News Release
NPS Photo/Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site
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Contact: Ajena Rogers
RICHMOND, Va. – Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site invites area high school students ages 14-18 to apply for a spot in its free, selective virtual Summer Youth Leadership Institute. Now in its twelfth year, the 2021 institute will meet online Tuesday, July 6 through Friday, July 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the possibility of a socially distanced, in-person graduation ceremony held on Saturday, July 10.Sponsored by the National Park Service and hosted online through the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, the Leadership Institute provides a program for teens interested in developing leadership skills, meeting with community leaders, and charting a course for future success. Developed in conjunction with educators from the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, the program curriculum is designed to engage students in discussions about what it means to be a leader and an involved citizen. This year’s virtual program will be limited to 20 participants to ensure small group interaction.
Supervisory park ranger Ajena Rogers noted that well over 100 students have participated in the institute since its inception. Several of those students have come back to help mentor their successors. “We are thrilled to once again hold the Summer Youth Leadership Institute and work with amazing young people,” said Rogers. “It is our hope that they will come away inspired by the work of Mrs. Walker and looking toward a future in which they carry on her legacy.”
High school students who would like to apply for a spot in the program can download an application at http://www.nps.gov/mawa. Forms indicating interest in attending this year’s institute need to be submitted by Monday, June 7.
The Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site is dedicated to preserving the life and legacy of America's first African American woman to charter a bank and serve as its president. Born during the last year of the American Civil War, Maggie Walker lived in Richmond her entire life—more than 70 years—and as a fully engaged citizen she courageously challenged racial discrimination and gender bias through her work with the Independent Order of St. Luke, and other local and national organizations. One of her earliest leadership roles in the Order was as Grand Matron of the Juvenile Department, helping young people learn self-discipline, self-help, and selflessness, and grooming young leaders who knew the importance of helping others and their communities.
Additional information, including current operating hours, is available on the web at www.nps.gov/mawa or www.Facebook.com/MaggieLWalkerNHS.
About the National Park Service
Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of 423 national park sites in the United States and its territories. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with millions of people every year. Learn more at www.nps.gov .
Last updated: May 13, 2021