Five years ago, Cumorah Academy began with a simple but ambitious vision: to help young adults discover their purpose, strengthen their faith, develop leadership skills, and prepare for a life of meaningful impact.

What started as a small educational initiative has grown into an international community of students, mentors, alumni, and supporters united by a shared mission. Along the way, we have experienced remarkable growth, unexpected challenges, and inspiring milestones that have shaped who we are today.

As we celebrate five years of Cumorah Academy, we invite you to join us in looking back at the journey that brought us here. Each year has added a new chapter to our story, helping us refine our programs, expand our reach, and better serve students from around the world.

Are you curious about the very beginning of Cumorah Academy? Then keep reading as we revisit the milestones and defining moments that have marked our first five years.

2021: The Beginning of a Vision

The year 2021 marked the official beginning of Cumorah Academy’s journey.

Before launching full semesters, the Academy organized short summer programs in Albania, Ukraine, and the Czech Republic. These experiences helped lay the foundation for what would become the Cumorah Academy experience: a unique combination of education, mentorship, leadership development, and spiritual growth.

Key Milestones

• Short Summer Programs in Albania, Ukraine, and the Czech Republic
• First full semester launched in the Fall
• Elder Kopischke visits campus

Later that year, we welcomed students to our first full semester. It was an exciting season filled with learning, experimentation, and the creation of traditions that continue today.

One particularly memorable moment came when Elder Kopischke visited campus, providing students with valuable counsel and encouragement as the Academy took its first steps forward.

The vision was already clear: create a place where young adults could discover their potential and prepare to become leaders in their communities, professions, and families.

2022: Rising to Meet New Challenges

The year 2022 brought both challenges and opportunities for growth.

Key Milestones

• Welcomed 50–100 Ukrainian refugees during the Winter Semester
• Implemented the Advisory Couple role
• Implemented student intern positions
• Visits from Elder Massimo De Feo, Elder Carl B. Cook, and Elder Alliaud
• Special fireside with Elder David A. Bednar in Vienna

When the war in Ukraine began, Cumorah Academy opened its doors to support between 50 and 100 Ukrainian refugees during the Winter Semester. Students, staff, and volunteers came together to provide a welcoming environment during a time of uncertainty and hardship.

This experience demonstrated the Academy’s commitment to service, compassion, and community during difficult times.

The year also introduced several important organizational developments. The Advisory Couple role provided students with additional mentorship and support throughout their experience, while intern positions created opportunities to gain practical leadership and professional experience.

Cumorah Academy was honored by visits from Area President Elder Massimo De Feo, Elder Carl B. Cook, and Elder Alliaud. These visits strengthened the spiritual foundation of the Academy and offered students unique opportunities to learn directly from inspired leaders.

One of the most unforgettable experiences of the year was a special fireside with Elder David A. Bednar in Vienna. Students gathered to receive counsel and instruction that would leave a lasting impression on many of their lives.

2023: Expanding Leadership and Opportunities

By 2023, Cumorah Academy had moved beyond its startup phase and entered a season of expansion.

Key Milestones

• Implemented the Campus Managing Director role
• Launched the Staffing Agency initiative
• Students volunteered at the Special Olympics in Germany
• Alumni attended General Conference through the Ambassador Program
• Implemented Student Leadership Intern roles

To support continued growth, the Campus Managing Director role was implemented, helping strengthen operations and improve the student experience.

The year also saw the beginning of the Staffing Agency initiative, opening new pathways for students and alumni to gain meaningful professional opportunities and connect with employers.

Service remained a central part of the Academy experience. Students traveled to Germany to volunteer at the Special Olympics, demonstrating the values of leadership through service and community engagement.

The Academy also launched the Ambassador Program, allowing alumni to attend General Conference and strengthen their connection to the growing Cumorah Academy network.

Additionally, Student Leadership Intern roles were formalized, giving students greater opportunities to lead, organize initiatives, and develop practical leadership skills while still on campus.

These developments reflected a growing commitment to helping students not only learn about leadership but actively practice it.

2024: Building a Global Community

The year 2024 represented a major step toward becoming a truly global institution.

Key Milestones

• More students from Latin America than from Europe
• Expanded the Board of Directors
• Elder Jack N. Gerard visits campus
• Created a dedicated Marketing Team
• Alumni Reunion held in Brazil
• Full-time missionaries assigned to Cumorah Academy
• Formalized the Alumni Association

For the first time, more students came from Latin America than from Europe, demonstrating the Academy’s expanding international reach and growing impact across continents.

As the organization matured, the Board of Directors was expanded, bringing additional expertise and guidance to support future growth.

Several important initiatives were launched throughout the year. A dedicated Marketing Team was created to better share the Academy’s mission and stories with the world. Full-time missionaries were assigned to serve at Cumorah Academy, strengthening the spiritual environment and support available to students.

The alumni community also continued to flourish. An Alumni Reunion was held in Brazil, bringing graduates together and reinforcing the lifelong relationships formed during their time at the Academy.

Another major milestone was the formal establishment of the Alumni Association, ensuring that students could remain connected, continue learning, and support one another long after graduation.

The visit of Elder Jack N. Gerard further highlighted the Academy’s growing reputation and influence.

By the end of the year, Cumorah Academy was no longer simply a campus experience—it had become a worldwide network of leaders and friends.

2025: Investing in the Future

The year 2025 focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and preparing students for an increasingly complex world.

Key Milestones

• Implemented a new entrepreneurship curriculum donated by Scott Petersen
• Piloted the Founders4Future Program
• Increased student enrollment from the United States and Canada

One of the most exciting developments was the implementation of a new entrepreneurship curriculum donated by Scott Petersen. This curriculum strengthened the Academy’s commitment to helping students think creatively, solve problems, and develop the skills needed to build meaningful careers and ventures.

The pilot launch of the Founders4Future Program created new opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to receive mentorship, training, and practical experience while developing their ideas.

The Academy also welcomed a growing number of students from the United States and Canada, further diversifying the student body and enriching the international experience for everyone on campus.

These initiatives reflected a continued commitment to preparing students not only for employment, but also for leadership, innovation, and service in a rapidly changing world.

Looking Back with Gratitude

As we reflect on the past five years, one thing becomes clear: none of this would have been possible without the incredible people who have believed in and supported Cumorah Academy.

Over the years, Cumorah Academy has been strengthened by:

• Students willing to invest in their growth and future
• Mentors who generously shared their experience and wisdom
• Staff and volunteers who dedicated countless hours to serving others
• Alumni who continue building a lifelong global network
• Donors and supporters who believed in the mission from the beginning

Every milestone, every program, every leadership opportunity, and every success story has been made possible through a community committed to helping young adults discover their purpose and potential.

The Next Chapter Starts Now

While we are proud of what has been accomplished over the past five years, we believe the most exciting chapters of the Cumorah Academy story are still ahead.

As we continue to grow, our mission remains the same: to help young adults strengthen their faith, develop leadership skills, gain practical experience, and build lifelong relationships that will empower them to make a difference in the world.

The road to five years has been extraordinary. From our first summer programs to a thriving international community, every step has reinforced our belief that young adults can achieve remarkable things when they are surrounded by faith, mentorship, opportunity, and purpose.

The road ahead promises even greater opportunities, greater impact, and greater transformation for the thousands of young adults who will walk through our doors in the years to come.

If you’re ready to invest in your future, discover your purpose, build meaningful friendships, and join a global community of leaders, now is the time to take the next step. Apply to Cumorah Academy and become part of the next chapter of this remarkable journey.