The Take Charge Team believes in investing in our scholars well beyond the financial support they receive through the program. The Leadership Retreat exists to deepen those connections, giving scholars the chance to learn from one another while gaining additional tools and resources to help them reach their goals.

Weekend workshops included Branding U with KPMG, a resume and cover letter session, and a nutrition and wellness session on fueling your body for energy, focus, and success. Scholars also took part in morning meditation, yoga, and nature walks, and capped off their last evening with s'mores around a bonfire. Shane closed out Saturday with an Everyday Courage session that set the tone for the weekend's final day.

Beyond the programming, scholars had plenty of time to simply be together. Relationships were strengthened and new ones formed. Tears were shed, hugs were plentiful, and a genuine sense of community flourished. These 20 Battier Scholars came to Michigan to be inspired and ended up being the inspiration themselves.

We wish to offer a special thanks to Nora Wheeler, Camaron Thorson, and Kristin Zettlemoyer from KPMG for lending their talents and voices to our weekend – we truly could not have done it without you!