ICEF Student Leadership Academy
Inspiration: ISLA, ICEF Student Leadership Academy, was developed after ICEF Rugby presented for a day at a United Nations for Sports and Peace Development Camp for leaders from across America at the IMG Academy in Florida. The IMG Academy, where pro and amateur athletes prepare for the highest level of amateur and ultimately professional sport, was the spark for our vision for an ICEF Academy. Within its vibrant walls, we crafted a nexus of Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Athletics, and Academic enrichment, where students are not just participants but the driving force, sharpening their leadership skills, striving toward collective goals, and forging powerful connections with peers.
Vision: The ICEF Students Leadership Academy aims to provide an innovative physical and psychological space for ICEF students to develop as leaders through extraordinary opportunities in Athletics, Arts and Academics. At the ICEF Student Leadership Academy, we envision a world where every young mind possesses the tools, confidence, and determination to lead with purpose, empathy and resilience. Our vision is rooted in the belief that by nurturing the potential of today’s students, we can shape a future where visionary leaders emerge from all walks of life, armed with the skills and values needed to create positive change in their communities and beyond.
Stuart Krohn: Director of ICEF Student Leadership Academy Director of Rugby, Sailing and Golf
Stuart graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara as an All-American rugby player. He then spent 13 years travelling the globe as a professional rugby player in France, New Zealand, South Africa and Hong Kong. Stuart began teaching and coaching at the French International School in Hong Kong. He then coached Dartmouth College while pursuing a Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies, followed by the Santa Monica Mens Club where he led the team to two National Championships. In 1999 Stuart was a founding teacher at ICEF Public Schools. In 2003 he founded ICEF Rugby. In 2018 the ICEF Student Leadership Academy was launched, inspired after ICEF Rugby presented at the United Nations Sports and Peace Development conference at the IMG Academy in Florida. Stuart was named a 2019 Athlete in Excellence winner by the Foundation for Global Sports Development. Since 2006, Stuart has led hundreds of ICEF students on 15 different international rugby tours, including China, Japan, the Philippines, Tahiti, New Zealand, Fiji, Brazil, Tanzania, South Africa, England and France.
Lisa Finegan: Co-Director of ICEF Student Leadership Academy and Co-Director of ICEF Rugby
Lisa represented Team USA at the 2019 Malaysia World Cup and has secured a spot on the USA High-Performance Women’s Squad for the upcoming 2024 World Cup in England. She is a certified World Rugby Educator and was recognized as the World Rugby 7's Series USA Developmental Coach of the Year Award in 2021. She was nominated as a WISE LA Woman to Watch in 2020 and received the ‘Athletes in Excellence Award’ by the Foundation for Global Sports Development in 2021. From Ireland, Lisa pursued her academic journey at St Mary's University, London, where she earned a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science. She later pursued higher education at Brunel University, London, pursuing a Postgraduate Degree in Secondary Teaching and a Masters in Education. As a Director with Inner City Education Foundation (ICEF), Lisa is deeply passionate about enhancing quality education. She holds a pivotal role as the Co-Director of the ICEF Student Leadership Academy, promoting a holistic approach; Academics, Arts, and Athletics - the 3 A's of ICEF's educational model. Lisa is also the Co-Director of ICEF Rugby, using the sport for character and leadership development. She has led teams on cultural and educational rugby expeditions worldwide, including Africa, Fiji, Hong Kong, The Philippines, Brazil, and New Zealand. She features prominently in the rugby documentary titled ‘An American Rugby Odyssey’, being aired on platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Fox Sports 2. As a true advocate for athletes' well-being, Lisa contributes to the Advisory Board for Courage First Athletes Helpline. This initiative, rooted in the expertise of the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline and the Foundation for Global Sports Development, strives to empower athletes and communities involved in youth sports. The goal is to ensure fair play and safe participation in athletics across all age groups.
Exceptional Opportunities -
UC Santa Barbara Summer Enrichment: Embark on a six-week adventure at UC Santa Barbara, an exclusive summer college experience tailored for high school student-athletes. This immersive program fosters holistic growth – academically, professionally, personally, and socially. Through the Early Outreach Program (EAOP), students dive into weekly workshops covering vital skills like time management, study techniques, and financial aid. Our commitment extends to community service, blending impactful experiences with valuable life skills. For rugby enthusiasts, enjoy two weekly rigorous training sessions focusing on skill development and igniting a passion for the sport. Join us for an unforgettable summer where education and rugby seamlessly merge into an enriching experience.
ISLA Summer Leadership Enrichment Program: Immerse yourself in the ISLA Summer Leadership Enrichment Program, a dynamic gathering of students from our seven ICEF schools. Offering a diverse array of activities such as lacrosse, rugby, STEM club, drama, animation and ceramics, these programs run from 1.30-3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Explore vibrant learning environments, from classrooms to fields, it’s a summer of growth, fun, and discovery at ISLA.
Alliance Los Angeles: Elevate your career in sports with the Alliance Leadership Initiative, supported by 12 professional sports teams of Los Angeles and Orange County, and the Play Equity Fund. Open to 9th-12th graders aspiring for a sports career, this initiative offers an inside look at professional sports and cultivates critical leadership skills. Participants become eligible for a paid internship with a professional sports team.
Harvard-Westlake and UCLA SLIDE Leadership Development Program: Dive into the Harvard-Westlake and UCLA SLIDE Leadership Development Program, designed for students in grades 10-12. This transformative experience blends fellowship leadership development, courageous conversations, and the creation of sustainable action plans on topics of diversity, equity inclusion, justice, and belonging.
Angel City FC SOAR Internship: Soar to new heights with the Angel City FC SOAR Internship, a six week paid opportunity empowering young women and non-binary individuals in sports, business, and entrepreneurship. Led by Angel City FC, this program extends beyond View Park High School, encompassing a broader ACFC Community Impact Partner ecosystem. Each participant receives a $3000 scholarship and the chance to shadow a department in the Angel City FC Front Offices.