Mission

The American Leadership Academy (ALA) exists to support programs which provide education and training for college students and young graduates in the areas of leadership, scholarship, service, citizenship and free enterprise. The programs supported by the ALA will promote the value of education; the importance of honorable conduct and the application of ethics for good leadership, citizenship, patriotism and service; and healthy and successful lifestyles.

Philosophy

The American college experience is arguably the best academic preparation in the world. However, over the last several decades, the teaching of skills in leadership, service, citizenship and free enterprise have become increasingly rare, except as a component of extra-curricular organizations. These skills are vital to the success of our nation and its continued position as a world leader and should be supported, developed and encouraged.

Those who have qualified themselves for secondary education are, historically, most likely to achieve positions of leadership and authority in our nation and world. These men and women need and deserve programs which supplement the academic experience. Involvement in practical leadership programs would create the means for participants to discover, understand and assimilate valuable leadership skills and provide access to individuals who have incorporated them successfully into their lives. The ALA has been established to provide that opportunity.

Implementation

The Cabo Leadership Experience puts seasoned, accomplished leaders from a variety of professions, together with undergraduate leaders (and leaders-to-be) for a week of presentations, workshops and discussions. The goal is to give students the knowledge and skills that will make them successful in whatever roles they wish to pursue in life, and give faculty an understanding of the issues that challenge a younger generation.

Informal break-out and roundtable discussions outside the classroom are used to promote relationships between generations and allow more in-depth discussion about the classroom content and how it is relevant to the paths students may choose in life. Students leave the week with clearer values and goals, greater confidence in pursuing leadership positions, and with several new mentor contacts to help them succeed.