Leadership Academy

Program Overview

The Lakeside Leadership Academy connects motivated young adults with knowledgeable community members in their fields of interest, fostering both professional and personal growth.

Participants are paired with mentors for weekly meetings and engage in curated readings, as well as group panels and discussions that deepen learning and connection.

Student Applications

The Lakeside Leadership Academy seeks young people interested in personal and professional development. Lakeside interns, summer employees, local residents or vacationers are all encouraged to apply. Participants must be ages 18-24 and available from June 16-July 28, 2026.

Mentor and/or Panelist Applications

The Lakeside Leadership Academy invites community members who are passionate about investing in young adults to serve as mentors, panelists, or both.

Mentors meet with an assigned student for one hour each week at a mutually convenient time. Whenever possible, mentors are encouraged to continue building the relationship throughout the summer.

The Academy also seeks panelists who can lead a two-hour session and share insights with the group. Panelists may present on What Matters Most as a Leader (timeless principles about good leadership), Why Leadership Matters (how young professionals can reach leadership positions and deal with high levels of stress, added workloads and managing people), How Leaders Navigate Challenges (significant challenges panelists have faced and how to navigate challenges for the future).

Meet Sophia Porcari, Lakeside Leadership Program Facilitator

I’m Sophia Porcari, facilitator of the Lakeside Leadership Academy in its second year. I am a rising senior at Robert Morris University studying Strategic Communications and Human Resources Management.

Lakeside has always held a special place in my heart, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help develop upcoming leaders in a place that has meant so much to me over the years.

I had a great experience participating in the Leadership Academy as a student last summer, which inspired me to put my own mark on this year’s program. Over the past semester, I’ve worked with the Lakeside team to build a leadership and career development framework designed to equip young professionals with the tools, confidence and practices they need to lead in their current capacities and beyond.

I’m looking forward to bringing the academy back to Lakeside for its second summer! If you know someone who may be interested in participating as a student, mentor or panel speaker – or if you have any questions about the program – please contact [email protected].