Every teen girl deserves a space where she can grow, lead, and discover who she truly is.
The Queen’s Academy 2026 Summer Program is a completely FREE leadership and life-skills experience built specifically for young women ages 13–18 in the Greater Houston area. Hosted at SheSpace, this program combines hands-on learning, real mentorship, and a powerful sisterhood — all designed to help participants build the confidence and skills they’ll carry for life.
Program Dates: July 11 – July 5, application deadline
Location: SheSpace, Houston
Cost: FREE
Ages: 13–18
Register Now at: queens-foundation.org/queens-academy-enrollment
What Makes The Queen’s Academy Different?
Most summer programs keep teens busy. Queen’s Academy builds them up.
Rather than focusing on academics alone, this program tackles the real-life skills that schools often skip — financial literacy, mental wellness, civic leadership, and career readiness — all within a community that actively supports each participant’s growth.
Here’s what every attendee will develop:
6 Life-Changing Skills Participants Will Gain
1. Leadership Development
Participants won’t just learn about leadership — they’ll practice it.
Through team challenges, group discussions, and real-world scenarios, young women strengthen their communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and ability to lead with integrity and empathy. These are skills that transfer directly into school, college, and the workplace.
2. Financial Literacy
Financial confidence starts early — and it starts here.
Participants learn practical money skills: budgeting, saving, setting financial goals, and making informed decisions about spending. Understanding money management as a teenager gives young women a head start on financial independence well into adulthood.
3. College & Career Readiness
The earlier teens start thinking about their future, the more prepared they’ll be.
Queen’s Academy guides participants through career exploration, goal setting, professional communication, and practical steps for college preparation. Every session encourages young women to dream bigger — and then gives them a roadmap to get there.
4. Mental Wellness & Self-Discovery
Confidence is built from the inside out.
The program creates a safe, supportive environment where participants can work on self-esteem, emotional resilience, and healthy coping strategies. Understanding and prioritizing mental wellness helps young women navigate challenges with a stronger, more grounded mindset.
5. Civic Engagement
Great leaders give back to their communities.
Participants explore what civic responsibility looks like in practice — volunteering, community involvement, and using their influence to create positive change. The goal is to inspire the next generation of leaders to look beyond themselves and invest in where they live.
6. Sisterhood & Mentorship
Sometimes the most powerful thing a young woman needs is to be surrounded by others who believe in her.
Queen’s Academy builds a genuine community of motivated peers and caring mentors. Participants leave not just with new skills, but with lasting friendships and professional connections that continue to support them long after the program ends.
Meet the 2026 Guest Speakers
This year’s speaker lineup brings together leaders from entrepreneurship, healthcare, media, and community advocacy — each with a story that will inspire participants to pursue their own path with confidence.
- Stephanie Tsuru — Co-Founder of SheSpace; advocate for women’s leadership and entrepreneurship
- Kristin Douglas — Founder of LeJé Aesthetics; business leader and confidence builder
- Ciara Sunny — Content creator and community advocate promoting authenticity and meaningful impact
- Dr. David McDonald, MD, MBA — Pediatric resident physician specializing in adolescent health and mental wellness
- Margo Jordan — Founder & CEO of Enrichly, veteran, and entrepreneur focused on confidence and emotional resilience in young people
Each speaker offers real-world insight that participants can’t get from a textbook.
Led by Executive Director Chekesha Johnson
The Queen’s Academy is led by Chekesha Johnson, Executive Director of The Queen’s Foundation. Her vision for investing in young women and Houston’s future communities shapes every aspect of this program.
Under her leadership, The Queen’s Foundation continues to create meaningful opportunities that help teen girls develop the confidence, knowledge, and purpose needed to succeed — far beyond the classroom.
What Participants Take Home
By the end of the program, participants will have gained:
- Greater self-confidence and self-awareness
- Practical leadership and communication skills
- Real financial literacy knowledge
- College and career readiness tools
- Stronger emotional wellness and resilience
- Meaningful mentorship relationships
- Lasting friendships and a supportive network
- A clear sense of purpose and direction
These aren’t just summer memories — they’re lifelong advantages.
How to Register (Free — Limited Spots)
The Queen’s Academy 2026 is completely free, but enrollment is limited and fills quickly.
If you know a teen girl between 13 and 18 who is ready to grow, lead, and step into her potential — don’t wait.
Application Deadline: July 5, 2026
Program Starts: Saturday, July 11, 2026
Location: SheSpace, Houston
Apply Now: queens-foundation.org/queens-academy-enrollment
Invest in her confidence today. She’ll carry it for a lifetime.
The Queen’s Academy is a program of The Queen’s Foundation, dedicated to empowering young women and families throughout the Greater Houston area.