For Kentucky students
The McConnell Center offers a number of programs and resources for Kentucky students grades K-12, the goal being to enhance students' civic education.
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Young Leaders Academy (grades 9-12)
The Young Leaders Academy (YLA) is a four-day, all-expenses-paid summer residential program at the University of Louisville for Kentucky students who have completed at least one year of high school by the time of the conference.
The theme of the annual conference is Revisiting American Constitutionalism. Sessions are led by faculty, staff and students at the University of Louisville, as well as other experts in the field of the American founding. Conference topics include the origins of the written constitution, the Federalist and Anti-Federalist debates and a variety of other topics pertinent to the birth of the United States.
All students selected to attend the conference will receive a full scholarship that includes free lodging, meals and all conference materials.
Eligibility
Applicants must be a Kentucky resident and at least be a freshman in high school at time of application. Applicants are selected based on their academic record and interest in leadership, American history and civics.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit the following materials:
- Application form (available in early spring)
- Résumé
- One letter of recommendation
- 500-700 word essay based on the prompt: "How do you define good leadership? Why do you wish to attend YLA?"
Apply here!
Applications open in January and close in late March each year. The conference dates vary year to year, but typically take place in July.
Other Programs
Essay Contests
Middle and high school students engage in research on a topic related to U.S. history, government or leadership. Cash prizes available.
Class visits
Tour the Civic Education Gallery of the U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell and Secretary Elaine L. Chao Archives at the University of Louisville. Built around the lives and careers of Sen. McConnell and Sec. Chao, the gallery is designed to educate visitors about American government, history and politics.
Podcast series
Enjoy episodes of the McConnell Center Podcast, which offers thought-provoking conversations with authors, scholars, leaders in the U.S. military and political professionals. Interviews focus on leadership, literature, history, education, politics and life.
Also be sure to check out Vital Remnants, a podcast hosted by McConnell Center Director Gary Gregg, where he considers how lessons from classic works are relevant to today's leadership opportunities and challenges.