WHAT IS LB ACADEMY?
A SEMESTER-LONG PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR LEADERS

Founded in 1984 by the Boise Metro Chamber, Leadership Boise Academy (LBA) is a transformative, fully-funded leadership development program designed for high school juniors across the Treasure Valley. The Academy provides students with a unique opportunity to engage with top professionals, explore civic issues, and develop leadership skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

​PROGRAM OVERVIEW: LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
LBA brings together a diverse group of students to explore current issues and opportunities in the Boise Metro region. Through monthly full-day sessions, students interact with adult participants from the Chamber’s Leadership Boise program—55 top professionals representing leading companies and organizations in the Treasure Valley.

Students gain firsthand insight into civic engagement, leadership development, and community impact. The program encourages students to become active participants in shaping the future of their community.

​WHAT’S INCLUDED: FULLY-FUNDED STUDENT LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Thanks to the Boise Metro Chamber Foundation, the program is completely free for participants and includes:

• Transportation to and from designated pick-up locations (Roaring Springs, Capital High School, Boise High)
• Breakfast, lunch, and snacks at each session
• Participation in monthly Leadership/Civic topic sessions with adult LB participants
• Free graduation event for students (family and friends may purchase tickets)

Note:  Transportation to the Kick-Off event is not provided.

MENTORSHIP & COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Each LBA class is supported by an elected LB Academy Vice President, a second-year LB participant who serves as a mentor and chaperone. Chamber staff oversee all programming and logistics. Adult LB participants actively engage with students, offering mentorship and sharing their professional experiences.

LB ACADEMY ANNOUNCEMENTS

LBA Application - Apply HERE

KEY DATES & APPLICATION PROCESS

• Applications Open: August 25, 2025
• Application Deadline: October 5, 2025
• Interviews Held: Saturday, November 8, 2025
• Acceptance Notifications: December 2025​

LB ACADEMY 2026 SESSIONS

Leadership Boise Academy includes six educational sessions, one attendance optional service project, and a graduation banquet between the months of January and May. Sessions for the Class of 2024 include:
​

• Kick-Off – Setting the Stage:  January 10, 2026 (required)
• Innovation & Technology - Creative Thinking: January 21, 2026
• Business - Improving Processes: February 18, 2026
• Government & Legal - Negotiating Conflicts: March 25, 2026
• Healthcare - Empathetic Communications: April 15, 2026
• Service Project Day: TBD - Half-day, Saturday in April 2026 (optional)
• Graduation event: April or May – TBA in January

2026 PROGRAM SPONSOR

LB ACADEMY TESTIMONIALS

"I participated in Leadership Boise Academy as a high school student and I still remember the LBA days so clearly. It really made an impact on me and helped me understand a diverse set of career possibilities. Excited for Riverstone students to be a part of it!"
​
- ELERI HOFSTETTER, Student Life & Support Coordinator, Riverstone International School

HELPING TREASURE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS LEARN TO BE THE YOUNG LEADERS, AND THE FUTURE LEADERS, OF THEIR COMMUNITY

​​LEADERSHIP BOISE ACADEMY - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR LEADERSHIP BOISE ACADEMY?
High school juniors from any school in the Treasure Valley are eligible to apply.​

WHAT STEPS SHOULD INTERESTED STUDENTS TAKE TO APPLY?

• Speak with your parent or guardian regarding the program components
• Express an interest to your counselor
• Commit to 100% attendance at all sessions
• Complete LBA application available in the Fall
• Check your email regularly (after September) for application dates and information

IS THERE A COST TO PARTICIPATE?
No. The program is fully funded by the Boise Metro Chamber Foundation.

HOW DO STUDENTS GET TO THE SESSIONS?
Transportation is provided from designated pick-up locations (Roaring Springs, Capital High School, Boise High). All students must ride the bus to and from sessions.

CAN STUDENTS MISS A SESSION?
Students may miss only one session to remain eligible for graduation.

ARE STUDENTS EXCUSED FROM SCHOOL FOR LB ACADEMY SESSIONS?
Yes. Participating schools excuse students, and the missed day is not counted as an absence.
​
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER GRADUATION?
Graduates may apply to be Youth Ambassadors to the new LBA class. Ten graduates are selected. All grads may apply for the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Educational scholarships during their senior year; the Foundation awards two, $2000 scholarships.​

---

LBA EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATIONS OPEN IN SPRING 2026

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATES
Graduates of the Leadership Boise Academy program may:

• Apply to serve as Youth Ambassadors for the next LBA class
• Apply for a $2,000 Boise Metro Chamber Foundation Educational Scholarship during their senior year of high school
  • Scholarships are applicable to accredited educational institutions within Idaho

The Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Boise program is proud to award up to two Educational Scholarships to graduates of the 2025 Leadership Boise Academy program!  This Scholarship program recognizes 2025 graduates of Leadership Boise Academy who have taken an active role in community engagement activities, and who intend to pursue post-secondary education at an institution in the state of Idaho. The applicant must be a graduate of the Leadership Boise Academy program, a graduating high school senior, and continuing his/her education at an accredited school, college or university in the state of Idaho. Scholarships are awarded at the annual Leadership Boise Academy Graduation ceremony in May of 2026. 

​New: 2-year colleges, trade schools, and professional certificate programs (offered at a physical location in the state of Idaho) are also eligible to receive scholarship funds on behalf of the LBA Grad Scholarship winners.

KARYN STUART
Director of Leadership Programs

​QUESTIONS ABOUT LB ACADEMY?

Karyn Stuart oversees our five leadership development programs (LB Academy, LB, LB Alumni, BYP, Youth Ambassadors) supports the annual volunteer leadership, and helps to ensure the Boise Metro Chamber’s mission is met. 

Email Karyn Stuart using the link below to to learn more about Leadership Boise Academy and how to become a sponsor.​

EMAIL Karyn: [email protected]