BAFF
Leadership
Academy

To apply for the program, you can go to the section APPLY.

Are you ready for an unforgettable summer full of learning, new experiences, and personal growth? The BAFF Leadership Academy is a fully funded summer program for talented high school students from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania who want to become stronger leaders, think more creatively, and explore new opportunities for their future. Over three weeks in the United States, you’ll take part in fun and interactive workshops on idea generation, design thinking, innovation, sustainability, and leadership skills — all while working on team projects and solving real world challenges. You’ll live on a U.S. college campus in Maine, make lifelong friends with students from across the Baltics, and experience American culture with activities like beach outings, hikes, and visits to New York City and Washington, D.C. — all included in the scholarship. This is your chance to grow your confidence, build new skills, and see the world in a whole new way!

As part of BAFF’s mission to strengthen ties between the Baltic States and the United States, this scholarship-supported program offers participants an innovative, experiential curriculum that introduces modern leadership models and practices. Topics include human-centered design, design thinking, innovation management, empathy, transformational leadership, change management, and reflective leadership. The program aims to enhance participants’ self-confidence, communication, and leadership abilities. Participants will also gain a deeper intercultural understanding as they engage with American academic and professional environments.

WHY PARTICIPATE?

• Develop leadership skills for a rapidly changing world. Learn to spot and capture opportunities with vision, resilience, and resourcefulness – qualities that are important for both your education and career.

• Learn about and apply innovative approaches like design thinking and change management alongside U.S. teachers and leadership experts.

• Have the chance to work with a team to develop and pitch innovative ideas — applying your learnings to address real-life leadership challenges for a better tomorrow.

• Grow personally and professionally and get expert guidance in creating action plans, elevator pitches, and presentations, and strengthen your confidence, communication, and leadership skills.

• Learn about American culture and experience some of Maine’s natural wonders by spending your days at the beach on the Atlantic Ocean, hiking a mountain trail, or touring Portland Harbor and its gorgeous Casco Bay islands by ferry boat.

• Experience some American culture and gain firsthand exposure to U.S. history by visiting New York and Washington D.C.