Building Leaders, One Service Project at a Time

Service Leadership Academy was awarded a $5,000 South Dakota Fund grant from South Dakota Community Foundation. Funds will be used to cover the expenses of two student groups at each academy.

“The Service Leadership Academy is committed to developing the next generation of servant leaders in South Dakota,” said Dr. Gregg Talcott, co-founder. “The academy is open to any incoming senior who desires to grow their servant heart and develop their leadership skills. Over 150 students receive the tools and support necessary to identify needs in their schools and communities and return to lead a service project addressing the identified need.”

Dr. Talcott and Kim Bartling launched SLA in 2022. It has been hosted at Augustana University. All participants attend for free, with groups consisting of seven high school students and a college student. 

Students are expected to develop leadership skills, connect with other future leaders and execute a service project in their own school or community during their senior year. The long-term goal is for SLA to expand the program to other communities in South Dakota. 

“Being part of the Service Leadership Academy this summer was such an amazing experience,” said one student-participant. “I learned so much about leadership, serving others, and how even small actions can make a difference in your school and community. I’m excited to take what my fellow classmates and I learned and bring it back to our school.” 

"Service Leadership Academy gives students a head start on what it means to lead with empathy and follow through on a commitment to their community,” said Ginger Niemann, SDCF Senior Program Officer. “We're proud to help make that experience possible for students across South Dakota."