Our Mission

The mission of 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 development and educational attainment.

Our Indianapolis Youth Development Programs in Action

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%
of CLD Alumni have gone to college or are currently enrolled
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%
of CLD Alumni persisted to the second year of college
0
%
of CLD Alumni have graduated from college

Why Choose Center for Leadership Development?

Center for Leadership Development (CLD) has been transforming the lives of African American youth for more than 40 years by preparing students for the highest academic, college, career and life success. Through Indianapolis Youth Development programs and services, minority students are taught to develop multiple character traits including self-love, self-confidence, discipline, selflessness, dedication, hope, resilience and respect for self and others.

CLD is making a real difference in the lives of minority youth. Because of CLD’s strong focus and emphasis on hard work and high achievement, 77 percent of CLD participants report enrolling in some institution of post-secondary learning. Moreover, 46 percent of CLD participants who attend college earn a college degree. By comparison, only 25 percent of Indiana’s African American college students in publicly supported institutions earn a bachelor’s degree in six years. This level of impact on youth affirms the success and need for CLD’s mission and programs.

Our Indianapolis Youth Development Programs

CLD offers more than twenty quality Indianapolis Youth Development programs for middle and high school students and their parents/supportive adults that prepare youth for success in school and in life. All CLD experiences are based on the core values of character, education, leadership, service, and career. 

1

Precious Miss

During eight weekly sessions, girls strengthen self-esteem, identify positive friendships and relationships, develop a positive body image, embrace educational values and create life-long achievement goals. (Females only)

Grade Levels: 6th, 7th, & 8th

Precious Miss

Grade Levels: 6th, 7th, & 8th
Register

Project MR. (Male Responsibility)

During six weekly sessions, young men learn the significance of being a responsible male, how to defuse challenging pressures, set high academic and career goals, work collaboratively with others, and communicate effectively. (Males only)

Grade Levels: 7th, 8th, 9th, & 10th

Project MR. (Male Responsibility)

Grade Levels: 7th, 8th, 9th, &10th
Register

Success Prep

Exclusively for students entering 9th grade and supportive adults, Success Prep is a four-week, in-depth high school readiness program that culminates in a college tour.

Grade Levels: 8th & 9th

Success Prep

Grade Levels: 8th & 9th
Register

Role Model/Advisor Experience

During this one-day experience, youth and their parents meet with professionals from career fields that match the student's individual career aspirations.

Grade Levels: 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th

Role Model/Advisor Experience

Grade Levels: 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th
Register

Jr. Self Discovery

During an exciting eight-week journey of Self-Discovery, elementary age youth learn effective communication skills, successful study habits and leadership behaviors.

Grade Levels: 4th, 5th, & 6th

Jr. Self Discovery

Grade Levels: 4th, 5th, & 6th
Register

Imani Book Club

During this six-week summer reading program, students improve reading and comprehension skills and learn about the many reasons to appreciate the written word.

Grade Levels: 4th - 12th

Imani Book Club

Grade Levels: 4th - 12th
Register

College Prep Institute (CPI)

College Prep Institute provides meaningful answers and free resources to parents and students. As a college readiness resource center within Center for Leadership Development, CPI prepares middle and high school students for higher education and beyond. 

Free CPI Services Include
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CLD Volunteer Opportunities

Center for Leadership Development depends on more than 200 volunteers to accomplish our mission of advancing minority youth to be future professional, business and community leaders. CLD's need for volunteers is always growing. We need your expertise to continue providing Indianapolis Youth Development opportunities to our community.

Get to Know Us

Great place to truly “develop leaders.” My daughter attended the Precious Miss program through this business and really enjoyed it. The classes helped draw out her hidden gifts and talents. They offer free tutoring and counseling sessions to help your child succeed. Best program to hit Indy for our young people!

Ms. JSM

My boys attended several classes they offer and will be attending more in the future. This is a great stepping stone for our future leaders. Every parent should get familiar with this program and enroll their children.

Brittany Alexander