From Challenge to Leadership:Why We Do This

Just five blocks from our community site is a local school where the academic director has a list of at least 20 boys he wants to send to JLAM immediately. These boys are on the edge of expulsion, every academic and behavioral plan has failed, and their teachers are running out of options.

Next week we’ll begin accepting these boys into JLAM, 2-3 at a time, on top of the 10 already in the program. For many, this will be their last chance to find a safe and structured path forward.

The challenge doesn’t scare us. In fact, it excites us. We’ve seen this before.

When I was directing a nonprofit in Miami, I worked with a boy named "Andres" (Name changed for privacy). He had already been kicked out of another after-school program for fighting, three times. We took him in, invested in therapy and group support, and gave him space to grow. Months later, on a field trip, I turned around to see this same boy, once labeled “the worst”, giving instructions to 30 other teens. His leadership had blossomed once his raw energy was channeled in healthy ways.

Another time in Miami, we faced a rocky start with a group of hyperactive, impulsive teens. The first months were tough, outbursts, conflicts, resistance. But we leaned heavily into therapy, and we made basketball a cornerstone of the program. Slowly, the boys transformed. Six months later, they faced off against older, taller students from a private school, and won. They had learned to move from selfishness to teamwork, from chaos to discipline, from outbursts to unity.

That’s the essence of the Junior Leadership Academy: we believe that "no boy is beyond help". In fact, many of the ones labeled “worst” have the potential to become the best leaders, if someone believes in them. Already, our Medellín boys are sharing difficult stories of home struggles, and we see why they act out. But here, they come by choice, and their steady attendance is proof that they’re eager for something different. We look forward to building the cohesive united team here (Probably with soccer!). Its a process.

A Strong Start to the New Semester

With this vision in mind, we’ve kicked off the new semester with energy and purpose!

New Faces on the Team

We’re excited to welcome: Andrea, psychologist, supervising the psychology team and leading healthy emotions programs. And Erica, psychologist, helping to facilitate impactful workshops.

Staff Training & Connection:

Last month, our team gathered for a training session, followed by a celebratory lunch (see photo below!).

Welcoming Back Interns: Our psychology interns (We have five this semester) from "UNAD University" are back, bringing renewed energy and professional support. 

Building Partnerships for the Future

We were honored to host the Director of the Psychology Department (First photo above) from Pontifical Javierian University (An Ivy League University in Bogota, Colombia) last week. We’re exploring ways to collaborate over the coming year, and we’re hopeful about the doors this partnership could open for our boys.

How You Can Help This Month

Instead of asking for donations in this edition, we invite you to:

1. Follow us on social media (links below).

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejlamedellin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejlamedellin

2. Tell three friends about JLAM, spread the word about our mission.

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Every new supporter brings us closer to our vision: equipping Medellín’s boys to live courageously, lead authentically, love boldly, and serve generously.

 Thank you for being part of this journey.

With gratitude,

Scott Impola

Founder, Junior Leadership Academy Medellín