The Yleana Leadership Academy is a transformative summer program that combines college access preparation, elite SAT training, and critical college persistence skills in a unique, holistic experience. Held at Colgate University and Mount Holyoke College, the program serves high school students from diverse academic backgrounds, including those in the middle of the academic curve. The academy emphasizes creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students can gain confidence, build community, and develop as leaders while preparing for the transition to college. Participants engage in a rigorous SAT preparation curriculum, with the top 50% of students historically achieving significant score increases of 140 to 360 points. The program also focuses on essential college persistence skills, such as critical thinking, self-advocacy, and perspective-taking, alongside exposure to real-world professional opportunities through Imagination Workshops and a one-day Entrepreneurship Startup Fair. These experiences are designed to empower students with the tools they need to succeed academically and personally. The academy fosters personal growth and community building through its innovative Eight Pillars framework, creating a safe, nurturing space for participants to explore their potential. By the program’s conclusion, students not only experience a transformational shift in college admissions prospects but are also equipped with the knowledge and resources to thrive in higher education and beyond.