The Future is us

Looking to lead change—not just talk about it?

We believe leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about action. Real leadership means stepping up, doing the work, and being willing to speak from experience. It’s not just knowing the issues, but living them, wrestling with the hard questions, and making the kind of choices that inspire others to join you.

And yes, it can be uncomfortable. You’ll be pushed to think critically, to confront systems of power, and sometimes to take a stand when it’s easier not to. But that’s exactly where leadership begins: when you model the values you believe in, especially when it’s tough. That’s how you earn trust, how you move people, and how you start real change.

You’ll be supported every step of the way by a community of peers, alumni, scholars, and professionals who are all living in and committed to this work. You’ll come out not just more informed—but more ready to lead.

Our Leadership Principles

FELLOWS

Our inaugural cohort of Fellows have demonstrated exceptional leadership at every stage. From the very beginning, they took initiative—recruiting peers to join Action Academy, traveling across the country to engage in door-to-door outreach, and stepping up to lead state teams nationwide. Their dedication and drive have set a powerful foundation for the future of our movement.

  • Sam Grant

    Charleston Southern University, SC

  • Alejandra Jimenez

    Oglethorpe University, GA

  • Lilly Reidy

    Flagler University, FL

  • Elizabeth Ishola

    Rutgers University, NJ

  • Giovi Hermansyah

    Oglethorpe University, GA

  • Nini Dang

    University of Houston-Clear Lake, TX

  • Davis McNiell

    Charleston Southern University, SC

  • Chloe Hall

    Ball State University, IN

  • Chidera Ibiam

    Swarthmore College, PA

  • Kyle Brantley

    University of SC. SC

crew LEADS

Crew Leads are Action Academy alumni who come back to help run the show—and trust us, the program wouldn’t be the same without them. As a Crew Lead, you’ll be mentoring students, managing daily operations, and gaining hands-on experience in leadership, teamwork, and project management. It’s the perfect way to keep growing your skills while giving back to the Action Academy community.

Oh, and did we mention? It’s a paid role. Yup—you're getting paid to lead, learn, and make an impact.

If you're an Action Academy alum looking to take your leadership game to the next level, keep an eye out for Crew Lead applications in the Spring!

campus LEADS

Campus Leads is a 6-month internship for student leaders ready to make a real impact. You’ll gain hands-on experience in relational organizing, project management, community engagement, and more—developing critical skills that will benefit you both in and out of the classroom. Plus, you’ll enjoy a stipend, travel opportunities, mentorship, and professional development to help you grow personally and professionally.

This is the first step in a more defined leadership journey. You’ll engage in monthly Zoom sessions, mentor check-ins, and lead impactful projects on your campus and in your community. You’ll be developing skills that set you up for future leadership roles—today.

Each year, newly promoted Crew Leads head to Seattle, Washington for an unforgettable 4-day leadership retreat. This isn’t your typical retreat—get ready for exciting team-building activities, skill-building workshops, and tons of opportunities to connect with fellow leaders. It’s an immersive experience designed to push you out of your comfort zone, boost your confidence, and help you grow both personally and professionally.

By the end of the retreat, you’ll walk away with a clear sense of purpose, a ton of new skills, and a powerful toolkit to lead with impact in any situation. It’s all about having fun, learning, and forming meaningful connections that last long after the retreat ends.

Leadership Intensive