Leadership Academy

What is the Leadership Academy?

The Leadership Academy is an academically focused summer program for minority and Twenty-First Century Scholar students who are graduating from high school and plan on attending IU South Bend in the Fall. Participating students will complete two classes over a six-week period in the summer. Each class prepares students for success and leadership as they enter their First Year Experience at IU South Bend.

Invest YOUR time and effort, and WE invest in your future!

College is expensive and it requires a commitment of both time and effort. Participants receive a scholarship that pays 100% of the tuition and required fees for the TWO elective college courses they will take during the academy. Textbooks, notebooks, supplies, and even a backpack are also provided! In exchange, students are required to attend classes four days a week (Monday through Thursday) beginning on June 25th and concluding on August 13th. A typical academy day runs from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Any academically eligible African-American, Latino, or Twenty First Century Scholar student who has been admitted to IU South Bend for summer 2020 (preferred GPA 2.5 and above).

All students are welcome to apply! The Academy’s primary audience, however, continues to be students who have been historically underrepresented and underserved at our colleges and universities. The Academy embodies the university mission to value “diversity and inclusivity” on our campus.

Students may complete and submit a hard-copy application directly to IU South Bend, or submit the application directly to their school counselor. IU South Bend staff will collect the applications from the schools.

There is a series of REQUIRED pre-Academy workshops–Dates to be announced.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the Academy is filled.

Academy participants will be notified on or about June 5, 2020. Accepted applicants will receive, (1) an email of acceptance, (2) a participation commitment/confirmation form and, (3) a follow-up a “Welcome to the Academy” phone call from Academy Staff.

July 6 through August 14, 2020.

There is also an optional six-week on-campus River Cross Student Housing residential experience (Sunday afternoon to Thursday at 5:00 p.m. each week). This live-in opportunity introduces students to college life, provides on-campus study time, and programs to ensure academic success. The cost is $45 weekly. (Students may have financial aid eligibility as determined by the 2019/2020 academic year FAFSA which must be submitted prior to the start of the Academy).

Two courses, a 3-creditHistory A124 course, the Black and Chicano Civil Rights Movements, and a 3-creditEducation U100 course entitled “Threshold Seminar” that focuses on the learning strategies, study aptitudes, and critical thinking skills that assist students to successfully navigate the transition from high school to college.

IU South Bend covers the entire academic costs of the Academy, including books and supplies! This $1500 scholarship increases college affordability and provides students a 6-credit jumpstart towards credit hour requirements for the 21^st Century Scholar (30 each academic year) and Frank O’Bannon Higher Education (24-30 each academic year) state awards.

The Academy meets Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide lunch during the Academy. As this is an academic Academy, students who choose to remain on campus beyond 1:00 p.m. (to utilize campus resources to complete their homework assignments) may either pack a lunch or bring money to purchase lunch from the University Grill, Sub Connection, or a restaurant of their choice located near campus.

While there is no formal dress code, students are strongly encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and for the academic setting.

Yes! Experienced students serve as peer mentors for the Academy participants!

Yes, you should know that we WILL do everything possible to ensure that you receive a high-quality summer experience in the Academy.

Students in the academy earn six FREE college credits through two courses. One is a three credit-hour course on the history of the Black and Chicano Civil Rights Movements, and the other a threshold seminar that prepares them for the transition from high school to college level course work and responsibilities. The credits earned will meet two general or elective education requirements, REGARDLESS OF A STUDENT'S MAJOR. Successful completion of the academy also provides a jump start on the road to the “15 to Finish” goal set to help students graduate from college in four years.

The academy goes beyond mere summer classes. A variety of social events, field trips and leadership building group activities are integrated throughout to help students connect with the campus and each other. An abundance of academic resources, excellent faculty, knowledgeable peer mentors, success coaches, and administrators all have one simple goal...student success!

The Summer Leadership Academy is for graduating high school senior students that plan on attending IU South Bend in the Fall. A maximum of 40 students will be accepted into the academy. For priority consideration applicants must:

Apply and be accepted into IU South Bend
Complete a 2020/2021 FAFSA
Submit the Leadership Academy Application by May 1st for priority consideration
Register for the IU South Bend Placement Exams

We encourage you to discuss the Leadership Academy with your parents and your school counselor and if you have any additional questions. Also, please feel free to contact any of the Titan Success Coaches at (574) 520-4565.

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Leadership Academy

What is the Leadership Academy?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is invited to attend the Leadership Academy?

Why only these students? Are other students allowed to apply as well?

What is the application process for the Leadership Academy?

What’s new for the Leadership Academy application in 2020?

What is the application deadline for the Leadership Academy?

When are selected participants notified of program acceptance?

What are the dates of the Academy?

Are there any additional benefits to the Academy experience?

Which courses are taught in the Academy?

The students earn 6 credits? How will they be able to afford this program?

What are the hours of the Academy?

Is lunch provided during the Academy?

Is there a dress code?

Will the students have the opportunity to meet other IU South Bend students?

Is there anything else that you believe I should know in order finalize my decision on whether to say “YES” to the Academy experience?

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