The At The Well Summer Leadership Academy at Princeton University will return in July 2024, marking 14 years of cultivating young Black brains. Black excellence and good leadership are critical instruments for achieving success in times of instability. Jacqueline Glass, CEO of At The Well Conferences, Inc. (ATW), and Executive Director April Burch Sookra are bringing their renowned 2-week academy back to Princeton Theological Seminary (PTS) to shape future leaders. To commemorate its black legacy, PTS installed Dr. Jonathon Walton as the seminary’s first African American president.
Students across the country can now apply for this once-in-a-lifetime chance. At the Well Young Women’s Leadership Academy will take held at Princeton Theological Seminary’s Erdman Center from July 16 to July 29, 2024. The application deadline is March 31, 2024. The first three days of the program will be virtual, with on-campus sessions beginning July 20. Minority girls in their sophomore and junior years of high school gain on-campus college life experience in an Ivy League setting by living in dorms and taking classes with a core curriculum designed primarily to boost the number of Black female corporate leaders.
During the two-week program, kids participate in leadership workshops and study critical thinking and college essay writing.
This year’s brand ambassadors are Brandi Harvey, who will set the tone for the event, and Nicole Ari Parker, who will provide the closing remarks. Nicole will spend two days with the scholars, discussing life choices and college options.
ATW collaborates with numerous celebrities, high-profile figures, educators, and activists who share their life experiences and personal testimony. This year’s presenters come from medical, legal, and financial backgrounds. Previous speakers include historian Julianne Malveaux, 2016 Democratic National Convention Chief Leah Daughtry, physician Michele Reed, and plus-size supermodel Liris Crosse.
Workshop facilitators concentrate on developing skills to provide well-rounded experiences. Past participants include Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche, Lisa Ascolese, founder of A-to-Z and featured inventor on QVC and HSN, and Eden Duncan Smith, a rising actress. Financial literacy, achieving a good body image, starting a business, promoting health and wellness, and increasing self-esteem are among the topics covered.