Summer leadership academy empowers girls

Education, motivation, transformation. At the Well Young Women's Leadership Academy was created in 2009 to help equip young minority women with the necessary tools to become successful leaders.

For two weeks every summer, the girls attend a program at Princeton University that motivates them and helps prepare them for standardized tests. Most of the young ladies are 17 and entering their senior year in high school.

Alena McGrew wants to be a pediatric orthopedist. She said she definitely recommends the program to others.

Jana Yahchesson of Washington, D.C., has dreams of becoming a college professor.

Bradleigh Smith said she has made some lifelong friends at the academy.

In addition to lots of hard work, the girls get to meet interesting guest speakers. Last week, actress Nicole Ari Parker was a big hit. But they've also been inspired by Renee Hill, a powerhouse attorney who counts Jay-Z as one of her clients and economist Dr. Julianne Malveaux.

Program founder Jacqueline Campbell said speakers reach out to her, asking to be a part of it.

Devan Peavy attended the program and is back this year as a counselor.

Comedian Chris Rock's niece Yaylor Longmire attended twice and is also back as a counselor.

With a dad like Steve Harvey, Brandi Harvey has communicating in her genes. This is Brandi's fifth year as a speaker. It is clear the girls are soaking in every word.