Summer Leadership Institute

Summer Leaders Institute invites high school students to explore innovative and future-focused courses designed by Spaceship <>’s expert team, including offerings in AI, systems thinking, well-being, relationships, leadership, and social innovation. Each course uses interactive workshops, real-world case studies, and collaborative projects to help students build leadership, digital fluency, creative problem-solving, well-being, and social connection skills.

July 13 - 31st

Grades: 9 - 12th
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $999/ week

Week 1: July 13 - 17th

AI Unlocked: Exploring Intelligence, Creativity, and the Future
Thrive Lab: The Science of Well-Being and Human Performance

AI Unlocked: Exploring Intelligence, Creativity, and the Future

This course introduces students to the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence and the breakthroughs shaping tomorrow’s technologies. Students explore how AI systems learn, what they can and cannot do, and how tools like large language models are already transforming industries, creativity, and scientific discovery. Through hands-on challenges and ethical case studies, students build both technical intuition and critical judgment about AI’s role in society.

Key takeaways include: Understanding core AI concepts, recognizing real vs. perceived AI capabilities, and gaining experience with creative and analytical AI tools.

Thrive Lab: The Science of Well-Being and Human Performance

Thrive Lab blends psychology, neuroscience, and practical habits to help students understand how well-being, focus, motivation, and resilience actually work. Students learn evidence-based strategies for managing stress, strengthening attention, and cultivating sustainable routines. Activities include mindset exercises, reflective writing, and habit-design challenges.

Key takeaways include: Practical tools for mental fitness, healthier routines, and long-term personal growth.

Week 2: July 20 - 24th

Future Builders: Systems Thinking and Innovation Labs
Rise: Leadership, Influence, and Identity for Young Women

Future Builders: Systems Thinking and Innovation Labs

Future Builders teaches students how innovators tackle complex problems by understanding systems rather than symptoms. Using design thinking, systems mapping, and rapid prototyping, students explore challenges such as sustainability, emerging technologies, and social change. The week culminates in a concept or prototype that applies systems-thinking principles to an issue they care about.

Key takeaways include: Practical innovation skills, a systems-thinking mindset, and experience building early-stage solutions.

Rise: Leadership, Influence, and Identity for Young Women

Rise is a leadership experience designed to help young women build confidence, voice, and agency in academic, social, and future professional settings. Students explore identity, communication, influence, negotiation, and decision-making through interactive activities and real-world scenarios. The course provides a supportive environment for practicing public speaking, personal narrative, and collaborative leadership.

Key takeaways include: Increased confidence, persuasive communication skills, self-awareness, and a personalized leadership “North Star.”

Week 3: July 27 - 31st

Connected Minds: Relationships, Belonging, and the Psychology of Community
Impact Studio: Social Innovation and Change Leadership

Connected Minds: Relationships, Belonging, and the Psychology of Community

This course explores what makes strong relationships and healthy communities possible. Students learn the science behind trust, empathy, communication, conflict, and belonging. Through role-play, group challenges, and reflective dialogue, they practice interpersonal skills that enable deeper friendships, stronger teams, and more inclusive environments.

Key takeaways include: Greater emotional intelligence, stronger social awareness, and strategies for building positive communities.

Impact Studio: Social Innovation and Change Leadership

Impact Studio introduces students to mission-driven entrepreneurship and social impact design. Students analyze ventures creating positive change and work through frameworks for defining problems, engaging stakeholders, shaping value propositions, and measuring impact. The week emphasizes leadership, creativity, and practical tools for turning ideas into action.

Key takeaways include: Understanding what makes social innovations succeed and hands-on experience designing an impact-focused project.

Meet the Teachers

The Summer Leadership Institute is not taught by Hun teachers, but by outside experts:

Dr. Craig Vezina is a global education leader, tech for good entrepreneur, and global advocate for sustainable development. With more than two decades of experience in international education, Craig has worked with schools and organizations across the globe, bringing innovation to the forefront of learning. He is the founder of The Spaceship, a sustainability-focused startup that leverages cutting-edge Al and sustainability expertise to help organizations embed environmental responsibility into their core operations. Craig holds a PhD in International Diplomacy and Strategy and has a strong passion for fostering future-facing education, particularly in the areas of technology, sustainability, and ethical leadership.

Dr. Kristi Marchesani is an experienced educator, speaker, and global education advocate with nearly three decades of teaching, student support, and international program leadership. She has taught and mentored learners from more than 60 countries, beginning her career as a teacher and residential counselor at the American International School in Salzburg and later developing academic success courses and student engagement programs at the University of Northern Iowa.