The Student Leadership Academy by MCLA

TSLA Class of 2027

Opening Retreat
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Mooresville High School

In-person activities and virtual meetings
Monthly, December 2026 through February 2027

Summit & Graduation
Saturday, March 13, 2027
Mooresville High School

Nomination Deadline: October 23rd

NOMINATION FORM: See school administration

Cost: $0

Active participation throughout the Academy is required to successfully complete the program and graduate as a member of the TSLA Class of 2027.

Developing Morgan County's Next Generation of Leaders

Morgan County's future depends on prepared, principled, and engaged young leaders. The Student Leadership Academy (TSLA) by MCLA is a multi-month leadership experience designed to help high school students discover their leadership potential, develop practical skills, build relationships across Morgan County and recognize the role they can play in strengthening their communities.

TSLA isn't just about learning leadership—it's about practicing it.

Beginning with an Opening Retreat in November and culminating with the Student Leadership Summit & Graduation in March, students will participate in leadership development, mentorship, teamwork, service, and hands-on experiences throughout Morgan County.

The Student Leadership Academy by MCLA is made possible in part through a Community Impact Grant from the Community Foundation of Morgan County.

Who Should Be Nominated?

MCLA invites each of the seven high schools serving Morgan County students—Eminence, Indian Creek, Martinsville, MCA, Monrovia, Mooresville, and Tabernacle Christian—to nominate up to ten students.

MCLA is intentional in welcoming students of varied backgrounds, experiences, and academic levels. Leadership potential is not defined solely by GPA, popularity, titles, or formal leadership positions.

We encourage educators, counselors, coaches, and administrators to help their school chose which students should be nominated for this countywide leadership experience. Consider the student who:

Shows initiative or curiosity
Naturally earns the trust of others
Quietly serves or encourages those around them
Is a problem-solver or independent thinker
Demonstrates resilience or integrity
Already leads—or simply needs an opportunity to discover that they can

The TSLA Experience

Students will meet in-person an/or virtually each month November through March.

November 14 | Opening Retreat

Students will meet their cohort, participate in team-building experiences, explore their individual leadership and communication styles, and prepare for the months ahead.

December–February | Learn. Experience. Reflect.

Each month begins with a virtual leadership session introducing a new topic and preparing students for a hands-on team assignment.

Experiences may include:

Community service and volunteerism
Visits to local businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, or community organizations
Conversations with Morgan County leaders
Civic and community engagement
Team-based challenges and problem-solving
Leadership and communication development

Students will also have regular interaction with MCLA alumni and community leaders who will encourage their growth, help them reflect on their experiences, and keep them engaged throughout the Academy.

March 13 | Summit & Graduation

Students will reunite for a full-day leadership experience that brings together everything they have learned. The Academy will conclude with reflection, student recognition, awards, and graduation. Parents and guardians will be invited to join us for the closing celebration.

What Students Will Develop

Throughout TSLA, students will have opportunities to strengthen:

Self-awareness and confidence
Communication and public speaking
Teamwork and collaboration
Servant leadership
Problem-solving and decision-making
Civic and community awareness
Professional and interpersonal skills
Relationships with students and leaders from across Morgan County

Most importantly, students will learn that leadership isn't defined by a title. It is demonstrated through how we communicate, serve, collaborate, make decisions, and influence the people and communities around us.

Program Commitment

Maximum Cohort: 70 students
Cost: $0 -Participation in TSLA is free of charge, including program materials, activities, and meals provided during in-person programming.

Students must be available for both required in-person dates:

November 14, 2026 — Opening Retreat
March 13, 2027 — Summit & Graduation

Students are must also participate in the monthly virtual sessions and team-based experiences held between the two events.