June 8-13, 2025 - Presented by Troy University and the American Village
A select group of rising high school juniors and seniors from around Alabama will learn more about leadership, civics, and U.S. history during the Trojan Patriot Academy each summer, presented by Troy University and the American Village. This unique experience will allow students to connect with other young leaders from around the state and grow as citizens ready to make a positive impact.
High school students from around the state of Alabama came to the Troy campus on June 9 for the very first Trojan Patriot Academy. The American Village Citizenship Trust and Troy University partnership allowed these rising seniors to learn more about leadership, civics, and U.S. History. The five-night camp is designed to expose students to leadership practices and ideals through the lens of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
Two students from each high school are nominated by their superintendents or principals. Students are selected for the Academy based on a variety of factors, including evidence of leadership in their schools and communities.
Students will learn leadership styles and team building within a framework built by the Founding Fathers through the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and other foundational documents.
Students and their parents are hosted at an opening ceremony at Troy University and a closing ceremony at American Village in Montevallo.
The full cost of attendance is covered by the American Village Citizenship Trust and Troy University for those who are accepted and attend.
During the closing ceremony, Dr. Miller congratulated the participants for their commitment to participating in the inaugural event. “I hope you have enjoyed this week. We will continue to look at what we have done with this inaugural Trojan Patriot Academy and make improvements, and we do hope you will help promote this program moving forward,” he said. “I think it is incredibly important to the future of our nation that we are developing leaders with principles, virtue and morality as the foundation of how they lead.”
During the closing ceremony at the American Village, Dr. Hawkins urged participants to continue their journey to becoming leaders and remain engaged in their communities.
“I encourage you to stay involved. We need you,” he said. “I want you to have a vision, not just for what you will do tomorrow, but what you will do 10 years from now. I want you to think big. The preservation of this democracy is a big idea that is worthy of our best efforts.”
