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Spirit of America Youth Leadership​​

Spirit of America Youth Leadership is a transformative four-day residential program that engages high school students in grades 9-12 from across the country with the first principles of freedom.
Students at a Spirit of America event posing in front of the Martha Washington Building

The experience

Through an inspiring four-day program at our Valley Forge campus, students experience mock congressional debates, participate in a free enterprise challenge, visit historical sites, and engage in interactive educational activities. This immersive experience allows students to develop their critical thinking and leadership skills while understanding their responsibilities as citizens. Students live on campus during the program, identifying opportunities for future contributions to society while creating new, lasting friendships and finding common ground as Americans with peers from across the country.

2024 and 2025 programs

2024

October 17-20

2024

November 7-10

2025

February 20-23

2025

February 27 - March 2

2025

March 6-9

2025

March 13-16

2025

March 27-30

2025

April 3-6

2025

April 10-13

2025

April 24-27

2025

June 26-29

2025

July 10-13

2025

July 17-20

Prepare For Your Trip

To prepare for your trip, download the Spirit of America PDF below.

Chaperones

Looking to Chaperone an SOA
Program? Click below for information.

Questions?

Interested in attending a program but
don’t know which date to pick?

Spirit of America program activities

Student posing for a selfie with the Liberty Bell

Historic Philadelphia

This unparalleled walk through the streets where history was made leaves students with a profound understanding of the birthplace of America. Students receive a ranger-led tour of Independence Hall and stand in the room where our country’s founders adopted the Declaration of Independence and debated the United States Constitution. The guided experience explores additional historical sites such as the Liberty Bell, Elfreth’s Alley, and Ben Franklin’s grave.

Students touring Valley Forge

Valley Forge National Historical Park

The Valley Forge National Historical Park visit allows students to walk across the famous grounds of George Washington’s encampment at Valley Forge. Accompanied by expert guides, students are presented with the challenges faced by the volunteers who sacrificed so much to forge the United States. During their time, students visit the encampment, George Washington’s Headquarters, the statue of Baron von Steuben and the Grand Parade Grounds, Muhlenberg Brigade Huts, the National Memorial Arch, George Washington Memorial Chapel, and Mad Anthony Wayne Statue and Woods.

Thomas Jefferson actor speaking with students

Living History

Living history actor-historians from the American Historical Theatre enable students to learn from and interact with some of the most significant figures in American history. Thomas Jefferson, Frederick Douglass, George Washington, Abigail Adams, and others step out of the history books and into the room, helping students understand that these great figures were still people with personal motivations, problems, fears, and triumphs.

Table showing 2 copies of the Declaration of Independence

Signer’s Ceremony

The Signer’s Ceremony is a moving experience. A re-enactor of founding father James Wilson helps students understand the sacrifices made by the Declaration of Independence signers. Through this interaction, students gain a deeper realization that signing the document in 1776 was an act of treason punishable by death. Students are asked to make their own commitment to be part of this great experiment (that was the founding of America).

Student at a table writing

Five Pillars of Civic Responsibility

The Five Pillars of Civic Responsibility will provide students with an understanding of civic responsibility – respect, accountability, participation, productivity, and generosity – through Founding Forward’s Bill of Responsibilities while exploring how to express these in their everyday lives.

Closeup of a case holding a Medal of Honor award

Medal of Honor Character Development

This segment teaches students about the six characteristics of the Medal of Honor – courage, commitment, integrity, sacrifice, citizenship, and patriotism – and actively identifies how they can apply those principles to their own lives.

Students talking in a room

Free Enterprise

The Free Enterprise Challenge provides an entertaining and stimulating way for students to learn about the American free enterprise system. Students learn about entrepreneurship and work as a team to develop a product pitch presented to a panel of judges. Students learn the value of collaborative creativity as they demonstrate their product’s feasibility, utility, and marketability.

Presenter walking amongst audience at a Founding Forward event

Freedom Summit

Freedom Summit is a mock congressional forum where students learn to debate and balance liberty and security. In this session, the students revise legislation after a constitutional expert guides them through a discussion of amendments and relevant legal cases on freedom, safety, and the most important Supreme Court cases that define our constitutional rights.

What our students are saying

Check out these testimonials from Spirit of America students!

I have a hard time connecting with people and getting to know them. This program has helped build a new foundation and given me the strength to go meet new people and build a community for everyone.
Brice
Spirit of America participant
I met so many wonderful people who have changed my life for the better. I learned many empowering things about my country that I would never have known. I feel infinitely more prepared to be an educated citizen and voter than I was prior to my trip.
Emma
Spirit of America participant
This experience taught me that even the smallest voice can make a difference. It taught me to better appreciate those who fought and died for our country, but most of all it rekindled my love for this country’s history and greatly inspired me to learn more so I may become an even better citizen.
Rebecca
Spirit of America participant
I have learned about civic engagement, leadership, democracy, and free enterprise from the most inspirational, knowledgeable, and well-spoken experts. I cannot overstate the impact these four days have had on my life.
Evan
Spirit of America participant

FAQs

Read our FAQ’s below or email us at spiritofamerica@foundingforward.org with additional questions.

What is included?

This all-inclusive program is available at the low cost of $525 which includes program tuition, a private or semi-private room on our campus, meals, transportation and tickets to historic sites, and group tours. Founding Forward will also pick students up from the Philadelphia airport to bring to our campus.

Students participating in Spirit of America are eligible for program sponsorships provided by our partners. Students should apply for a program, or contact us, and sponsorship opportunities will be discussed with the student.

Direct payment is also available for students who do not qualify for scholarships.

Please email us for further details about the cost of your specific program.

Travel to the Philadelphia airport, or to and from Founding Forward’s Valley Forge campus, are the responsibility of the participant. Founding Forward staff can transport students to or from the Philadelphia airport. Some chapters and partners may include transportation in their sponsorship.

Travel to historic sites throughout the program is covered and handled by Founding Forward.

Please email us for further details about the cost of your specific program.

Help us inspire tomorrow’s leaders

Founding Forward’s work and mission is made possible through voluntary contributions. We need your support to ensure a future rooted in liberty. Please join our efforts to uphold our democratic system of government with your tax-deductible contribution.