Scholarship Window is Open!
The fall session for MCEC’s Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program is October 25-30, 2026 at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.
This incredible leadership opportunity awaits YOU — apply now for a scholarship to this life-changing training.
Open to military- and veteran-connected, youth caregiver, and civilian Student 2 Student members. Applications and recommendation links can be found below, and are also available through your S2S sponsors.
To be eligible, candidates must be:
- Be active in their S2S program
- Be a sophomore or junior in good academic standing
- Submit a student application no later than September 10, 2026
- Have a completed S2S Sponsor recommendation submitted by September 10, 2026
- Be willing and able to travel to West Point on dates listed above
- Complete the online interview if selected to advance
The application window is open through September 10, 2026
To be considered, both the application and student advisor recommendation must be received.
This scholarship-based program covers the following:
MCEC covers the following costs:
- Flight to and from Newark Airport
- Hotel/lodging for 5 nights
- Meals from the time student arrives to the time they depart
- Activities planned for the event
- Travel while in New York
MCEC does not cover:
- Luggage fees
- Ground transportation to and from local airport
- Food while traveling
- Souvenirs or extra snacks
Please send your questions to Student2Student@MilitaryChild.org
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I have learned so much, and thanks to you, Sigonella’s S2S program will thrive. This is something I will never forget.
Nicholas, Signella, Italy
- Eliana and Taylor overlooking the Hudson River.
- Lani and Elizabeth appreciating the view of the Hudson River from the top of Thayer Hall.
- Andrew and Kallie sit in on a West Point class on leadership.
- Sergio, Taylor, Eliana and McKenzie practice communication skills during a fun evening of “blind bowling.”
- McKenzie after an invigorating pre-dawn PT session with cadets and LTG Gilland, USMA Superintendent.
- Students tour the football stadium and get a chance to touch a piece of history – the Berlin Wall.
- The 2024 FHSLP cohort, reflecting on their character strength results in a session with Dr. Matthews.
- Congratulations to Isabella, recipient of the 2024 Suzy Carlton Student Leadership and Civic Responsibility Award.
- Students pose with COL Spain and Dr. Matthews as the cohort wraps up leadership sessions at the United States Military Academy.
- Grateful for COL Matthews words of advice and wisdom, reflecting on lessons learned from leadership program and considerations for the next steps.
- The MCEC Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program class of 2024 at the United States Military Academy at West Point. From left to right: Kim Shoffner (MCEC), Eliana, Kyra Bush (MCEC), Taylor, Sergio, Lani, Amelia, Maddie, Isabella, McKenzie, Kallie, Andrew, Elizabeth, Missy Holstead (MCEC).
- Lani and Eliza ready to tackle the rock-climbing wall. This activity enhances team building, helps overcome apprehensions on the power of “yet,” builds trust in your teammates and solidifies strong communication skills.
- Sergio and Taylor watching the cadet formation before lunch.
- Oh, the joy of experiencing the fall season at scenic West Point!
- Students pause to reflect on the legacy of Frances Hesselbein (November 1, 1915 – December 11, 2022)
- Lani and Sergio at the Center for Enhanced Performance, performing an interactive exercise designed to instill confidence, practice working together as team, and improve focus and skillsets.
- After the group was given a tour of the physical education department, Lani presented our guide with a coin.
- Andrew, Taylor, Sergio, Isabella, Amelia and Eliana at Washington Hall, in front of the 70ft. x 35ft. panorama of military history, painted by T.L. Johnson.
- Kallie with cadets in MAJ Jones classroom, participating in a round-robin style session where students could ask each other questions pertaining to adolescence.
- COL (Retired) Donna Brazil led a session for the students on leadership challenges and the importance of resiliency.