TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Troy University is in the middle of debuting one of the newest leadership programs, but it’s not for college students.

The University and American Village partnered to present the Trojan Patriot Academy. A select group of rising high school seniors were the first to experience the program.

“It’s an opportunity for us to work with high school students and help them to understand leadership,” Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Kerry Palmer explained. “Helping them to understand the founding of our country and how they can work to make their homes and their communities better and, ultimately, this nation better.”

Future industry professionals aided the campers along their leadership journey. The lessons they teach are meant to be taken back home by the students. TROY is also using the Trojan Patriot Academy to highlight its own leadership program and faculty.

KEEP READING: Gov. Ivey talks leadership during annual Girls State

“They have a role as a citizen, whether they’re in a form of leadership capacity or not, they have a role to help make their communities in this country a better place,” Palmer said. “We hope that they leave here enthused and invigorated and wanting to lead.”

According to academy organizers, it took two years to create the Trojan Patriot Academy and its corresponding activities. One major part of the experience will be a trip to Montgomery where students will meet with state leaders including State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey and Governor Kay Ivey.

The weeklong program will end with the trip to the American Village in Montevallo, which will be complete with reenactments and study sessions.