CANTON, Mo. — Culver-Stockton College looks to bring youth leaders grades 9-12 to participate in the inaugural Fabiola Leadership Academy this summer.
The camp is set for June 12-16 on campus. The program will teach students leadership skills so they can grow into effective ethical leaders at home and in the classroom and workplace. Attendees will discover their passions through activities at the camp and participate in ethical decision-making exercises, team work and community-based learning.
Dr. Matthew Osborn, assistant professor of business and prestigious Moorman Professor, says the college received a grant from the Moorman Foundation in recent years and it was his dream to host a summer camp to reach high school students. The grant was provided to focus on the three pillars of leadership: ethics, free-market economics and democracy in civil engagement.
The Moorman Foundation was founded in 1942 by Charles and Fabiola Moorman. The organization’s main focuses are ethical, economic and legal principles of a free society. The foundation believes these principles allow for a deeper appreciation and credibility of a free society and a generation of more-engaged Americans.
“We’re going to emphasize the three types of decision-making: rational, non-rational and irrational,” Osborn told The Heartlander, adding there’s actually a step-by-step process you can use in making good decisions and problem solving. “I don’t think those are typical topics taught at the high school level.”
Students will live on campus to gain a feeling for life in a college dorm. They will go into public settings to learn teamwork and develop leadership skills, while earning 15 service hours for their participation. The young leaders will have a chance to experience simulations and “pitch” competitions where they can win monetary prizes.
For the inaugural year of the Fabiola Leadership Academy, students will not be accredited but Osborn says accreditation could come in the future.
“I think this is a fantastic way for young people who are not sure they want to go to college to come and explore the college environment in a very safe and open one-week summer camp. It gives students an opportunity to do something in the summer that develops skills in the long-term. I’m not against sports camps or YMCA camps or anything – but it will definitely be different from those, in that we are trying to teach them skills for a lifetime.”
Those interested in attending the academy must apply online by April 1. The cost is $100, and includes a week-long curriculum. To apply, visit the academy registration website.
