Curriculum

African Leadership Academy’s unique curriculum is designed to create well-rounded future leaders and prepare students for entry into the most rigorous colleges and universities in the world. This curriculum will include the internationally recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) program and the Academy’s own programs in Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and African Studies (the “LEA” curriculum).

With an average of twelve students per class, the Academy’s intimate, discussion-based courses will encourage students to challenge the status quo. Frequent speakers and field trips will compliment classroom discussions and expose students to the immense opportunities to make a difference on the African continent.

The Academic Core: IB Diploma Programme

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme will form the core academic curriculum during the student’s two years at the Academy. In the IB program, students will study mathematics, the sciences, languages, history, economics, and the arts. The IB Diploma is recognized as a very rigorous preparatory curriculum by the top universities around the world.

The Academy’s LEA Curriculum

1. Leadership Studies

In the leadership studies program, students will identify the traits of effective leaders and develop a strong sense of self.

Formal study of leadership: Students will study books on leadership theory, read case studies of individual leaders, and engage in debates on leadership.
“Leadership Perspectives” speaker series: The Academy will invite leaders from across the public, private, and social sectors to share their leadership experiences with students. These leaders will personify the Academy’s values.
Mentor program: This program will match each student to a role model who embodies the Academy’s values. Mentors will take a genuine interest in the holistic development of the student, providing guidance and one-to-one leadership coaching.
Public service projects: Each student must plan and execute a meaningful public service project during their time at the Academy.
Life skills for leaders: Students will learn practical skills such as time management, stress management, and public speaking in small-group modules.
Personal essay on leadership: Prior to graduating from the Academy, each student will write a detailed reflection on the meaning of leadership, particularly in an African context.

2. Entrepreneurial Studies

In the entrepreneurial studies program, students will develop the foundation and inspiration they will need to create new ventures on the African continent.

Entrepreneurial case studies: Students will read and discuss case studies on entrepreneurs who have started business and social ventures throughout Africa and across the world. From this work, students will begin to understand the factors that determine the success of entrepreneurial ventures.
Entrepreneurship speaker series: Like the leadership speaker series, this program will invite private and social sector entrepreneurs to share their experiences with students.
Business plan writing: Students will identify needs in their community, design ventures to meet these needs, and organize their thoughts into carefully crafted plans.
Business plan competition: Students will work to create a financially viable new venture, with the best-crafted business plan earning a cash reward.
Student-run ventures: Students will gain experience managing businesses on campus, including the bookstore, the theatre, and a café.

3. African Studies

In the Academy’s African studies program, students will gain broad exposure to Africa’s heritage and diversity. Most Africans know very little about the vast continent beyond their own nation’s borders. Leaders who do not understand the broader continent are often ineffective in creating and capitalizing on opportunities for cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.

African history: Students will discover major themes in African history and will be challenged to think on a pan-African scale about issues that have hindered the continent’s development. By studying the past, these future leaders will be prepared to emulate our successes and avoid repeating our failures.
Human and physical geography of Africa: Students will learn about Africa’s physical geography and how it impacted tribal formation, colonization, and the current geopolitical landscape.
Development economics: Students will study the development of other emerging regions and will identify conditions necessary for robust economic growth.
African literature, art, and music: Students will discover Africa’s immense cultural wealth through literature, art, and music.
Current topics in Africa: This module will focus on current African issues, such as the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the goals of NEPAD, and the African Union.

*IB Accreditation not yet received, but expected by the start date of September 2008.