The 2026 Academy will be held June 8th - 12th

Classes will be held at
Beech Grove High School
5330 Hornet Avenue
Beech Grove, Indiana 46107

Applications are currently being accepted.

​​Click Here

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Announcing a partnership with the
Beech Grove Comprehensive Drug-free Coalition

The Indianapolis Youth Leadership Academy is in partnership with The Beech Grove Comprehensive Drug-free Coalition, in association with CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America). We are working to develop youth and parental training programs in support of reducing substance use disorder with an emphasis on opioid usage, and youth smoking as well as promoting healthy family values and practices. The Beech Grove CDFC also works in conjunction with the St. Francis Health Network.

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The Leadership Test
‘Am I doing the Right Thing,
at the Right Time,
​in the Right Way,
and for the Right Reason?’
  © The Gallagher Westfall Group

"The circumstances of trials and tribulations do not shape or dictate your character, they only reveal your character to others. Leaders understand Adversity simply introduces a man or woman to Themselves and gives Opportunities for Improvement, to grow and refine ones’ character."
​- Dr. Harry Reeder

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​Comments from the 2025 academy student evaluations

• The program is awesome. Overall, I will recommend this to someone that has a goal of success in life.
• ​The academy showed me how to be a great leader and really emphasized how to reach a higher level in leadership and working together.
• The instructors and speakers were masters of their topics.
• Attention to detail, very knowledgeable instructors.​
• Discovering the DiSC test and its abilities was the best class. Understanding my profile will help me very much in the future working with others.
• The academy shows its commitment to its students, and the knowledge it gives to them for success in life.
• The people that were chosen to speak had great experiences and their talks connected to us a lot.
• The variety of instructors and all their insights / experience was outstanding.
• The greatest strength is definitely the DiSC assessment and the Q6. The instructor held everyone’s attention in the class.
• The mentorship class opened my eyes to helping others in my life.
• ​​Having the speakers who come here and tell us of their experiences is an outstanding feature of the academy.

​"Successful people lead, and the earlier the knowledge and skills of leadership are acquired, the more successful an individual will be in life. The IYLA’s one week training program provides young men and women with the knowledge and leadership skills to teach, coach, direct, and support those who are working with one another, to effectively solve problems and accomplish missions.

Individuals who have graduated from the academy are inspired to reach their full potential as adults with the ability to provide mentorship, ethical guidance, and character development to those they lead.  I would encourage young people who have a strong work ethic and a desire to succeed in life to apply for an opening with the Indianapolis Youth Leadership Academy." 

​- Doug Carter, former Superintendent Indiana State Police

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven in the lives of others”
- Pericles, the Warrior,
​(495 – 429 BC)

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IYLA Graduating Class

What is the Indianapolis ​Youth Leadership Academy?

 
The Indianapolis Youth Leadership Academy (IYLA) is a tuition free five-day learning experience for young men and women 15 - 18 years of age, interested in receiving a basic knowledge of leadership regarding individuals and organizations.  Students are accepted from the Indianapolis metropolitan area including the surrounding counties.  The only requirements are 1.) the ability to do basic high school class work, 2.) a desire for success, 3.) a positive attitude, and 4.) a good work ethic. The focus of the instruction is on the individual leader, as well as specific ways the students can lead people with differing levels of ability and motivation.  In each of the classes presented, character, ethics, mentorship, service to others, and individual success are stressed by the instructors. The Academy would benefit all young people, especially those pursuing a career in Business, Public Service, Education, Government or Public
Administration, Public Health, Public Safety, or any other career where leadership is required.  The instruction, all materials (in a full binder, presented to each student who may keep it for a lifetime of reference) and lunch each day are being offered at no cost to the student. Each student receives credit for 45 hours of in-service academic training.
 
All Academy instruction and work done by the student may be done during the class hours as there will be practical exercises and time to work on projects above the material, training, and information covered by the instructors.
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The Indianapolis Youth Leadership Academy IS NOT a camp or summer recreation program! It is an educational course in an academic setting designed to give each participant a basic understanding of individual and group leadership. The training provides a head start in a successful life working with other individuals and organizations.