Caddo DA Leadership Academy to be June 22-26

The Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Leadership Academy is proud to launch its fourth year of empowering local high school students through leadership development, personal growth, and civic engagement. It will be Monday, June 22, through Friday, June 26, 2026, at 620 Texas St., Suite 100 in downtown Shreveport.

This year’s academy theme is “Main Character Energy,” to encourage teen scholars to view themselves as the authors of their own stories and leaders in their communities. The academy once again is being presented in partnership with Community Renewal International, CRI, a longstanding community organization dedicated to building stronger neighborhoods and stronger futures.

“Main Character Energy” is centered on self-discovery, leadership, confidence and intentional growth. Throughout the week, students will reflect on their experiences, identify defining moments and explore how the choices they make today shape their future.

“One of the greatest gifts we can give young people is the opportunity to see themselves differently,” said District Attorney James E. Stewart Sr. “For four years, the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Leadership Academy has challenged students to recognize their potential, embrace their responsibilities, and understand that the decisions they make today help write the story of their tomorrow. This year’s theme, ‘Main Character Energy,’ encourages our scholars to become intentional authors of their own lives and leaders within their communities.”

The Academy’s curriculum combines leadership principles, interactive activities, mentorship, and personal reflection to help scholars build the skills necessary for success both inside and outside the classroom.

By encouraging students to think critically about their futures and their role in shaping them, the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Leadership Academy continues its mission of investing in young people who will one day lead families, organizations, businesses, and communities across Northwest Louisiana and beyond.

Since its inception in 2023, the Academy has provided scholars with opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their vision for the future, and develop the confidence needed to make purposeful decisions. 

Participants will engage in leadership and personal development workshops, interactive group activities and discussions and civic engagement and professional exposure. There also will be a guided autobiography project centered on identity, growth and future goals, as well as opportunities to hear authentic stories of perseverance and leadership. 

The week will conclude with a graduation and Student Showcase. The graduation ceremony will be Friday, June 26, 2026 at 1 p.m. at 620 Texas St., Suite 100, the academy site. It is open to the public. During the graduation, the scholars will showcase excerpts from their autobiographies, sharing reflections on their journeys, lessons learned and the chapters they hope to write next.

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