I AM Academy

Empowering Black and multiracial youth to see their potential, experience joy, become confident leaders, and drive positive change in our community.

Our theme for the 2025-2026 school year is "I AM H.O.P.E." | Human | Original | Powerful | Essential | Partnering with area schools, I AM Academy empowers Black and Brown adolescents and young adults to achieve their full potential by centering their identity, cultivating relationships, supporting educational success, providing college experiences, and facilitating job readiness; ultimately changing the narrative and trajectory of their community.

05/27/2026

🎤✨ YOUR VOICE MATTERS ✨🎤

Students — this is YOUR opportunity to speak, inspire, and make an impact at our upcoming Youth Celebration! 🖤❤️💚💛

We are looking for students to share powerful speeches and spoken word pieces connected to themes like:
🔥 The Spirit of Juneteenth
🔥 Purpose & Identity
🔥 Creating Change
🔥 Hope for the Future
🔥 More Than What People See

Whether you are passionate about leadership, equality, culture, mental health, creativity, or changing the world — we want to hear YOUR voice.

🎓 We will also be honoring our graduating seniors and celebrating their incredible accomplishments!

💵 Selected speakers will receive a $100 stipend
📅 Submissions Due: Friday, June 5 at 1:00 PM
📝 Sign up using the I AM TED form!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf6bheGfd2mE7z8Nhe63KVZPbK1KTvYlFR04oy68wjV4u8AUg/viewform?usp=dialog

Don’t shrink your story. Somebody needs to hear it. 🖤✨

05/12/2026

🎓✨ WE’RE INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE LEADERS!

I AM Academy, in partnership with the Alliance for Cultural Ethnic Harmony (ACEH), is proud to celebrate our graduating seniors by awarding TWO $2,000 SCHOLARSHIPS! 💛

This is more than a scholarship, it’s an opportunity to share your story, walk in your purpose, and be recognized for your resilience.

🌟 Scholarship Opportunities:

💫 Nia (Purpose) Scholarship – $2,000
Tell us your purpose and how you plan to impact the world. (Essay, video, or creative format!)

💫 Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) Scholarship – $2,000
Share how you’ve overcome adversity and continued to push forward in your education.

📝 How to Apply:
Complete the 2026 Black Scholarship Application
🎥 Creative submissions are welcome!

⏰ Deadline: May 29, 2026

🎉 Winners will be announced at the Juneteenth Youth Celebration on June 17, 2026!

This is your moment. Your story matters. Your journey matters. Your future matters.

Apply. Share. Shine. ✨

05/08/2026

Board Spotlight!✨ Strong organizations are built by leaders who bring both experience and direction to the table.

As Vice President, Tara Leonard brings more than 25 years of experience in brand management and corporate strategy to I AM Academy. Currently serving as a CMO with Chief Outsiders, Tara helps strengthen the vision and growth of our organization through both leadership and community connection.

After 20 years in New York City, Tara returned home to Holland to raise her two children and stay connected to the community she loves. She also serves with organizations including the Holland Symphony Orchestra and Women of Color Give.

We’re thankful for Tara’s leadership, insight, and commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation.

Drop a ❤️ below to show some appreciation for our Vice President!

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05/07/2026

Be part of the energy behind Holland's Juneteenth Freedom Festival! ❤️💛💚🖤

Ready to get involved? Volunteer sign ups are now open through the link in our bio and on our website ✨

⬇️Meet Chanthou
A familiar face behind so much of the heart and service poured into our community. Thank you for years of dedication to I AM Academy and the families we serve.

www.iamacademymi.org/juneteenth

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04/30/2026

Today was Decision Day at WO 🎓
We are incredibly proud of all our I AM Academy seniors and the hard work they have put in to reach this milestone.

This is just the beginning… more to come. ✨

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04/28/2026

This is bigger than a program.⬇️

Last year at our Juneteenth Youth Celebration, our Co-Founder Henry spoke about the trust families place in I AM Academy to show up for the hard conversations.

That is the work.
That is the impact.

And we are doing it again this year.

Join us 💛 Link in bio
Juneteenth Youth Celebration
— Wednesday, June 17, 2026
— 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

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04/20/2026

➡️ You don’t need a storefront to get seen. You just need the right space.

Holland's Juneteenth Freedom Festival is bringing thousands together and we’re opening vendor spots for businesses ready to grow.

❤️ Black-owned businesses
💛 Student entrepreneurs
💚 Small businesses
🖤 Community resources

This is your chance to sell, connect, and be part of something bigger.

Apply through the link in our profile, or visit www.iamacademymi.org

🚨 Spots are limited.

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04/13/2026

We are now accepting vendors for Holland's Juneteenth Freedom Festival! 🎉

Thousands of people. One day. Real opportunity.

If you have a business, food, nonprofit, or community group, this is your chance to show up, connect, and grow.

Spots are limited, so secure your booth soon.

Apply through the link in our bio or visit iamacademymi.org/juneteenth ✨

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Address

57 W 10th Street
Holland, MI
49423

Website

http://www.iamacademymi.org/, https://linktr.ee/iamacademymi

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