Minnehaha Leadership Institute

Developing servant leaders who use their gifts to glorify God and bring good to their neighbor.

Every student is uniquely gifted to make a valuable contribution to our community. We walk alongside students at MA to help develop and encourage those gifts! One of the ways we foster these gifts is through the Minnehaha Academy Leadership Institute (MLI). The MLI is a program specifically designed for Middle and Upper School students who want to deepen their leadership skills.

Students grow as whole and holy people as they use their skills, talents, strengths, and voices to cultivate a vibrant school community that is uniquely Minnehaha.

Our mission is to develop servant leaders who are growing into whole and holy people. Together we seek to use our gifts for God’s glory and neighbors’ good.

Middle School Leadership Teams

In the Middle School Leadership Institute, Middle Schoolers have the opportunity to develop habits and attitudes that foster a leadership mindset.

Through the program, MLI students learn about leadership in the way of Jesus. They discover that they have the power to positively influence their community of peers. They also learn how their unique gifts can be shared to benefit the entire community. Monthly meetings focus on topics such as servant leadership and identity, humility, gratitude, and wisdom.

In the Middle School MLI program, students apply to be placed on one of these teams:

Service Team- Because you can make a difference: Students plan and lead Middle School service opportunities. They identify needs and select service opportunities and engage the Middle School in a culture of service.
Chapel Team- Because your voice matters: Students plan and lead weekly Chapel through reading scripture, leading prayer, and planning experiences in order to develop student ownership and engagement.
Worship Team - Because you are a beauty creator: These students help lead weekly Chapel worship by helping to select and play music.
Celebration Team - Because we all belong: Students plan and host Middle School activities, and they build school spirit by supporting Redhawk Rallies. They work together to develop a culture of celebration and belonging for all middle schoolers.
AV Team - Because you can pursue excellence: This cohort of students specialize in audio-visual support for Middle School retreats, Redhawk Rallies, and student performances.
Bridge Builders Team - Because you are a mosaic encourager: This group of students create new ways for students to learn more about cultures and ethnic perspectives in the Middle School and beyond.
Communication Team - Because you can recognize goodness and beauty: By capturing and sharing the stories of Middle School in creative ways these students build community at Minnehaha.

"The best leadership is servant leadership.... Servant leadership means being willing to get your hands dirty yourself and work hard.... Servant leadership means knowing the people you work with and the people you serve personally, and caring about them. Servant leaders give their life away for the good of others or the good of a mission - they don’t exist to glorify themselves."

- Leadership Intern

Upper School Leadership Tracks

In the Upper School's Minnehaha Leadership Institute (MLI), three tracks are available for students who apply for admission into the program. Each track is led by a Minnehaha Academy faculty or staff member who is committed to developing students into whole and holy people through thoughtful curriculum and activities.

Upper School students will meet in their tracks (cohorts) once or twice a month in the morning before school for breakfast to have conversations, share stories, and learn. Cohorts will be a community of learners and provide opportunities for fellowship and mentorship.

Fellows

The Fellows Leadership Track is a three-year discipleship training program starting in tenth grade. Students participate in a monthly meeting where they learn about servant leadership and the life of Christian faith. Students also have the opportunity to attend a summer leadership training trip.

The three year commitment is comprised of the following development:

Year 1: Knowing Jesus as a Servant Leader
Year 2: Knowing Myself as a Servant Leader
Year 3: Knowing My Calling as a Servant Leader

Athletes

Community

Ninth Grade Leadership

This MLI cohort is open to all ninth graders who apply as an introduction to leadership development at the Upper School. Students meet once per month with 11th and 12th grade peer mentors. They dive into topics of servant leadership, the story of redemption, and what it means to be whole and holy people. Ninth grade leadership students will assist with service opportunities at various times throughout the school year.

Purpose

Build a Community of Faithful Leaders
MLI students join a leadership track. Cohorts meet twice a month to study, ask questions, and explore a theme in the leadership curriculum.
Leadership in Action
Each student has opportunities to practice fellowship, hospitality, and community building in the leadership cohorts on stage, sports teams, in the classroom, and around the school. Student leaders design and implement school and community events for their peers throughout the year.
Meaningful Mentorship (Fellows Track)
Each Upper School Fellow has a mentor and meets with them regularly. Mentors will help students explore questions and guide them through the leadership program.

Upper School Community Leadership students collaborate on a clothing drive for Arrive Ministries

Development Opportunities

School and Community Leadership Experiences (Middle and Upper School)
Regular Meetings with MLI Faculty (Middle and Upper School)
Winter and Spring Retreats (Upper School)
Summer Development Trips (Upper School)
Mentorships (Upper School)

Take the Next Step!

Visit the Admission Center

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