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Our Mission

Empowering Women in the Digital Age

We want to close the gender gap and create a world where women are empowered to lead us into the digital future.

This vision of equality and inclusion is completely aligned with the European Commission’s commitment to achieving a gender-equal Europe by 2025. It is also what makes this programme so dynamic and compelling.

The Schools welcome 25 female candidates – from the 27 EU Member States, the 'Western Balkans 6', Ukraine, Iceland, Switzerland, Türkiye, Norway and Moldova. Students are drawn from diverse backgrounds and are coached by a host of top experts and mentors during a week-long programme.

Through a combination of workshops on core digital skills such as coding, inspirational sessions on leadership, thought provoking debates and cultural and networking activities, participants learn the skills needed to thrive in the post-Covid world – a world that will be defined by the digital transition.

 

The Future of Tech is Female

There is infinite talent available in Europe – but sometimes this talent is not well identified or supported, which risks its potential going to waste. Given the importance of making women fully active participants in Europe’s recovery - a fundamental pillar of which is the digital transition - we aim to recognise the immense potential of female talent and to proactively support it, empowering girls to lead the tech revolution.

The School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age provides students with women role models and allows them to network and to express their ideas and visions in a safe and inspiring environment.

 

Unleashing the Power of Female Talent

Throughout the course of the programme, students are immersed in the digital world, learning from a wide variety of experts across many different fields. With their guidance, they gain a better understanding of the EU’s current digital landscape, and discuss potential ways forward. They learn about career opportunities available in areas including AI, cybersecurity, and data privacy. They are also taught leadership skills that help them thrive in these professions, and empower them to take their rightful place in the tech revolution.

A talented group of experts both coach and counsel our students during the five-day programme and teach them everything from coding to presentation skills and leadership styles.

 

A Unique Concept

Innovative and enriching, inspiring and engaging, the School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age offers a unique opportunity. Students:

  • Are positioned at the intersection of technology, politics, and economics.
  • Have a seat at the table to share ideas, brainstorm, and debate with global thought-leaders, policymakers, journalists, and business leaders.
  • Are immersed in a programme that combines high-level discussions with dedicated mentorship, an innovative experience, designed to be thought-provoking from beginning to end.
  • Have an exclusive opportunity to learn, grow, and network in a safe and supportive environment.


Our schools gather students from a wide range of backgrounds and educational disciplines. In order to offer equal opportunities to all, and ensure that no one is left behind, each student receives a full scholarship covering all costs associated with their participation in the school.

Participating in the "Generative AI: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead" panel at the European Leadership Academy was a truly transformative experience. Meeting 29 incredible young women from diverse backgrounds was both humbling and inspiring. The Academy showed me firsthand the immense impact that can be achieved when young women are given the right opportunities and a platform to grow. I left the Academy feeling more empowered and optimistic than ever.

Maro Manoli

CEO & Co-Founder, E-mbracelet

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It may sound cliché, but the best part of the European Leadership Academy were the caring and passionate people who contributed to it, after the end of the European Leadership Academy, I now feel the most confident and passionate that I have ever been. Importantly, the program was completely free of charge, as an ambitious young woman whose family has always struggled financially, the European Leadership academy was a dream come true in many ways.

Veronika Anna Denner

Student. Represented Austria at the 2024 Summer School in Warsaw

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This transformative journey has prepared me for anything life may throw my way. What touched me most was the opportunity to connect with girls who, like me, share the same dreams yet are wonderfully diverse. They truly inspired me in countless ways. I learned so much about myself throughout this process; the school has impacted every facet of my identity, teaching me self-confidence and the imporance of colaborartions with others.

Lara Markelj

Student. Represented Slovenia at the 2024 Summer School in Warsaw

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I knew that the Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age was going to be an incredible experience but I didn't expect it to be life-changing! With a jam-packed week full of both interesting and challenging discussions, panels, masterclasses & workshops, I left each day feeling inspired and invigorated. I would encourage any young woman interested to apply regardless of your background and experiences - the European Leadership Academy provides an environment for all young women to thrive in.

Amy Calleja

Student. Represented Malta at the 2022 Summer School in Prague

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Sisterhood, support and inspiration are just some of the aspects that we have experienced! The European Leadership Academy is an exceptional and priceless program which opened our horizons for the future. For me, one of the best characteristics of the program was its holistic approach. The range of speakers and experts was extraordinary just as their kindness and openness to answer our questions and connect with us.

Katharina Hertel

Student. Represented Germany at the 2022 Summer School in Prague

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