The Queen’s Foundation is proud to announce the opening of enrollment for The Queen’s Academy 2026, a FREE summer empowerment program designed to help teen girls ages 13–18 in Houston grow in confidence, leadership, and real-life skills.
Applications are now officially open for the Queen’s Academy, offering an incredible opportunity for young women across the Greater Houston area to grow into confident leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. This free and structured summer leadership program is designed to empower the next generation through mentorship, personal development, career readiness, and life-changing experiences. With a proven impact on young women in Houston, Queen’s Academy continues to create a supportive environment where future leaders can discover their potential and build a strong foundation for success.
What Is Queen’s Academy?
Queen’s Academy is the premier youth leadership and empowerment program created by The Queen’s Foundation to support teen girls in underserved Houston communities. Founded in 2022 by Chekesha Johnson, the program provides mentorship, financial literacy education, leadership development, and personal growth opportunities designed to help young women succeed. Following a highly successful 2025 cohort — including a 90% completion rate and major increases in leadership confidence and financial understanding — Queen’s Academy continues to shape the next generation of confident and empowered female leaders in Houston.
Summer 2026 Program Details
The Queen’s Academy returns in Summer 2026 with an expanded experience designed to empower teen girls across the Greater Houston area through leadership development, mentorship, financial literacy, and personal growth. This year’s program will be hosted at SheSpace, one of Houston’s leading spaces dedicated to supporting women and young leaders.
Program Information:
- Location: SheSpace
- Start Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
- Program Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Tuition: Completely Free for All Participants
- Application Deadline: July 5, 2026
- Eligibility: Teen girls ages 13–18 in the Greater Houston area
Young women interested in joining this transformational summer leadership program are encouraged to apply early through the Queen’s Academy Enrollment Page.
What Will Teen Girls Learn?
Queen’s Academy is more than a traditional summer program — it is a transformational leadership and personal development experience designed to equip teen girls with the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed for long-term success. The 2026 curriculum is built around six core pillars that empower young women academically, personally, and professionally.
- Leadership Development— Participants strengthen their communication skills, discover their leadership potential, and learn how to create a positive impact within their schools and communities.
- Financial Literacy— Girls gain practical money management skills, including budgeting, saving, entrepreneurship, and understanding credit and financial responsibility.
- College & Career Readiness— The program provides guidance on college preparation, career exploration, financial aid, goal setting, and professional confidence.
- Mental Wellness & Emotional Growth— Through mentorship and supportive discussions, participants build emotional resilience, self-awareness, and healthy coping skills.
- Civic Engagement & Community Impact — Students learn the importance of community involvement, leadership through service, and becoming active voices for positive change.
- Confidence & Self-Discovery — Queen’s Academy encourages young women to embrace their identity, develop self-confidence, and recognize their value and potential.
Why This Program Matters in Houston..?
Queen’s Academy was created to address the growing need for mentorship, leadership development, and educational support for teen girls in underserved Houston communities. Across neighborhoods such as Sunnyside, South Park, and Third Ward, many families face limited access to programs that provide life skills, financial education, and personal development opportunities for young women.
Through The Queen’s Foundation, every Queen’s Academy session is offered completely free, ensuring that teen girls ages 13–18 can access mentorship, leadership training, college and career readiness resources, and a supportive community designed to help them thrive.
Since its founding, the organization has positively impacted more than 1,200 Houston youth and families, distributed over 1,000+ backpacks through community initiatives, and received support from respected partners, including Walmart, Houston Food Bank, and MPAC Houston. More than a summer program, Queen’s Academy is building the next generation of confident, empowered, and community-driven young leaders.
Who Should Apply?
Queen’s Academy is open to teen girls ages 13–18 across the Greater Houston area. who are ready to grow personally, academically, and professionally. The program is designed to provide mentorship, leadership development, financial literacy, and confidence-building opportunities in a supportive and empowering environment. There are no academic requirements or financial barriers to participate — only a willingness to learn and grow.
This leadership and empowerment program is especially valuable for girls who:
- Are transitioning into high school or preparing for college and future careers
- Want to strengthen their financial literacy and leadership skills
- Are seeking positive mentorship and a supportive community
- Come from underserved or economically challenged households
- Want to build confidence, self-awareness, and personal direction
Parents, educators, mentors, and community leaders are encouraged to share this opportunity with young women who could benefit from the program. Applications for the Summer 2026 cohort are limited, and early enrollment is strongly encouraged before the July 5, 2026, deadline.
How to Apply
Enrollment for the Queen’s Academy Summer 2026 program is now open for teen girls ages 13–18 throughout the Greater Houston area. Young women who are ready to build confidence, leadership skills, and future opportunities are encouraged to apply early, as available spots are limited.
Interested participants can submit their application through the official Queen’s Academy Enrollment Page.
To learn more about The Queen’s Foundation and its community programs — including Queen’s House for youth transitioning out of foster care — visit the organization’s official website.
Connect with The Queen’s Foundation online:
The Queen’s Foundation is a Houston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and underserved communities through free educational and leadership programs. For additional information, contact Admin@Queens-Foundation.org or call 281-759-2360.