2026 Summer Leadership Academy Application

Note: If you are using a shared device to complete this application, make sure you are not logged in to someone else's Mount Mary account.

The Center for Women's Leadership is excited to host the Summer Leadership Academy at Mount Mary University, June 21 - June 26, 2026.
The Summer Leadership Academy welcomes high-achieving, mature and motivated high school students who share a common interest in preparing for college success, career exploration, and leadership development. New participants who successfully complete this robust, immersive leadership and college readiness program will earn 2 college credits from Mount Mary University.

This program is for young women who will be entering grades 10, 11 or 12 in fall 2026. Program participants must commit to attend all days of the program. Prospective students must apply for admission to the program. As there is limited space in each pathway, prospective students are encouraged to apply early for the best chance of enrolling in their first choice of pathways. Young women from the U.S. or abroad who are currently in their freshman, sophomore, or junior year of high school are eligible to apply. The 2026 Summer Leadership Academy will accept up to 70 students.

Application Instructions

This application has several components and must be completed in one session; your progress will not be saved if you refresh the page or try to come back to this application at a later time. We strongly recommend that you gather all of the necessary information and complete the required essays before starting the application. Once you've prepared the materials below, applying should only take about 10 minutes.

To complete this application, you will need several key pieces of information:

Email address for a parent/guardian
Parent/guardian signature (at the end)
Phone number and email for a reference (may not be a family member - must be a teacher, counselor, coach, club leader, employer, faith leader, or adult in a similar leadership role.
Letter of recommendation from your reference, which must address the following:
- How do you know the student applicant? For how many months/years?
- The student applicant's drive and ability to successfully participate in this robust pre-college program where new students earn 2 college credits upon completion.
- What strengths do you feel this student will bring to and build on by attending the Summer Leadership Academy?

Additionally, you will be required to submit the following:

Resume/Activities list
Essay (500-750 words): Tell us about yourself. Why did you choose to apply to the Summer Leadership Academy? What strengths will you bring to the Summer Leadership Academy? How do you hope to grow? What are your goals after high school graduation? How will participating in the Summer Leadership academy help you achieve your goals?

If you plan to apply to the STEAM Girls Scholarship, there is an additional required short answer question:

How have the STEAM/GE Girls camp and alumni events helped you plan your future studies and career?

If you plan to apply to for a Summer Leadership Academy Financial Assistance Scholarship, there is an additional required short answer question

Please explain your financial need for a full or half tuition scholarship to the Summer Leadership Academy and how receiving this scholarship would help you achieve your educational goals.
(350 word minimum).

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Admissions Decisions

Completed applications are reviewed by the selection committee. Applicants are evaluated on the strength of their essays, their co-curricular resume, and the letter of recommendation submitted on their behalf. Admissions decisions will be made on or before April 1, 2026. Applicants will be notified of the selection committee's decision by email. Applicants who are selected to attend the Summer Leadership Academy will be sent the link to a secondary form, requesting additional information and tuition payment. Students who are not initially selected will be wait-listed for the program.

Tuition & Financial Assistance

Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, tuition for the 6-day/5-night Summer Leadership Academy is offered at a reduced rate of $900 (actual program cost per student is $1200) and includes the cost of 2 college credits, all courses, lodging, meals, materials, and supplies. This represents a significant savings of $300 per student.

Once an applicant has been accepted into the Summer Leadership Academy, an Accepted Student Form will be sent to the accepted applicant. Accepted students must confirm their attendance by completing the Accepted Student Form and paying tuition, making a payment plan, or paying the scholarship deposit by April 15, 2026.

Thanks to the generous support of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, we are able to provide up to 36 eligible students with full tuition scholarships. Additionally, other generous sponsors have enabled us to provide a limited number of additional full and half-tuition scholarships to financially eligible students. You'll find the scholarship application at the end of the main application form.

If you don't qualify for a scholarship but still need help financing the program, we offer a payment plan option. For details, please contact Program Director Alexandra Hoslet at hosleta@mtmary.edu.

Public Health Policy

If there are any public health issues at the time of the 2026 Summer Leadership Academy, the most updated public health policies and protocols will be sent to participants prior to the beginning of the program. Mount Mary University will continue to follow the recommendations of the CDC and local public health agencies in regard to public health protocols.

Summer Leadership Academy Rules and Expectations

Participants are not allowed to drive or ride in personal vehicles during the dates of the program unless they receive specific permission to do so from the Academy Director. While we understand that some participants will drive to the campus, our policy is that they must turn their car keys in to the Academy Director for the duration of the Academy. Any vehicles parked on campus must have a University Parking Permit. Parking permits will be issued during on-site registration, and clear instructions will be given as to where parking is authorized. It will be the responsibility of the participant to secure a permit, properly place the permit in the vehicle, park the vehicle in an authorized space, and turn the keys in to the Academy Director for safekeeping during the program. Neither Mount Mary University nor the Academy staff will be responsible for damage to vehicles or for any parking tickets, fines, or towing charges that result from violations.
Participants must remain on campus for the duration of the program unless program activities require otherwise. If a participant needs to leave campus for some reason, the Academy Director must receive prior written permission from the parent or guardian, and grant specific permission.
Campus regulations prohibit the use of alcohol and other illegal substances. Participants may not possess, use, distribute, or sell alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, firearms, weapons, or fireworks. Violation of this rule will lead to immediate expulsion from the Academy.
In accordance with federal law, the federal age to purchase all tobacco and nicotine products (including cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, and hookahs) is 21 years old. Smoking is not permitted in any buildings on the Mount Mary University Campus. The City of Milwaukee prohibits vaping where smoking is prohibited. Violation of this rule will lead to immediate expulsion from the Academy.
The only people permitted in rooms are staff, members of the participant's immediate family, the participant's roommate and other participants residing in the residence hall.
All meals, including snacks, are provided by the Summer Leadership Academy. Food deliveries by family, friends, restaurants, or food delivery services are strictly prohibited.
Participants are allowed to bring snacks with them at the time of check in. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided in each residence hall room. Only NUT FREE snacks are allowed.
Participants must attend all sessions, meals, and planned social or recreational activities. Full participation is the only way a participant can gain real value from the Academy and earn the two college credits. A missed session must be approved by the Academy Director.
Participants will refrain from using electronic devices (i.e. cell phones, iPads, computers, etc.) during instructional periods unless authorized by presenters or university faculty and staff.
Participants must abide by rules and guidelines set by the instructors for each academic facility in use.
Participants will abide by nightly curfews, returning to the dorms by 9:30pm and "Lights Out" announcements from the Academy Director, Resident Advisors or Peer Mentors. Participants must be in their OWN room by 10:00pm and remain there until morning. 'Lights Out' is 10:30pm. Any use of cell phones or other electronic devices is prohibited after 'Lights Out.'
Participants must never misuse internet privileges. Attempting to access unauthorized sites is strictly prohibited.
Participants may not tamper with any fire equipment (i.e. fire extinguishers, fire alarms, smoke detectors, etc.) security system, or tamper with locks in participant rooms and other areas. Violation of this rule will lead to immediate expulsion from the Academy.
All furniture must remain unchanged and kept in place. Vandalism and pranks will not be permitted. Any damages caused in rooms or common areas will be charged to the responsible party. Replacement cost will be charged to anyone who removes or damages University property.
Participants should take room key when leaving their room. Leave excess money and valuables at home. Valuables, including jewelry, iPads, cellphones, electronics, etc., may be brought to campus, at participant's own risk. Neither Mount Mary University nor the Summer Leadership Academy is responsible for damages, theft, loss of money, valuables, or any personal effects of participants.
Participants who lose their room key(s) will be charged a $50/key replacement fee.

I have read the above information and am ready to complete the application.

Have you attended a Summer Leadership Academy before?

Yes

We're delighted that you're interested in participating in Summer Leadership Academy for another year! Please note that if you earned credits for your participation in the past, you will not earn additional credits for participating again, but you will still get all of the other great benefits and experiences that SLA offers.

Personal Information

Legal First Name

Middle Name

Legal Last Name

Preferred Name (If different from legal name)

Birthdate

Contact Information

Cell Phone

Do you give permission to Mount Mary University to contact you via text message at the number provided?

Personal Email (do not use your school email address)

School Email

School Email (device type - hidden/defaulted)

Mailing Address

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Parent/Guardian Information

Please enter your parent/guardian's contact information.

Contact 1

Relationship Type

Parent/Guardian 1 First Name

Parent/Guardian 1 Last Name

Parent/Guardian 1 Mobile Number

Parent/Guardian 1 Email

rel - mobile phone type hidden

Is this parent/guardian's address the same as your address, entered above?

Yes

Parent/Guardian 1 Address

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Contact 2

Relationship Type

Parent/Guardian 2 First Name

Parent/Guardian 2 Last Name

Parent/Guardian 2 Mobile Number

Parent/Guardian 2 Email

rel - mobile phone type hidden

Is this parent/guardian's address the same as your address?

Yes

Parent/Guardian 2 Address

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Tell us about you!

Mount Mary University's Summer Leadership Academy is committed to serving students and mentors of all races, ethnicities, national origins, religions, and sexual orientations. All applicants are encouraged to apply. The information requested below will help us to measure our effectiveness with recruitment and programming, but it is not required.

Are you Hispanic or Latino of any race?

Yes

Please select all of the options below that describe you:

American Indian or Alaska Native

Asian

Black or African American

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific

White

Is English your primary language?

Yes

What is your primary language?

If you or anyone in your household would prefer communication or programming in a language besides English, please select the language below:

How did you hear about the Summer Leadership Academy?

High School Guidance/College Counselor

Email Invitation

Family/Friend

Mount Mary Website

Mount Mary Admissions Representative

Mount Mary Coach/Athletic Department

Radio

Social Media

Other

Other please list:

Please check any pre-college programs that you have participated in.

Pearls for Teen Girls

College Possible

GE Girls

Boys and Girls Club

Girl Scouts

None

Other

Other please list:

Did someone refer you to the Summer Leadership Academy?

Yes

Please share the name and contact information of the person who referred you:

Enrollment Information

What year will you enroll in college for the first time?

Entry Type hidden

What is your anticipated program of study?

High School Information

High School

Graduation Year

Are you interested in being considered for instant admission to Mount Mary University while participating in the Summer Leadership Academy?

Yes

School type - hidden default to HS

School Counselor's name

School Counselor's Email

Student Resume/Activities List

Describe your involvement in your high school community. List your activities from freshman year on. Please include any clubs, sports, activities, honors/AP classes, awards, work, or personal/family responsibilities.

Please upload your student resume here.

Essay Questions

Essay
Mount Mary University's Summer Leadership Academy wants to learn a little bit more about you and your experiences. Write an essay that answers the questions below. Your essay should be 500-750 words total. Please include your name at the top of each page of your essay before uploading. Essays must be in a Word or PDF document.

Tell us about yourself.
Why did you choose to apply to the Summer Leadership Academy?
What strengths will you bring to the Summer Leadership Academy class of 2026 and how do you hope to grow?
What are your goals after high school graduation?
How will participating in the Summer Leadership Academy help you achieve your future goals?

References

The Mount Mary University Summer Leadership Academy asks each applicant to provide one adult reference who can attest to the applicant's character and ability to positively impact and embrace the Summer Leadership Academy. The reference will need to submit a letter of recommendation which can be uploaded onto this form or submitted online via the Summer Leadership Academy website at mtmary.edu/sla
The adult reference who is writing the letter of recommendation must be a teacher, counselor, advisor, coach, club leader, employer, etc. References cannot be family members.
All references will be contacted.

Reference Information

First name

Last name

Title

Relationship to Student

Preferred Phone Number

Preferred Email

Letter of recommendation must contain the following information:

How do you know the student applicant and for how many months/years?
Please comment on this student's drive and ability to successfully participate in this robust pre-college program where new students earn 2 college credits upon completion.
What strengths do you feel this student will bring to and build upon by attending the 2026 Summer Leadership Academy?

Scholarships

There are 2 scholarship applications in this section. Please note that applicants may apply to as many scholarships as they'd like, but they may only receive up to one full-tuition scholarship.

Wisconsin DPI Precollege Scholarship: To be eligible for this scholarship, students must be eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals (verified by a high school official)
STEAM Girls/GE Girls Scholarship: To be considered for this scholarship, you must have participated in a STEAM Girls/GE Girls program.

Please note: all participants, including those who receive a full scholarship, are required to submit a $50 deposit to reserve their spot in the Summer Leadership Academy.

DPI Precollege Scholarship

Thanks to a generous grant from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Mount Mary University is able to provide up to 36 students with a full scholarship to attend the Summer Leadership Academy. To apply for this scholarship, students must complete DPI's Precollege Scholarship Application, including signatures from a parent/guardian and a school official, verifying eligibility:

English
Spanish
Hmong

Completed & signed DPI Application forms can be sent to mmu-admissop@mtmary.edu or the address below:

Mount Mary University
Attn: Enrollment Operations
2900 N Menomonee River Parkway
Milwaukee, WI 53222

DPI Scholarship Applications must be received by March 9, 2026 to be considered.

Do you plan to apply for the DPI Precollege Scholarship?

Yes - I will print, complete, and email or mail in the required form.

Yes - I do not have easy access to a printer, and would like Mount Mary to mail me a copy of the required form.

No - I do not plan to apply for this scholarship

Sure thing! We will mail you a paper copy of the DPI Scholarship Application within the next week.

Sure thing! We will mail you a paper copy of the DPI Scholarship Application in both English and Spanish within the next week.

Sure thing! We will mail you a paper copy of the DPI Scholarship Application in both English and Hmong within the next week.

STEAM Girls/GE Girls Camp Scholarship Application

Stipulation Statement for STEAM Girls/GE Girls Camp Scholarship Recipients: You must have participated in the Metro-Milwaukee STEAM Girls/GE Girls Camp to be eligible for this scholarship.

STEAM Girls will award up to 9 full scholarships for the Summer Leadership Academy. As a recipient of the STEAM Girls Scholarship, you will be recognized as a STEAM Girls Ambassador. This role includes the following responsibilities, which are highly encouraged but not mandated:

Providing a testimonial about your experiences with the STEAM Girls camp, alumni events, and Summer Leadership Academy.
Serving as an alumni advisor- providing feedback to the STEAM Girls leadership team (up to 4 times yearly).
Mentoring opportunities for future participants, as available and interested.

Scholarship winners will be selected based on their responses to the essay questions. Priority will be given to applicants with higher class seniority in the event of a tie. Additionally, those who apply for scholarships this year will have their applications noted and considered in subsequent years.

Will you submit a STEAM Girls Scholarship application?

Yes

Please note that a $50 non-refundable deposit is required from all scholarship recipients to secure their place in the Summer Leadership Academy.

STEAM Girls Scholarship -
I will apply for the following STEAM Girls Scholarship

Full scholarship of $900.00

Half scholarship of $450.00

Essay
Please answer the following prompts:

How have the STEAM Girls camp and alumni events helped you plan your future studies and career?
Give specific examples of how these experiences have shaped your goals and how you plan to use STEM to help your community.
How will receiving this scholarship help you achieve your educational goals?

Application Acknowledgement

I have thoroughly read the Summer Leadership Academy application form and agree to comply and abide by:

All terms and conditions that appear on this application form;
The rules and regulations governing the conduct of the Summer Leadership Academy participant;
The rules and regulations as outlined in the various publications sponsored by the University;
All other current University rules and regulations governing the conduct of guests and any that may be adapted and published by the University during the term of this contract.

By signing this document, I certify that all information contained herein is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, and I understand that the submission of false information is grounds for denial of my application, withdrawal of any offer of acceptance, cancellation of the enrollment or any appropriate disciplinary action. I authorize Mount Mary University to verify the information I have provided with all the schools I have attended. I agree to notify the proper officials of the institution of any changes in the information provided. I give my high school(s) permission to send my official transcript(s) directly to Mount Mary University if requested.

I acknowledge that I am aware of the dates of the 2026 Summer Leadership Academy. If I am selected, barring any unexpected events, I am committed to participating in the entire 2026 Summer Leadership Academy on the Mount Mary University campus from June 21-26, 2026.

Certification

By signing below, I agree to abide by all Summer Leadership Academy Rules and Expectations.

I agree to the above statement.

Participant Signature

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Parent/Guardian Signature

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