Fred Saigh Leadership Academy

The Fred Saigh Leadership Academy, beginning in fall 2004, broadens student horizons beyond the classroom through new and unique community-related opportunities. Students looking to join the program can apply online. Teachers may also nominate their students using this form. Check our main applications page for updated deadlines.

Approximately 20 students who show leadership potential participate in a year of training. The curriculum introduces, fosters and develops leadership skills through involving students in issues that face the community. At the completion of the program, the students return to their respective schools equipped to campaign for school offices, manage school projects and assume leadership positions.

The selected students take one day each month to visit and explore key sites/locations and meet leaders throughout the metropolitan area. The program exposes the students to the institutions that make our community vital and effective in meeting the needs of its citizens. Examples include a visit to the St. Louis County Executive’s Office, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and the State Capitol in Jefferson City, Missouri. To get a fuller sense of what activities the program involves, you can take a look at this year’s schedule of activities.