Athletes for Hope | High School Leadership Academy

Overview

AFH High School is a program that takes the established AFH model, bringing it to the next generation of student-athletes in grades 9 through 12. Our High School Leadership Academy (HSLA), currently offered to high school athletes in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, CA, is outlined below.

While the 2025 HSLA is currently underway, for high school athletes who are either interested in the 2026 program or for those who are not located in either LA or DC and would like to learn more about how to get involved, please contact us.

High School Leadership Academy

Athletes for Hope’s High School Leadership Academy (HSLA) is a community of high school athletes located in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles who are passionate about the intersection of sports and giving back to the community. Through HSLA, we offer a semester of educational sessions and service opportunities designed to empower high school athletes to have a deeper understanding of sports philanthropy, to discover the cause(s) that are most meaningful to them, and to begin leading the charge in making a difference in their communities. We believe in the power of teamwork and empowering the next generation of leaders to become lifelong community volunteers and advocates.

Program Highlights

Be a part of a community of like-minded peers
Learn from Professional and Olympic Athletes
Hands-on Service with Local Non-profits
Enhance Leadership and Advocacy Skills
Create a Personalized Action Plan

2025 Calendar

October 1st	Applications Open
January 13th	Application Deadline
February 6th	Virtual Session #1 – Philanthropic Identity
March 6th	Virtual Session #2 – Leadership and Nonprofit
April 3rd	Virtual Session #3 – Athlete Mental Health & Advocacy
May 1st	Virtual Session #4 – Impact
June 5th	Graduation

*Additional dates for local service opportunities will be shared in advance

Testimonials

“My experience has been amazing. I have met important and impactful leaders and athletes. I even got the chance to ask them questions and get meaningful insight on what it takes to be a strong leader. I am surrounded by other like-minded teens with similar goals and this puts me in an environment that I am proud to be in.”

“The AFH High School Leadership Academy has given me the opportunity to not only get to know other high school athletes like me, who are interested in giving back to the community, but this program has also incentivized me to begin my own philanthropy journey by using the lessons and resources that have been taught. I have truly felt like this program has led me to step out of my comfort zone and explore ways that I can contribute to the world.”

“The AFH High School Leadership Academy is honestly the best program I have ever done! It was cool to not only meet other high schoolers who are interested in the same thing, but also professional athletes and being able to talk with them and have a real conversation. I am also super excited to pursue my game plan and it’s amazing that that program allowed me to do that. I am super excited to hopefully be involved in the future!”