Banisters Leadership Academy

"Strengthening youth and families through leadership." The core values are Perseverance, Accountability, Integrity, Diligence, Discipline. Banisters Leadership Academy provides leadership development for youth in the communities. The goal is to harness leadership skills youth possess and empower them to reach their fullest potential. We strive to support youth leaders academically and socially, while offering pathways to college or careers. We work with local school districts and communities

Leadership in Action-is a program that occurs in school, during school hours. Students referred from the counselors participate in personal development with BLA staff. Staff facilitate leadership programming, monitor academic achievement, behaviors and implement goal setting for students.
Night LIFE -s an after-school and weekend night program that includes a hot meal, physical activities aimed at youth empowerment, group discussions with caring adults, and leadership development, at no cost to families.
The Healthy Kids Movement-connects children and families to mental and behavioral health services. HKM removes the stigma of receiving help by having therapists meet families where they are. Children participate and receive services during other Banisters Leadership Academy programming both in school and in an after-school, evening setting. There are group facilitated support activities as well as individual therapy to address a specific need. Both the child and parent/guardians are eligible to receive services. Therapy is provided individually initially, and once progress has been made, family therapy is available.
The Goal Setters-is BLA's mentoring program that matches students with BLA staff and select adult community mentors. The program implements the evidence-based Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring model from the Center for Evidence Based Mentoring.
Family University-provides parents and guardians with programs that provide the tools for financial stability. This includes financial literacy, home ownership preparedness and parenting classes as well as resource referrals and quarterly family engagement outings.
Youth 2 Movement-is all about preparing youths ages 14-18 for career success. Mentees will build leadership skills, participate in fun activities, meet professionals, and visit workplaces in the community. Mentees who qualify and meet expectations will receive a stipend.