In this first module, students will be introduced to the Empodérate Leadership Academy and its core purpose within the broader mission of Catch the Next, Inc. (CTN). Students will learn about CTN's history, its impact on underserved students, and the academy's focus on leadership development. This module sets the stage for a transformative learning experience by outlining the academy's structure, expectations, and key components, including workshops on cultural wealth, emotional intelligence, and real-world leadership skills. Students will also meet their facilitators, who will guide them throughout the program, and have the opportunity to connect with their peers through a discussion forum. By the end of this module, students will have a clear understanding of the academy's goals, how they will engage with the content, and how they will work collaboratively to build leadership skills that will empower them to make a difference in their communities.

In this module, students will explore the current state of leadership, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for underrepresented populations in key sectors such as corporate, public, and nonprofit. Through data analysis, group discussions, and the insights of other speakers, students will gain a deeper understanding of the underrepresentation in leadership roles and the barriers that contribute to this disparity. This module will also highlight the importance of creating pathways for leadership in underrepresented communities and feature real-world examples of those who are making a significant impact in their communities. By the end of the module, students will have a clearer view of the leadership landscape and be better equipped to identify ways to overcome these barriers and drive change.

In this module, students will delve into the concept of Cultural Wealth, based on Dr. Tara Yosso's model, which highlights the unique strengths and assets that underserved students bring to leadership roles. Students will explore six forms of cultural capital: aspirational, linguistic, familial, social, navigational, and resistance capital. Through self-reflection exercises, storytelling, and group projects, students will gain a deeper understanding of how these forms of cultural wealth shape their leadership potential and contribute to their success. By recognizing and embracing their cultural assets, students will learn how to leverage these strengths in their leadership journey, empowering them to navigate challenges and create meaningful change in their communities.

This module focuses on developing te emotional intelligence (EI) skills that are crucial for effective leadership. Students will learn about the five key components of EI: self-awareness, self-regulation, social skills, empathy, and motivation. Through a series of role-playing activities, simulations, and self-assessments, students will explore strategies for managing their emotions, building strong interpersonal relationships, and navigating challenging situations with resilience and empathy. By enhancing their emotional intelligence, students will gain the tools needed to lead with confidence, foster positive team dynamics, and respond to others in a way that promotes trust, collaboration, and long-term success. Mindfulness exercises will also be introduced to help students improve focus and emotional regulation in both personal and professional settings.

In this module, students will develop essential communication and advocacy skills that every effective leader needs. The focus will be on refining public speaking techniques, mastering persuasive communication, and improving writing strategies to influence and inspire others. Students will also explore how to use social media and other platforms to advocate for important causes and engage with their communities. Through presentations, debates, and writing workshops, students will gain hands-on experience in crafting compelling messages and advocating for change. Additionally, they will work on developing an advocacy campaign, putting their skills into practice by addressing real-world issues they care about. This module will empower students to communicate with clarity and confidence while amplifying their voices for social good.

In this module, leadership is about creating meaningful change. In this module, participants will integrate leadership skills into addressing real-world challenges and opportunities. By focusing on project management, ethical decision-making, and collaborative leadership, participants will explore how to design, plan, and implement initiatives that create meaningful change. Through interactive activities, including case studies, simulations, and mentorship opportunities, participants will develop actionable strategies to lead with purpose and foster positive community impact.

The final module of the Empodérate Leadership Academy! Congratulations on completing this journey. In this module, participants will celebrate their achievements, reflect on their growth, and prepare for the next steps in their leadership journey. By reviewing key takeaways from the program, identifying personal growth milestones, and setting actionable goals, participants will conclude the program with a clear vision for their future impact.