The Eileen Fisher Leadership Institute (EFLI), which just completed its first NYC-based national program, is accepting applications from teenagers interested in participating in its summer 2017 programs in Westchester County. The application deadline is May 7.

EFLI, which is based in Westchester, hosted a residential Spring Break Sustainable Fashion program in NYC in April. Now the institute is gearing up for a summer’s worth of nonresidential sessions at the Eileen Fisher Learning Lab in Irvington. Program offerings will include the LIFE Fellowship for graduating high school seniors and college students (June 28-August 18); Activating Leadership for rising 10th to 12th graders (July 10-21); a new co-ed program, Leading with Impact, for rising 10th to 12th graders (July 31-August 11); Awakening Leadership for rising 9th graders (August 14-18); and Deep Dive Days for intergenerational, one-day experiences throughout the summer.

“After seven years of transformative leadership programming focused on personal growth and development, it feels like we’ve really begun to come full circle. We’re going beyond the Eileen Fisher Inc. leadership practices and looking at more of the elements that have made the company so inspirational,” says Executive Director Antoinette Klatzky. “We’re working with young people to think about how we can make industries like the fashion industry more sustainable. It has felt not only relevant for their leadership journey, but it’s also meeting a crucial need of our time. We’re seeing young people sparked with skills in entrepreneurship, mindfulness and collaborative leadership practices, which are necessary in Westchester County and beyond.”

Leading with Impact, the new co-ed offering for rising 10th to 12th graders, is open to participants with all levels of leadership experience. The program offers four tracks for teens to choose from: Conscious Choices, Compassionate Movements, Cultivating the Environment and, for young women only, Women Rising. Each of the summer programs is designed to help participants discover their own leadership styles and explore creativity, confidence, connection and community, Klatzky says.

She notes that 2016 was a big learning year for the institute. “We are inspired by the potential, and while we are committed to expanding EFLI to the communities who can benefit from our work, with our summer programs and events like ColorFest, we are just as dedicated to serving the Westchester community,” she says.

“EFLI is my home,” says Sonali, a youth ambassador board member for EFLI. “I can’t imagine my summer, or my life, without it.”

Applications for EFLI’s summer programs are accepted on a rolling basis. There are no academic requirements for participation. Apply online at efli-life.org. For more info, contact Program Manager Aliya Bonar at 914.487.3354 or [email protected].