About us
Jackson Leadership Academy
The Jackson Leadership Academy is a safe place for teens age 13-18, where you can drop in after school and be yourself without feeling the pressure of being judged. JLA offers a unique environment that feels like family.
From sports to the arts, volunteerism to academic pursuits, Jackson Leadership Academy offers you resources and programs to create meaningful experiences today as you prepare a plan for the future. We’re here to listen and guide you as you choose your path forward.
We serve over 300 teens in the Kershaw County community each year.
90% of our teens who attend the Club at least 2 days a week go to college or the military.
Our History
In 2007 Michael Smith was the first gang related murder in Kershaw, and County members knew that we needed a positive place for our teens to hang out and get into good trouble. When the Safe Schools Healthy Students Grant was funded, Carter Clark was able to bring the Be Great Academy, an after school child care and development program powered by the Boys & Girls Clubs, to Kershaw County. In 2014, a partnership was developed with Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands and Kershaw County School District to use the Old Jackson High School as a site for the long awaited Teen Center. On June 2nd 2014 the doors were open!
Our Mission
The mission of the Jackson Leadership Academy is to inspire and enable young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.
Our Vision
The vision of the Jackson Leadership Academy is to provide a world-class Club experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle.
Our Programs
Our programs are designed to support teens to be successful at school, work and as community leaders. We provide academic support, career development, leadership & character development, job readiness, sports & recreation, the arts and healthy living.
JETT Program
The Jobs and Employability Training for Teens (JETT) program is designed to prepare high-risk high school students for the workplace through soft skills development and paid, mentored internships with local business and government entities.
Jackson Leadership Academy Facilities
Check out our facilities. A place where everyone can enjoy and feel at home.
