Thursday, August 14, 2025
Empowering the Next Generation: The Cleveland Cavaliers Social Impact Academy
We’re happy to share this exciting opportunity for high school juniors and seniors in Northeast Ohio — the inaugural Cleveland Cavaliers Social Impact Academy.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are presenting this nine-month leadership and community engagement program, designed to inspire and prepare young leaders to create positive change in their communities through education, hands-on experiences, and collaboration with local leaders and organizations. It offers students the chance to gain real-world insight into what it means to lead, serve, and make an impact right here at home.
Over the course of the year, participants will explore important topics like civic engagement and the voting process, social justice and advocacy, diversity, equity, and inclusion, the value of volunteerism, and what it takes to become an emerging leader. Students will meet once a month — both virtually and in-person — to learn directly from community leaders, engage in thought-provoking conversations, and work together on solutions to real challenges.
The experience will culminate in a Capstone Project designed and presented by each student. This project will give participants the chance to take what they’ve learned and put it into action in a way that benefits their school, neighborhood, or community.
A few things to know about the program:
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Open to current high school juniors and seniors in Northeast Ohio.
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Only 20 students will be accepted.
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Each month, there will be one weekday session. Students will miss approximately half a school day on these dates, and an official school excuse letter will be provided.
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Selected students are expected to attend all monthly sessions, arrive ready to participate, check emails and the cohort chat regularly for updates, and complete their Capstone Project.
Applications are open now through Wednesday, September 3rd. Apply here.
If you have questions about the Academy or the application process, contact Ariana Smith at arianasmith@cityclub.org.
This inaugural class will bring together motivated students who are ready to learn, collaborate, and take action toward building stronger, more inclusive communities across Northeast Ohio.
