Self-leadership
Build confidence, communicate clearly, make decisions, and recognize your strengths.
Discover · Prepare · Connect
Your future is yours to define.
Our programs bring personal growth and practical preparation together, with support for the next step you choose.
Future Leader Academy
Our Purpose & Promise
The MELI Future Leader Academy brings together self-discovery, practical learning, supportive relationships, experiential opportunities, reflection, and action.
Participants are seen, supported, challenged, and empowered to understand their strengths and voice, identify meaningful aspirations, and make purposeful choices.
Future Leader Academy
Lead Yourself.
Define Your Future.
In development · Ages 17–24A six-month experience for young people connected to Milwaukee or surrounding communities. The inaugural cohort is planned for up to 15 participants.
Ask about the AcademyContact MELI for launch, schedule, and application updates.
What the experience includes
- Empowerment WorkshopAn opening 1.5-day experience to explore your strengths, voice, and goals.
- Interactive learning & mentoringAcademy sessions, a mentor, and opportunities to practice new skills.
- Exploration & community impactExposure experiences and a Community Impact Project.
- A plan for your next chapterA Personal Leadership Action Plan, six Leadership Passport milestones, and a Culminating Celebration.
Practical learning. Personal growth.
Skills for everyday leadership.
Mentorship
Receive encouragement, guidance, and developmental support as you think through your next steps.
Financial literacy
Explore budgeting, money management, financial decision-making, and future planning.
Career readiness
Practice personal branding, resume building, interviewing, and professional communication.
Purpose & growth
Explore your voice, meaningful goals, and what success looks like for you.
Community connection
Build relationships, explore opportunities, and contribute through shared learning and engagement.
A few things you may be wondering.
Do I need leadership experience?
No prior leadership experience is required for the Academy. You do not need a leadership title or have your future figured out.
Who is the Academy designed for?
Young people ages 17–24 who live, attend school, work, or have another meaningful connection to Milwaukee or surrounding communities.
When can I apply?
The Academy is in development. Email info@meliinc.org to ask about launch and application updates.
What if school, work, or other responsibilities affect participation?
MELI recognizes that young people balance real responsibilities. Contact us to discuss participation needs and the support or flexibility that may help.
Empowerment & Leadership Workshop
Empowerment & Leadership Workshop
A 1.5-day experience for young people ages 17–24 that brings personal reflection together with practical preparation for life, education, and work.
Participants explore finding their voice, building confidence, understanding their strengths and purpose, and setting meaningful goals. Financial literacy, resume building, interview skills, and action planning help connect what they discover about themselves to steps they can take next.
Visit the workshop page →The workshop creates space to ask questions, learn with others, and begin a personal action plan. Each participant receives a MELI Leadership Journal and a kit of tools and reminders to carry the learning forward.