Athletes for Hope’s High School Leadership Academy (HSLA) is a free semester-long virtual program that brings together student-athletes to give them the chance to learn directly from professional and Olympic athletes, and be equipped with practical tools, valuable insights, and the confidence to be able to make a lasting impact in their communities.
Are you interested or do you know a high school student-athlete who would be interested in joining the Spring ‘27 High School Leadership Academy?
Not ready to sign up for the full semester, but still want a taste of HSLA?
Sign up for HSLA Live!
By signing up you will receive free virtual event invitations for high school athletes to learn from professional / Olympic athletes on leadership in sport and in the community.
See what participating high school athletes are saying about the program!
100%
Feel more empowered to be a community leader as a result of participating in the program
100%
Agree that HSLA increased their knowledge about using their platform to make an impact
100%
Agree that HSLA increased their knowledge about identifying their charitable passions
4.8/5
Overall HSLA rating provided by participating students.
Katie Ledecky
OLY swimming
Carolyn Swords
WNBA
Kendall Williamson
NFL
Quade
San Diego, CA
Water Polo
Quade’s mission is to combine his interest in neuroscience and psychology with his passion for service, reading and athletics. His goal is to motivate kids to live their healthiest lives while providing the tools to achieve physical and emotional well-being.
Eve
Washington, D.C
Cross Country
Eve’s mission is to educate female athletes about running safety and self-defense.
Ella
Los Angeles, CA
Tennis and Soccer
Ella’s mission is to create the opportunity for children with disabilities to participate in physical education, ensuring all students experience the benefits of sports while building a more inclusive school community.
Logan
Los Angeles, CA
Baseball
Logan’s mission is to build a community that helps athletes develop strong study habits and stay on top of grades through tutoring and academic support.
Abby
Oakland, CA
Field Hockey
Abby’s mission is to advocate for female athlete mental health by amplifying awareness and further opening up the conversation of mental health to support female athletes both on and off the field.
Sydney
Washington, D.C.
Soccer
Sydney’s mission is to help kids gain equitable access to sports and promote play persistence.
Mia
Washington, D.C.
Softball, Track, and Cross Country
Mia’s mission is to help younger athletes have the smoothest possible journey to success, both on and off the field.
Are you a high school athlete ready to grow as a leader on and off the field? The Athletes for Hope High School Leadership Academy (HSLA) empowers student-athletes to explore service, teamwork, and purpose beyond the game.
Check out the 2026 HSLA Schedule and start your journey today!
| Session | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Orientation | Sunday Jan 24 | 8pm EST 5pm PST |
| Session 1: Discover Your Passion | Sunday Feb 7 | 8pm EST 5pm PST |
| Session 2: Leadership | Sunday Mar 7 | 8pm EST 5pm PST |
| Session 3: Advocacy | Sunday Apr 4 | 8pm EST 5pm PST |
| Session 4: Mental Health | Sunday May 2 | 8pm EST 5pm PST |
| Graduation! | Sunday Jun 6 | 8pm EST 5pm PST |
The next generation of student leaders using sport to serve their communities.
Anushka
Quade
Sydney
Abby
Ella
Logan
Eve
Lucia
Mia
I just wanted to thank you so much for putting together such an outstanding program. I learned so many valuable skills at Athletes for Hope that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, and that is really special. I am looking forward to staying involved in this amazing organization and continuing to learn ways to give back to my community.
Colette W.
This was such a wonderful opportunity, and I am so glad to be a part of such a tight knit group of student athletes. I can't wait to see what the future brings for everyone that was a part of this program, as well as AFH as a whole. This is such an impactful program that deserves to reach so many more people!
Jordyn H.
My HSLA 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.
Kayson W.
