At ALA, students take on the challenge of a rigorous two-year program that prepares them to lead with integrity and purpose. But leadership is not developed in isolation. That’s why ALA places just as much emphasis on community and care as it does on curriculum.
ALA is a fully residential campus, which means students are away from home, family, and familiar support systems for two full years. In their place, ALA has built thoughtful and intentional structures that provide students with the guidance and emotional scaffolding they need to thrive.
Building Family Through Advisory
One of the most important of these structures is the advisory family program. Every student is placed into a small group of peers, led by an ALA staff member who serves as their advisor. These advisors aren’t limited to academic faculty — they come from across the institution and often bring a variety of perspectives to the role.
Each week, advisory families meet for an hour to reflect on growth, challenges, and life on campus. These sessions are moments of pause in the fast pace of ALA life — a space to process, ask questions, and feel seen. Advisors also make time to check in individually with each student, offering deeper, personalized support.
In this video, Sibongo Ndzinisa '23 from Eswatini and Deepshikha Parmessur from the Entrepreneurial Leadership faculty share how their advisory relationship has shaped their ALA journey — and how both of them have grown in the process.
Creating Home in the Residence Halls
Support at ALA doesn’t stop at the classroom door. In each of the 12 residence halls, a hall head plays a crucial role in shaping the culture and wellbeing of their group of 20 students.
Hall heads meet with their students weekly to share updates, build community, and hold space for traditions unique to each hall — from birthday celebrations to hall chants. These aren’t just administrative check-ins. They are a central part of what makes the residential experience at ALA feel like home.
In this video, Mahara Mmangisa '24 from Malawi and hall head Tebang Ntsasa reflect on the deep connection they’ve built and how their relationship has helped anchor Mahara during his time at the Academy.
At ALA, leadership is nurtured through relationships. Through advisory families and residence hall communities, students are reminded that they’re never alone — even when they’re far from home. These support structures are part of what makes ALA more than a school. It’s a place where young leaders are seen, supported, and strengthened for the road ahead.
