The Chick-fil-A Leader Academy is a national high school leadership program sponsored by Chick-fil-A stores, focused on making impact through action. The Chick-fil-A on 82nd street and Milwaukee sponsors the Frenship Chick-fil-A Leader Academy at the Ninth Grade Center.  

They believe in impacting their community through actions and empowering students to make a difference.  The group meets over seven months with about 25 students. Gina Martinez, a Spanish teacher at the Ninth Grade Center, facilitates ‘learner labs’ where student in the academy learn about leadership. The program culminates in a final project that the students develop and complete by the end of the year. 

“I'm honored to see them transform into leaders and to start thinking and acting like leaders too,” said Martinez. “It's such a gift to see these kids think critically and outside the box.” 

As a part of this program, Chick-fil-A Leader Academy students packaged over 500 books for student at Westwind Elementary. The books were provided by Chick-fil-A and every Pre-K through 4th grader received a book to take home.  

The students at Westwind were excited to receive their books last week, comparing the various book titles with each other.  

“Westwind celebrates with an attitude of gratitude,” said Qualimetra Chapman, counselor at Westwind. “Our students are so thankful to the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy for donating the books and adding the extra razzle dazzle with stopping by and delivering them in person!”