Young Women's Leadership Institute

For high school girls ready to embrace their leadership potential and make a meaningful impact, the Young Women’s Leadership Institute (YWLI) offers a transformative summer experience. Held on the historic and secure campus of Saint Mary’s School in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, this two-week residential program is designed for girls in grades 9–12 who are eager to develop their leadership skills, civic responsibility, and confidence. YWLI provides an immersive leadership curriculum led by Duke University experts, combining skill-building workshops, scenario-based collaboration, and active reflection. Participants will also engage with a world-class speaker series featuring accomplished and diverse women leaders who have excelled in their fields. These sessions inspire campers to explore what leadership means at the highest levels and how they can use their unique strengths to create change in their communities and beyond. The program isn’t just about learning—it’s an experience steeped in tradition and camaraderie. Girls live in boarding school dorms, dine in a formal hall, learn in a grand ballroom, and enjoy the sprawling quad on Saint Mary’s picturesque 23-acre campus. Activities extend beyond the classroom, with opportunities to explore Raleigh and other parts of North Carolina, fostering both personal growth and peer connections. At the end of this intensive program, participants earn the prestigious YWLI Leadership Certificate—a valuable addition to college applications that reflects their commitment to excellence and growth. The Institute emphasizes empowerment, equality, and character development, equipping young women with the tools they need to lead with integrity and purpose. YWLI is more than a camp; it’s a launching pad for future leaders. With its focus on collaboration, self-discovery, and exposure to inspiring role models, this program gives girls the confidence to dream big and the skills to achieve those dreams.