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Why Service & Leadership Matter
- Encourages responsibility, empathy, and ethical decision-making
- Builds confidence, collaboration, and leadership skills
- Connects learning to real-world impact
- Strengthens community within and beyond NYA
Inspired by Purpose. Inspired to Lead
We inspire students to lead with integrity, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and understand the impact of their actions—locally and beyond. Through age-appropriate experiences, students build confidence, responsibility, and a strong sense of connection to others.
NYA’s Service & Leadership program is overseen by Director of Character & Community, Betsy Tomlinson, who works closely with faculty to ensure these experiences are intentional, reflective, and meaningful.
Community Engagement
Service is an integral part of student life at NYA.
- Upper School students are required to complete a minimum of 10 hours of community service each academic year.
- Lower and Middle School students participate in service projects throughout the year through classroom activities, advisory groups, and clubs.
Students engage with local organizations, environmental initiatives, and community partners, inspired by opportunities to give back, collaborate, and make a difference.
Leadership Opportunities
We offer leadership experiences that encourage students to step forward, collaborate with peers, and take responsibility for their community. Through these experiences, students are inspired by collaboration, thoughtful decision-making, and shared responsibility. Opportunities include:
Executive Council, class officers, NYA Admission Ambassadors
Club and activity leadership roles
Peer mentoring
Event planning and school-wide initiatives
Middle School Leadership Academy
Select NYA Middle School students build leadership practices through an outdoor summer experience hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
The Leadership Academy is inspired by experiential learning and focuses on:
- Building self-confidence
- Strengthening leadership and group dynamics skills
- Developing resilience and independence
- Fostering a strong sense of community within the group and the broader NYA community
Overnight Class Trips (Grades 5–PG)
As part of the Kauffmann Program, students in grades five through postgraduate year participate in at least one overnight class trip per year. These experiences are inspired by shared challenges and exploration, strengthening relationships, independence, and leadership at every stage of development.
The Kauffmann Program
The Kauffmann Program offers signature experiences that strengthen leadership, community, and personal growth.