Paige Levi, a rising 10th grader at Carver High School, an Aldine ISD Choice School, was accepted in two 2023 summer leadership programs for girls — The Darden-Caldwell LeadHERship Series for Girls at Prairie View A&M University and The Spelman College Prep Institute (CPI).

Paige will attend the Darden-Caldwell LeadHERship Series for Girls from June 25 through June 29 in Prairie View and the Spelman College Prep Institute from July 7 through July 21, 2023.

Darden-Caldwell LeadHERship Series for Girls at PVAMU

The Darden-Caldwell LeadHERship Series for Girls is a 4.5-day residential program for females in the ninth grade that inspires and dares them to dream. The series is named after Phyllis Darden-Caldwell, director of alumni affairs at PVAMU.

The series will provide the girls with tools for leadership development, self-empowerment, college and career preparedness, and instilling the desire to become positive change agents within their communities. The summer camp will involve workshops led by professional women in leadership roles, both undergraduate and graduate students, with activities that promote leadership and empowerment to elevate girls’ beliefs in all their possibilities.

Participants will understand that success is about overcoming obstacles, setting and achieving goals, and accepting seemingly insurmountable challenges. There will be a group of dynamic, diverse, exciting, passionate, and engaging speakers on leadership, health and wellness, and social justice.

A student can b nominated for admission into the Darden at PVAMU. Once nominated, the students are asked to complete the registration process and potential permission forms.

Spelman College Prep Institute

The Spelman College Prep Institute (CPI) is a two-week residential program for female high school students in the 9th and 10th grades seeking an exceptional experience to launch their college search process.

Since 2005, CPI has been a leader in empowering hundreds of female high school students to achieve acceptance into the college of their choice.

The institute is an intense academic program that features hands-on seminars, college preparation workshops, online sessions, and lessons with homework on test preparation.

Approximately 60 to 90 female applicants are accepted between the two sessions. Spelman College is the No. 1 Historically Black College and University (HBCU) ranked by U.S. News and World Report.

CPI applicants must be current high school students in ninth or 10th grades. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 GPA and demonstrate leadership skills and an interest in attending. Other requirements include references, essays, and transcripts.