The13thMan

A Message From Our Founder

Cultivating the Next Generation of Scholars

We believe leaders are made, not born, and that leadership is a life skill that can and should be developed. The 13th Man Leadership Academy’s curriculum will build thoughtful, purpose-driven leaders with relevant skills that will aid in their personal and professional self-discovery. Through this program, the students will gain access to culturally competent models to develop confident, capable, and civic-minded youth leaders for the future.

Davon E. Kelly

Founder

The Premiere Flagship Program of The 13th Man.
Take a look at how it all begins.

Our Program

Personal and Professional Development

Here at the 13th Man Leadership Academy, we are a tight-knit community dedicated to helping young men become extraordinary leaders. With our program, participants dive into a world of learning, growth, and endless possibilities. Through mentorship, experiential learning, and a supportive network, we’re nurturing young men to go beyond the ordinary to make a meaningful impact in their lives and their communities.

Welcomes 13th Man members (Grades 10th-12th)
Runs from October–June (9-month program)
Two (2) sessions per month
Course curriculum focuses on personal, leadership, and professional development
In classroom instruction held at the Leadership Academy headquarters
Paid internships at various partner locations (4-6 weeks)

Featured Sessions

True Colors Assessment

Goal Setting and Resilience

Leadership Attributes

Emotional Intelligence

Dress for Success

Financial 101

Courage & Risk-Taking

Presence and Presentation

Service Mentality

Social Entrepreneurship

Receiving Feedback

Resume Preparation

Interviewing

Managing Your Career

I enjoyed the program thoroughly!

"I had such an incredible time learning and growing with my fellow participants. I have grown as a leader and built a strong network of friends."

Sincere Allen

2023 Leadership Academy Graduate

I enjoyed the program thoroughly!

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to see what the corporate field is like. Though it was a lot of knowledge to remember over the course of the program it equipped me and sharpened more tools than I knew before the start of the program. It was nice of me kelly and his team, all of the guest speakers and even the companies themselves for allowing us to be apart of them and helping me choose some careers for my future and i’m thankful of that."

Morgan Ford

2023 Leadership Academy Graduate

I enjoyed the program thoroughly!

"It was a great experience and I was able to learn a lot about myself and the business world."

Charles Samuel Jr.

2023 Leadership Academy Graduate

I enjoyed the program thoroughly!

"I really felt like I definitely grew as person. The program allowed me to spend time learning life and professional lessons. It was definitely a great experience for me to have."

Dorien Williamson

2023 Leadership Academy Graduate

I enjoyed the program thoroughly!

"The leadership academy was an amazing experience. The process of visiting for class only two days out of the month and still retaining much knowledge was immaculate. The team building and connections with teachers we made were great, these gave us comfort and opportunities in many different fields. Being in this class has taught me much about the critical parts of the work life, giving me knowledge that will improve me and my work ethics later down the years. The classes were organized and pushed students to do more, overall you think this experience was amazing. Thank You."

Diovionne Chittams

2023 Leadership Academy Graduate

I enjoyed the program thoroughly!

"I feel like it was a good experience and I could use these skills for future opportunities."

Antwaune Rodgers

2023 Leadership Academy Graduate

I enjoyed the program thoroughly!

"The program was very engaging and allowed me to better understand myself and my peers around me. I really appreciate everyone who came to speak with us even though they didn’t have to, they made sure to come out and give us knowledge. "

Nathaniel Spears

2023 Leadership Academy Graduate

I enjoyed the program thoroughly!

"The experience was good and we enjoyed our times in the office. Sometimes it got boring when I had no work to do. The work was simple though and I had a good time here."

Justin Porter

2023 Leadership Academy Graduate

I enjoyed the program thoroughly!

"The program provided a nurturing environment that fostered growth, instilled confidence, and cultivated a sense of belonging, empowering the students to embrace their potential and excel as they embarked on their promising journeys towards a brighter future of success ."

Myles Jenkins

2023 Leadership Academy Graduate

I enjoyed the program thoroughly!

"During the nine month experience of the 13th man leadership academy I learned skills that would help me to excel in the workplace. And when we were assigned to our internships at no point did I feel unprepared for the work that I was doing. U knew how to dress and how to talk when faced with people in higher positions than I."

Aaron Williams

2023 Leadership Academy Graduate

I enjoyed the program thoroughly!

"I have enjoyed and learned so much over my time with the leadership academy and my internship placement with the Public Defender. I think that the curriculum and all other areas were very well carried out."

APR 2024

LA: Special Edition: LinkedIn

APR 2024

Leading with Integrity

APR 2024

Social Entrepreneurship

I enjoyed the program thoroughly!

"I had such an incredible time learning and growing with my fellow participants. I have grown as a leader and built a strong network of friends."

Sincere Allen

2023 Leadership Academy Graduate

I enjoyed the program thoroughly!

Morgan Ford

2023 Leadership Academy Graduate

I enjoyed the program thoroughly!

"It was a great experience and I was able to learn a lot about myself and the business world."

Charles Samuel Jr.

2023 Leadership Academy Graduate

I enjoyed the program thoroughly!

"I really felt like I definitely grew as person. The program allowed me to spend time learning life and professional lessons. It was definitely a great experience for me to have."

Dorien Williamson

2023 Leadership Academy Graduate

I enjoyed the program thoroughly!

Diovionne Chittams

2023 Leadership Academy Graduate

I enjoyed the program thoroughly!

"I feel like it was a good experience and I could use these skills for future opportunities."

Antwaune Rodgers

2023 Leadership Academy Graduate

I enjoyed the program thoroughly!

Nathaniel Spears

2023 Leadership Academy Graduate

I enjoyed the program thoroughly!

"The experience was good and we enjoyed our times in the office. Sometimes it got boring when I had no work to do. The work was simple though and I had a good time here."