Building Leaders for a Lifetime: Reflecting on the 2025-2026 Saturday Leadership Academy

Every year, the Saturday Leadership Academy (SLA) gives us the opportunity to invest in the next generation of leaders—and watch that growth unfold firsthand.

The 2025–2026 program continued to build momentum, growing from nine consistent mentees to 16 while expanding into a tri-state initiative serving young men and families from Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Over nine months, participants strengthened their leadership, financial literacy, communication, wellness, and time management skills. They also represented the chapter at the 40th National Conference, where they competed in the State Farm-sponsored Dollars and $ense competition and were recognized for their participation and commitment.

The year concluded with a celebration at Oath '84, a restaurant in Wilmington, where mentees, mentors, and families gathered to recognize another successful program year. For Mentorship Committee Chair Jerry Poe, however, one of the most memorable moments happened during a regular Saturday session. When it came time to select student leaders, the mentees asked the mentors to step out of the room so they could make the decisions themselves.

"It was a very impressive act. They basically said, 'We've got this,'" Poe said. "They took ownership of the process and held each other accountable."

That moment captured the heart of the Saturday Leadership Academy. Built on the principle that "What They See Is What They'll Be," the program empowers young men to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and prepare to make a positive impact in their schools, communities, and beyond.

View our recap video of the 2025-2026 video here.