FULL Scholarship to 2026 National WWII Museum Leadership Academy

Arete Scholars exists to advance the realization of excellence in underserved and marginalized children by opening the doors to opportunity. It is in this spirit that we are excited to announce a unique scholarship for Arete students across Georgia and Louisiana to attend the Student Leadership Academy, July 13-18, 2026, in New Orleans.*

Arete Scholars partnered with The National WWII Museum to offer our students access to a summer leadership program, where students will be challenged individually and as a group as they contemplate strategies, large and small, encounter ethical dilemmas, and face no-win situations. Last summer, we sent four deserving Arete scholars to the Leadership Academy. We are excited to offer our students access to this unique program once again for the summer of 2026.

Arete students 15 years or older are eligible to receive scholarships to attend the National WWII Museum's Student Leadership Academy July 13-18, 2026, in New Orleans. Student Leadership Academy scholarships cover course fees, travel, on-campus accommodations, and meals. 

There is also a Normandy Academy opportunity for students that allows participants to dive deeper into the experiences of the Allied forces throughout the Battle of Normandy. Arete students must be at least 16 years of age by the time of the trip. Recently graduated High School students must attend a High School trip. All college students must have been enrolled in an accredited college/university for at least one year.

Normandy Academy High School Trip 1: June 24 – July 5, 2026

Normandy Academy High School Trip 2: June 30 – July 12, 2026

Normandy Academy College Trip: July 6–17, 2026

To apply, students will be asked to answer a series of questions via a written essay or video prompts. Additionally, each student will be asked to provide an academic resume highlighting academic pursuits, extracurricular activities, volunteer experience, and/or community service projects. In the academic resume, students must list their Arete Scholars scholarship.

Applications to both the Student Leadership Academy and Normandy Academy close on January 23, 2026. We encourage you to consider this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for your child. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or reach out to the National WWII Museum directly. 

*Applicants must be 15 years or older. To receive additional travel assistance from Arete Scholars, the Student Leadership Program scholarship winner must be a current Arete Scholars scholarship recipient. Student Leadership Program scholarship awards will be determined by The National WWII Museum. An application does not guarantee a Student Leadership Program scholarship will be awarded.