Scholarships (at a value of $1,840) are available for current Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior High School students for the 2025 Student Leadership Academy.
*All scholarships are non-credit. However, students may select a college credit option through Nicholls State University for a fee to be covered by the student. More information pertaining to the college credit will be available at a later date.
JULY 7-12, 2025 Student Leadership Academy is the Museum's premier leadership training program for high school students. The Academy's sessions utilizes the Museum's oral history collection, public exhibits, in-person interviews with WWII and Iraqi Freedom veterans, and guest scholars and Museum leaders. The scholarship covers travel to and from New Orleans, hotel accommodations at the Higgins Hotel, all meals, ground transportation and admission to other museums/historic sites.
Scholarships (at a value of $1,840) are available for current Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior High School students for the 2025 Student Leadership Academy.
*All scholarships are non-credit. However, students may select a college credit option through Nicholls State University for a fee to be covered by the student. More information pertaining to the college credit will be available at a later date.
JULY 7-12, 2025 Student Leadership Academy is the Museum's premier leadership training program for high school students. The Academy's sessions utilizes the Museum's oral history collection, public exhibits, in-person interviews with WWII and Iraqi Freedom veterans, and guest scholars and Museum leaders. The scholarship covers travel to and from New Orleans, hotel accommodations at the Higgins Hotel, all meals, ground transportation and admission to other museums/historic sites.
The Billy Michal Student Leadership Award is presented annually to one student from each state and the District of Columbia who embodies the American spirit in his or her community. The values of leadership, teamwork, tolerance, creativity, and perseverance can and should be learned and lived by all Americans, regardless of age.
The 51 selected student leadership award winners will travel to New Orleans on June 5th-8th, 2025, along with a parent or chaperone, all expenses paid, to attend the 2025 American Spirit Awards, where they will represent their state at the event. Students will receive exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Museum, participate in leadership activities with their cohort and attend an awards ceremony to honor their accomplishments.
Nomination criteria:
· Nominees must be in grades 8–12.
· Only individual students can be nominated, not groups.
· Students cannot be nominated by a family member.
· Students must be in public, private, parochial, or home school in the United States.
· Nominations must be submitted through the Billy Michal Student Leadership Award webpage by January 29, 2025.
Awardees will be selected based on their demonstrated commitment to making a positive contribution to their school, community, country, and/or the world. Only fully completed nominations will be eligible for consideration.