Programs & Initiatives

Center for Leadership Development programs equip students and parents with the tools, character development, values, and skills they need to flourish and overcome obstacles while enriching their communities. Through Indianapolis Youth Development, CLD
prepares students for a lifetime of success. More than 50,000 students and families have been impacted by CLD and are now leading, serving, and transforming their communities.

Each and every individual has the potential to thrive and excel at the highest level of achievement and become positive influencers in their community regardless of background, income, race, or zip code.

Recognizing the need to reach and elevate more youth, CLD programs are now being offered at satellite and in-school locations in addition to CLD. Participants in these programs increase their school attendance and academic performance as well as become positive role models for their peers.

  • All
  • 6th
  • 7th
  • 8th
  • 9th
  • 10th
  • 11th
  • 12th
  • Workshops
  • Adults Only
  • Incoming 4th
  • Incoming 5th
  • Incoming 6th
  • Elementary Programs
  • High School
  • Middle School
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Business Orientation Project (BOP)

January 10 - March 21, 2026 | 11 weekly sessions
Partnering with the Kelley School of Business, local human resource leaders ...

Elementary ProgramsIncoming 4thIncoming 5thIncoming 6thMiddle School

Jr. Self-Discovery

July 19 - September 6, 2025 | 8 weekly sessions | First sessions are mandatory for program completion.
First sessions ...

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Precious Miss – Spring

March 4 - April 26, 2025 | 8 weekly sessions
First sessions are mandatory for program completion. ...

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Project MR. (Male Responsibility) – Spring

April 11 - May 16, 2026 | 6 weekly sessions
First sessions are mandatory for program completion.

Register

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Rawls Scholars Medicine Initiative

January 29, 2026 - March 5, 2026 | 6 weekly sessions
Thanks to our partnership with Eskenazi Health, youth receive firsthand ...

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FAFSA Info Night (December 4th)

December 4 , 2025
Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the most important step in the ...

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FAFSA Info Day (November 8th)

November 8, 2025
Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the most important step in the financial ...

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College GOAL Sunday (November 9th)

November 9, 2025
Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the most important step in the financial ...

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Self-Discovery/Career Exploration Project Spring

January 27 - April 26, 2025 | 13 weekly sessions
First sessions are mandatory for program completion. ...

Workshops

Workshops

CLD’s workshop series covers topics reflecting student success and the academic journey. Workshops are free. Attendance at all workshops is ...

Adults Only

Wheeler Dowe Boys and Girls Club

parent engagement night Register Now Grade Levels: Wheeler Dowe Boys and Girls Club Date: TBD Time: 5:00 pm – 6:30 ...

Adults Only

Parent Engagement Night at Mt Moriah Baptist Church

parent engagement night Register Now Grade Levels: Mt Moriah Baptist Church Date: June 28, 2025 Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 ...

Workshops

Luke’s Leaders Workshop Series

CLD’s workshop series covers topics reflecting student success and the academic journey. Workshops are free. Attendance at all workshops is ...

Workshops

Workshop Series: Center for the Far Eastside (CAFE)

June & July 2025
CLD’s workshop series covers topics reflecting student success and the academic journey. Workshops are free. Attendance ...

Become a CLD Facilitator

The Center for Leadership Development depends on more than 200 volunteer program facilitators to accomplish our mission of advancing minority youth to be future professional, business, and community leaders. Our need for volunteers is always growing to assist with Indianapolis Youth Development.