Family Leadership Academy

The Family Leadership Academy (FLA) is a unique on-campus, educational program designed to give single, economically disadvantaged mothers the tools they need to become effective parents and prepare them to succeed in education, in the workplace, and in the global economy. The curriculum of the FLA involves comprehensive and hands-on, experiential training in four content areas: health and safety, social and family development, financial literacy, and career planning and coaching.

Crossway supports its commitment to improving the future of its families by providing:

• A safe, healthy environment in which to live and learn;
• High-quality, educational services and hands-on, experiential learning;
• Licensed and accredited educational program for children three months to six years;
• Skilled and experienced professional faculty;
• Integration into a supportive community; and
• Recognition and support for the challenges that families face in order to function better.

Utilizing a lifelong learning framework and a competency-based curriculum, the FLA teaches health and safety, social and family development, financial literacy, and career planning and coaching through the lens of Equipped for the Future fundamentals:

• Communication Skills
  • Observe critically
  • Convey ideas in writing
  • Listen actively
  • Speak so others can understand
  • Read with understanding
• Decision-Making Skills
  • Use math to solve problems and communicate
  • Plan
  • Solve problems and make decisions
• Interpersonal Skills
  • Cooperate with others
  • Advocate and influence
  • Resolve conflict and negotiate
  • Guide others
• Lifelong Learning Skills
  • Take responsibility for learning
  • Use information and communications technology
  • Learn through research
  • Reflect and evaluate

All students are responsible for documenting and demonstrating these competencies to prepare them for success in the dynamic 21st century workforce.

Family Leadership Eligibility

The Family Leadership Academy is a three-year (minimum) program for single mothers who are 18 years or older. On-site apartments accommodate families with up to three children. Children living with their mothers must be under the age of five to participate in the on-site early childhood education program. Applicants must have completed high school or have a GED (work experience in lieu of a high school diploma will be considered).

To enter the program, you must be committed to the challenging work of setting and working toward personal goals and family goals that improve your family's quality of life.

Are you willing to:

• Live onsite for a minimum of three years?
• Commit to your education through Life Skills seminars and community activities (two evenings a week with child care provided)?
• Work with a Life Skills Advisor/Case Manager?
• Demonstrate your skills after coaching and instruction?
• Maintain employment, improve career opportunities, and/or pursue further education?
• Manage your living independently, including: housekeeping, meal planning, family hygiene and health?

If you can answer yes to all of these questions, call 301-929-2505 to register for an orientation session.

Learn More

If you are interested in learning more about the Family Leadership Academy, please contact Ann Byrne at reception@crossway-community.org or 301-929-2505.