2013-06-24 02:46

Fort Worth, Texas – The World in HD Theme of Sister Cities Leadership Academies

Since 1989, the award-winning International Leadership Academy (ILA) has brought young people from Fort Worth’s sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues.  This year, over 100 participants will converge at TCU July 13-28 to share their cultures and learn about leadership. Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Swaziland, and Indonesia  will be in Fort Worth for this two week program.  The Academy’s goal is to increase  communication and leadership skills through teambuilding, problem-solving, and sharing cultures.

The closing ceremonies take place on July 27th, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium.  The ILA Class of 2013 will demonstrate what they have accomplished during the Academy in an elaborate performance.  The ceremony is free and open to the public. This year also marks the 9^th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership   Academy (JILA) held at McLean 6th Grade campus July 8-12.  College students from Toluca, Mexico will serve as facilitators, as the Fort Worth students discuss the same issues as their high school counterparts.  The students will experience cultural presentations and interaction with high school students from Reggio Emilia, Italy; Trier, Germany; and Mbabane, Swaziland gaining an international education. “These students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how    diverse cultures can support common goals.  It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth,” said Nancy Marchant, ILA and JILA Coordinator.