Our Approach
The Difference
Mirror Image Leadership Academy is not a behavioral modification program, a tutoring program, or a mentoring program. While these are important tools, we focus on shifting the mindset of young men. This empowers them to discover and utilize their own God-given leadership potential.
We believe that focusing on changing a young man’s mindset will address the root causes of distorted images of self-worth; an issue developed as a result of a variety of social, economic, and familial factors.
We offer a 3-year leadership development experience for incoming 7th graders, with a summer academy as the capstone.
We focus on the power young men have within themselves to shape their future by discovering, understanding, and valuing who they are.
We believe this process of discovery and understanding cannot happen through behavior modification techniques or formal education alone. We invite young men to engage in the process of expanding their own minds by exposing them to different people, places, and ideas.
MILA emphasizes five (5) attributes of true leadership
EXPOSURE
1ST YEAR
Local Exposure
2ND YEAR
Domestic Exposure
3RD YEAR
International Exposure
Exposure trips
We don’t seek to just tell young men about their potential. We want to show them the world to help them discover their rightful place in it.
The progressive experience of local, national, and international trips over the course of the three (3) year leadership academy program is the centerpiece of our learning approach.
The learning and self-discovery that takes place in a new environment cannot be replicated in a school or other institutional environment.
Interactive & Engaged Learning
Engagement is the key to this leadership academy. We do not view young men as blank canvases, or sponges to absorb what we teach them. They are active participants in their own discovery and growth process.
We engage them in conversations with leaders, facilitate discussion groups, and encourage creative expression through written and spoken word exercises (poetry, music, rap, etc.)
OUR
Programs
MILA School Year Academy
This program takes place on the second Saturday of every month during the academic year.
It runs from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and includes breakfast, working in the True Leader Model curriculum, team-building activities, daily affirmations, and a local exposure trip from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.
MILA Extended-Day Academy (After-school)
This program aims to provide academic support, positive reinforcement, scholar assessment, and recreation to help scholars excel scholastically, socially, and spiritually.
Our goal is to help close the achievement gaps in a safe, supportive, and stable environment.
MILA Summer Academy
This is a capstone program for all three cohorts in our 3-year leadership development experience. It's designed for 7th, 8th, and 9th-grade scholars and runs Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm for the entire month of June.
The program includes breakfast, True Leader Model curriculum, daily affirmations, lunch, team-building activities, free time, and exposure trips. Additionally, we offer a progressive exposure experience of local, national, and international travel during the summer.