Ambler native and Upper Dublin High School graduate Sam Caplan has been selected by George Washington’s Mount Vernon to be a member of the 2020 class of Mount Vernon Leadership Fellows. Caplan, who is a student at Brown University, will participate in a fully-funded six-week summer institute for rising college juniors.

From May 23 – July 4, 2020, fourteen fellows will immerse themselves in a leadership program inspired by George Washington and today’s foremost leaders. “This fellowship is designed for high achievers who are respected leaders on their college campuses,” said Mount Vernon President Douglas Bradburn. “As a Mount Vernon Leadership Fellow, they study the qualities that made George Washington an unparalleled leader and incorporate those successful techniques into their own leadership style.”

The fellows will live and learn at the historic Mount Vernon estate that was home to George Washington. During the program, the students will engage in a vibrant leadership education curriculum and interact with top government, military, corporate and nonprofit leaders. To encourage them to become leaders of action in the mold of George Washington, each fellow will also design a capstone project centered around an issue they are passionate about on their campus or in their community. In conjunction with their capstone, each fellow is matched with a mentor to help support and guide them in their efforts. Mount Vernon Leadership Fellows will also study George Washington’s character, inspirational leadership, and vision, which were all essential to his success as a statesman, entrepreneur, and military leader.

Caplan’s capstone will address food insecurity and food waste in my community. He hopes to build a network of after school programs that teach students to cook with ugly (bruised or otherwise damaged, but completely edible) foods.

“Fellows have adopted George Washington’s bias for action, and leave Mount Vernon invigorated and eager to better their own campuses and communities,” said Bradburn. “Leadership Fellows have created college courses, published books and started nonprofit organizations. As the program grows, we are excited to see the impact these amazing students are having on the world.”

Since 2015, Mount Vernon has welcomed 91 students from more than 60 colleges and universities, representing 40 states and the District of Columbia.

Photos: Mount Vernon estate/Canva. Headshot of Caplain/Brown University.