Two students from Brownwood ISD participated in the Education in Action Lone Star Leadership Academy this summer. Madelyn Jacobson, from Coggin Elementary 6th Grade was nominated by her teacher, Amber Shipman, and attended the academy for the first time. Charlotte Myers from 7th Grade returned for her second year of attendance after being nominated by Shipman in 2025. Jacobson and Myers are now students at Brownwood Middle School.

A news release provided by Education in Action noted the recognition of 710 outstanding Texas students who participated in the 2026 Lone Star Leadership Academies. The weeklong, overnight leadership programs help students build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and explore Texas history, government, culture, and careers. Each participant earned the opportunity to attend through an educator nomination for the Lone Star Leader Award, which recognizes students for leadership potential, academic achievement, and school and community involvement. Throughout the Academies, students developed essential leadership skills while building confidence and forming friendships with other high-achieving students from across Texas.

Experienced Texas educators lead Lone Star Leadership Academy programs and facilitate engaging, hands-on learning experiences that inspire students to become confident leaders. Many participants continue their leadership journey by returning for additional Academy experiences, becoming members of the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council, and later serving as Youth Facilitators who mentor younger students. This unique leadership pathway helps students develop leadership, service, and mentoring experience that strengthens future college, scholarship, and career applications.

This year, 69 Academy alumni returned as Youth Facilitators, mentoring younger participants while continuing to develop their own leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. In addition, 96 students earned the Trailblazer designation by completing all three Lone Star Leadership Academy location experiences.

Participants attended programs in the Dallas/Fort Worth, San Antonio/Austin, and Houston/Galveston regions, where they connected classroom learning with real-world experiences at destinations including the Texas State Capitol, Johnson Space Center, The Alamo, the Fort Worth Stockyards, and other iconic Texas sites. Along the way, students met professionals from a variety of career fields, helping them explore future educational and career opportunities.

Since its inception, more than 20,000 outstanding Texas students have participated in the Lone Star Leadership Academy, developing leadership skills, exploring future careers, and preparing to make a positive difference in their schools, communities, and beyond.

"Leadership is learned by doing," said Jennifer Pasteur, Executive Director of Education in Action. "The Lone Star Leadership Academy gives outstanding students meaningful opportunities to lead, serve, and grow. It is especially rewarding to see participants return as Youth Facilitators, mentor younger students, and continue developing as leaders."

For additional information about Education in Action's leadership programming, call 817-562-4957 or visit https://educationinaction.org/leadership (external link).