someone who can make a difference. Teen Leadership Academy is about helping young people understand their strengths, use their voices, recognize the positive impact they can have on the world around them, and find their paths to that impact.”

LSM’s Teen Leadership Academy offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in hands-on leadership development, team-building activities, community engagement experiences, and college and career readiness programming. Participants gain direct exposure to influential community leaders from across Southern Maryland, learning firsthand about leadership in government, business, education, healthcare, public safety, nonprofit organizations, and civic life.

Through interactive workshops, site visits, panel discussions, service projects, and networking opportunities, students build meaningful connections with regional leaders while developing the confidence, skills, and relationships necessary to become effective leaders in their schools, communities, and future careers.

“What makes this Academy unique is that students won’t just learn about leadership in a classroom,” said Kaprece James, president and CEO of Stella’s Girls. “They practice leadership, in part by interacting directly with the leaders shaping Southern Maryland every day. These experiences help young people see what is possible for their future while building the confidence and connections needed to lead with purpose.”

Tuition for the program is $1,400, which includes all instructional programming, materials, meals, transportation, facility expenses, and experiential learning activities throughout the week. Financial assistance is available to help ensure that qualified students have access to the program regardless of financial circumstances.

“The academy is intentionally designed as a comprehensive leadership experience,” said Perliter Walters-Gilliam, principal consultant at NBBE Consulting and member of the Leadership Southern Maryland Board of Directors. “Our goal is to remove barriers to civic participation and provide high-quality programming that exposes Southern Maryland youth to opportunities, experiences, and mentors that can influence their lives for years to come.”

The Teen Leadership Academy is part of Leadership Southern Maryland’s broader commitment to developing leaders at every stage of life and strengthening the future of Southern Maryland through education, collaboration, and civic engagement. Interested students and families can learn more and apply online at https://bit.ly/2026TLA.