The Program for Academic and Leadership Skills (PALS), first launched by the Van Ness Study Center in NW Washington DC strives to provide a venue for young women to achieve personal growth and academic excellence. Since 1993, PALS has helped 7th and 8th grade girls develop leadership skills through supplementary classes in Math, English and Science. These classes prepare students to enter good high schools as an avenue to a college education, and ultimately professional success.

Self-motivation and the development of character are essential elements in leadership encouraged through character classes and one-on-one advising. At PALS, each student is assigned an advisor, or role model, who guides the student towards reaching her full personal potential.

PALS also aims to encourage creativity and confidence through the visual and performing arts. Last summer PALS students auditioned to be in Drama, Dance, Art and Chorus and put together the full-length musical, "The Tempest!"

PALS offers programs throughout the year with weekend sessions during the school year and a more intensive five week session during the summer break. (For more information regarding summer programs visit the PALS and PALS II page.) The program is located walking distance from the Brookland-CUA Metro Station at 2917 8th St. NE Washington DC 20017.

Today, PALS continues to collaborate with the Van Ness Study center for consultation regarding our Character Building curriculum and staff training. It is through the partnership with the Van Ness Study Center that PALS is able to help students aspire to become mature young women and strive to serve others and society as a whole.

The Van Ness Study Center, founded to serve others in 1977, offers intellectually stimulating and morally formative activities for young women in the Washington metro area. Programs include tutoring, service projects, evenings of conversation, summer camps and retreats.

Programs and activities of the Van Ness Study Center are offered to all young women regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background. The spiritual formation offered at Van Ness is entrusted to Opus Dei, a personal prelature of the Catholic Church.