Mission

Captain’s Academy is devoted to developing student leaders. We prepare the very best students to become outstanding leaders and ambassadors for their school. We use innovative leadership methods that have been developed through decades of research and experience.

Motto:

Better leaders. Better captains.

The Captain's Academy 

At the prestigious Captain’s Academy, student leaders have the privilege and opportunity to learn from the best. This is an elite group that receives world-class teaching. These students already posses tremendous talents and skills. It is our job to refine, teach, and develop their leadership skills. 

The Captain’s Academy provides an intimate, hands-on learning environment ideal for developing student leaders. Jack Harkins, himself the former captain of a college basketball program, has 30 years of experience training leaders throughout the country. His Board of Advisors, who assist in the training, include four former Division I college captains. Their passion is to teach:

  • Top 5 things a captain has to do every day
  • How to make everyone around you better (including your coaches)
  • Top 5 mistakes a captain can never make
  • What coaches are really looking for in a captain
  • What it means to take on responsibility
"I’ve spent 30 years helping athletes and corporate executives reach their potential as leaders and captains. I’m passionate about seeing people get the most out of themselves and the people around them. People talk about how important it is to make the people around us better players. We actually show you how to do it.”  

Jack Harkins 

Results

“Life is about impact, and my week with Jack had a tremendous impact on my life. So often students pay thousands of dollars in tuition, but never learn basic leadership skills or life principles. These basic skills are exactly what I learned. Jack bridges the gap between classroom learning and its 'application' in the real world. This institute has given me the competitive advantage I was looking for.” 

Jimmy Hoy, Former UND Basketball Captain, Law Student, University of North Dakota Grand Forks, ND
" I  had reservations about what Jack could do to change the lives of our at-risk students. Not only did he help to change their lives, he changed mine as well! His instruction convinces students that they can find a path to happiness and success. Jack takes his research along with his own life experiences and develops a program that raises awareness and builds self confidence. These skills transfer to your job/career, and also into your personal life. Jack works miracles! "

Karen M., Portage Academy of Achievement
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The Harkins family recently received the Distinguished Family Award from the PACF in recognition of their philanthropic commitment to the Portage community.