Mission
The mission of the Center for Leadership Development is to foster the advancement of minority youth in Central Indiana as future professional, business and community leaders by providing experiences that encourage personal and educational attainment.
Overview
For 45 years, CLD has increased educational equity in central Indiana by empowering Black youth to achieve their academic and career goals. Black students face gaps in academic achievement and college preparation. In central Indiana, only 16.8% of Black people hold a bachelor’s degree or higher than 36.7% of White people (SAVI). This gap is higher in areas that have been identified as having the greatest need for CLD services which provide students, families, and schools with 18 unique, free, or low-cost programs that address specific gaps in holistic college preparation. CLD offers a continuum of support from 4th grade through college, ensuring that students graduate from our programs prepared for future college and career success. CLD’s tiered program pathway keeps students engaged with new programs and builds competencies yearly. Through CLD’s programs, youth 1) Develop the academic skills needed to succeed in high school and post-secondary programs, 2) Acquire life skills and real-world exposure to careers, leaders, and community institutions that will guide their future careers; and 3) Develop the social and emotional skills needed to succeed in life (as seen in CLD’s Principles for Success: Character Development, Educational Excellence, Leadership Effectiveness, Community Service, and Career Achievement).
Previous Arthur Dean Family Foundation Funding
- 2022: Support for the Self Discovery/Career Exploration program.