Young Leaders Academy

The Young Leaders Academy (YLA) is a free summer leadership conference run by the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville for Kentucky high school students. It is a four-day residential program held on the University of Louisville campus. Students live on campus during the conference. The yearly theme is Revisiting American Constitutionalism. Sessions are taught by University of Louisville faculty, staff and students, along with outside experts on the American founding. Topics include where the written constitution came from and the debates between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists. Every student selected receives a full scholarship that covers lodging, meals and all conference materials, so there is no cost to attend. The conference typically takes place in July, though exact dates change from year to year.

Open to Kentucky residents who are at least high school freshmen when they apply and who will have finished at least one year of high school by the time the conference begins. Selection is based on academic record and interest in leadership, American history and civics. Applicants submit an application form, a resume, one letter of recommendation, and an essay of 500 to 700 words about what good leadership means and why they want to attend. Applications usually open in January and close in late March.