The Donna and Darnell Pettengill Civic Leadership Academy at Drake University recently welcomed high school students from across the nation. This transformative three-day experience, hosted by @TheRayCenter in association with The Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy, empowers young people to become ethical leaders and engaged citizens who can create meaningful change without waiting for adulthood. Throughout the program, students developed crucial skills through interactive workshops on leadership, communication, stress management, and integrity. They gained valuable insights from civic and business leaders, including representatives from United Way of Central Iowa, the Iowa legislature, and the Iowa judicial branch, and expanded their understanding of government through tours of the Iowa State Capitol and Judicial Building. The experience extended beyond learning as students made a direct community impact by volunteering at Meals from the Heartland, where they packed meals for families experiencing food insecurity.