All-Girls Middle School Scholars Leadership Program

An overnight weekend program for grades 6–8 at Santa Catalina School in Monterey, CA

May 2–4, 2025

Girls group together in kayaks on the water.
Girls in blue sweatshirts gather around a table with a purple sea urchin in a container; one girl holds one in her hand.
Girls smile in a group.
Wide shot of girls posing together on stage surrounded by a whimsical set.


Santa Catalina School, an all-girls boarding and day high school in Monterey, invites sixth, seventh, and eighth grade girls to the Middle School Scholars Leadership Program. This tuition-free program is designed for girls who are interested in exploring, discovering, and deepening their passion for leadership and making a positive impact in their community. Participants will learn from expert faculty through experiential activities, be mentored by current Santa Catalina students, enjoy an off-campus excursion, and more! This is an exciting opportunity for girls to build leadership skills, connect with other passionate student leaders, and experience life in an all-girls boarding school setting.
 

Program Details

  • Tuition: This is a tuition-free, all-inclusive program with housing, meals, snacks, and activities provided by Santa Catalina School for selected Middle School Scholars.
  • Transportation: Santa Catalina School will provide a transportation option from the Bay Area to the program on Friday, May 2 (specific pick-up location TBD). Students must be picked up on campus on Sunday, May 4.
  • Housing: Students will stay on the Santa Catalina School campus Friday and Saturday night in our student dormitories with another Middle School Scholar as a roommate.
  • Activities: Students engage in experiential activities on and off-campus, and attend a Saturday evening performance of Santa Catalina’s spring musical.
  • Sunday Pick-up: Pick-up is Sunday afternoon on campus. Parents are invited to lunch while students share their weekend experiences.

A detailed schedule will be provided upon acceptance into the program.
 

Learning Outcomes

  • Create connections with student leaders across the country
  • Identify personal leadership strengths
  • Improve communication skills
  • Participate in team design challenges
  • Explore Santa Catalina School’s signature programs of marine ecology, engineering, and musical theatre
  • Experience life in an all-girls boarding school setting
  • Create a positive impact leadership plan for their home community
Girls in blue sweatshirts collaborate on a project around a table.

Who Should Apply?

  • Current sixth, seventh, and eighth grade girls who are curious, caring, and eager to learn and lead
  • Girls who are interested in problem-solving real-world issues
  • Courageous and passionate girls who want to have a positive impact on their communities
  • Girls who want to develop their leadership and communication skills
     

Application Dates and Details

  • December 1: Applications open and available. Interested scholars must complete an application, including short answer questions. A recommendation letter is also required.
  • January 31: Application deadline.
  • February 19: Applicants notified of their acceptance. Upon acceptance, applicants must finalize registration and will receive a detailed information packet.
  • March 1: Registration deadline for accepted applicants.

The first 50 applicants will receive a discount to attend Summer at Santa Catalina.

For questions and more information, please contact msscholars@santacatalina.org.
 

Apply Now