Emerging Leaders Program
About the Program
The Emerging Leaders Program is our youth mentorship and leadership development initiative.
It is open to a select group of high school juniors and seniors from low-income communities who demonstrate academic promise and leadership potential but have limited access to the resources and networks that support college and career success.
Over a three-month period, Emerging Leaders participate in masterclasses, multiple speaker series, Model United Nations simulations, and group mentorship sessions led by a mix of young professionals and industry leaders.
The program is designed to help students strengthen their academic foundation, build leadership skills, and gain practical guidance for college and career success.
Program Structure
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Over the course of three months, Emerging Leaders participate in masterclasses that build core academic and leadership skills.
Sessions guide students through professional communication, résumé and cover-letter writing, scholarship planning, career exploration and planning, financial literacy, and other practical skills needed to succeed in college and the workplace.
Each masterclass is interactive, giving students opportunities to practice new skills and receive real-time feedback from instructors and peers.
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Emerging Leaders attend various interactive speaker events featuring professionals from fields such as public policy, business, technology, finance, education, and more.
Speakers share personal stories, discuss challenges they have faced, and offer guidance on topics like building networks, finding internships, and navigating the transition from high school to college and early career.
Each session highlights a different career path or leadership journey, giving students direct exposure to real-world experiences and practical advice.
Every event concludes with an open Q&A where students are encouraged to engage directly with the presenters.
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Emerging Leaders participate in small-group mentorship circles led by young professionals and experienced industry leaders.
These sessions create a supportive setting where mentors share career insights, discuss challenges they have faced, and guide students in setting academic, career, and personal development goals.
The group format encourages collaboration, peer learning, and the confidence to speak and lead in front of others.
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Emerging Leaders take part in Model United Nations simulations that develops diplomacy, negotiation, and public speaking skills.
Participants are divided into three teams and assigned roles as delegates representing different countries.
Teams work together to debate global issues, draft resolutions, and practice real-world problem-solving.
The simulation reinforces leadership, critical thinking, and collaboration while giving participants a taste of international policy and decision-making.
A panel of Babel staff, including the President evaluates each team on the strength of their policy proposals, teamwork, negotiation strategy, and presentation skills.
The winning team receives a free trip to a selection of museum such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, and the Museum of Modern Art—as well as a paid dinner with the President and the Director of Programs.
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Each Emerging Leader is offered the opportunity to participate in a Capstone Project as part of their mentorship experience.
Emerging Leader completes a written policy essay that addresses an issue affecting their school, neighborhood, or broader community.
Participants research the problem, develop a practical solution, and present their ideas in a clear, evidence-based argument.
Essays are evaluated by a panel of Babel staff, including the President on originality, clarity, and the strength of the proposed solution.
Prizes are awarded to the top three essays:
First Place: $1,000
Second Place: $500
Third Place: $250
The winning essays are professionally edited and published in Verity Voices Journal.
Why Emerging Leaders Program?
Skill Development: Training in professional communication, résumé writing, financial literacy, scholarship planning, and career navigation.
Global Perspective: Activities like the Model U.N. simulation and publication in Verity Voices Journal immerse students in global issues and connect them with audiences beyond their own communities.
Network Access: Direct interaction with young professionals, industry leaders, and guest speakers who share insights and open doors to future opportunities.
Leadership Pipeline: Graduates leave with the confidence, experience, and tools to thrive in higher education, succeed in early career programs, and assume leadership roles in their communities.
Why We Do This:
High-achieving students from low-income communities often face barriers that limit their access to mentorship, professional networks, and the resources needed to compete for scholarships, admission to selective colleges, and early-career opportunities.
The Emerging Leaders Program bridges these gaps by providing skill-building workshops, real-world experiences, personal development opportunities, and more at no cost to participants.
By investing in the education and leadership growth of these emerging leaders, we help level the playing field so that talent and potential—not family income—shape access to higher education, early career opportunities, and civic engagement.
Application Process & Admission
Applications for the Emerging Leaders Program open on December 2, 2025. For general inquiries, please contact us at contact@babelinstitute.us