Two Brownwood ISD students spent part of their summer developing leadership skills, exploring Texas history and learning about future careers through the Education in Action Lone Star Leadership Academy.
Madelyn Jacobson, who was nominated by Coggin Elementary sixth-grade teacher Amber Shipman, attended the academy for the first time. Charlotte Myers, also nominated by Shipman in 2025, returned for her second year. Both students are now attending Brownwood Middle School.
A nomination-based leadership opportunity
Students earn the opportunity to attend through an educator nomination for the Lone Star Leader Award. The award recognizes leadership potential, academic achievement, and involvement in school and community activities.
Education in Action said 710 outstanding Texas students participated in the 2026 Lone Star Leadership Academies. The weeklong, overnight programs are designed to help students build confidence, strengthen leadership abilities and examine Texas government, history, culture and careers.
Experienced Texas educators led the programs and facilitated hands-on learning experiences. Participants also formed friendships with other high-achieving students from across the state while practicing leadership, communication and teamwork.
From Texas landmarks to career exploration
The students attended academy programs in the Dallas/Fort Worth, San Antonio/Austin and Houston/Galveston regions. Their activities connected classroom learning with real-world experiences at destinations that included the Texas State Capitol, Johnson Space Center, The Alamo and the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Along the way, participants met professionals working in a range of career fields. Those encounters were intended to help students consider future educational and career opportunities.
The academy also offers a continuing leadership pathway. Participants may return for additional academy experiences, join the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council or later serve as Youth Facilitators who mentor younger students. Education in Action said that experience can add leadership, service and mentoring background to future college, scholarship and career applications.
Alumni continue the program’s work
This year, 69 academy alumni returned as Youth Facilitators. They mentored younger participants while continuing to develop their own communication, teamwork and leadership skills.
Another 96 students earned the Trailblazer designation by completing all three Lone Star Leadership Academy location experiences.
Since the program began, more than 20,000 Texas students have taken part in the academies, according to Education in Action. The organization says the program helps students develop leadership skills, explore careers and prepare to contribute positively to their schools and communities.
“Leadership is learned by doing,” said Jennifer Pasteur, Executive Director of Education in Action.
Pasteur said the program provides students with opportunities to lead, serve and grow, adding that it is rewarding to see participants return as Youth Facilitators and mentor younger students.
More information about Education in Action’s leadership programming is available at educationinaction.org/leadership. The organization also listed 817-562-4957 for inquiries.