Discover yourself. Embrace the leader in you. Change the world.
The Leadership and Purpose Institute at Saint Mary’s College is a week-long, overnight, immersive leadership experience designed for high school girls who are eager to explore their potential and make a meaningful impact in the world. Through experiential learning, engaging speakers, thoughtful class discussions, and the power of storytelling, participants will explore leadership and service frameworks in a multicultural context while strengthening their leadership identity and discerning their calling and vocation.
Throughout the week, participants will work closely with Saint Mary’s students and professors to develop leadership skills, strengthen core values, build authentic relationships, and experience a taste of college life.
Rooted in Saint Mary’s mission, the Institute weaves in spiritual reflection, inviting students to consider how faith, purpose, and vocation inform leadership and service. By the end of the program, students will leave with a deeper sense of self, a stronger understanding of their capacity to lead, and a renewed confidence in their ability to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
Throughout the week, campers will:
- Identify how their unique strengths, values, and life experiences shape their leadership identity.
- Strengthen leadership skills, including communication, teamwork, curiosity, adaptability, creativity, empathy, and confidence.
- Deepen their sense of purpose through guided reflection on their calling, vocation, and what motivates them to serve.
- Explore what it means to lead for the common good by examining multicultural models of leadership and service.
- Build lasting peer connections and practice reflection, dialogue, and discernment beyond the Institute.
Upon completion of the program, participants will receive one hour of elective college credit from Saint Mary's College.
2026 Summer Program Information and Registration
For girls entering grades 9-12 as of September 2026:
Date: July 19-24
Cost: $799
Financial Assistance Available
Questions?
Call: (574) 284-4778
Email: camps@saintmarys.edu