Press Release
Indianapolis, IN — The Center for Leadership Development (CLD) is proud to announce that its President, Dennis Bland, has been selected as the 32nd recipient of the esteemed Michael A. Carroll Award, presented by the Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ).
The Michael A. Carroll Award honors individuals in Central Indiana who exemplify the qualities of determination, humility, and devotion to the community that the late Mike Carroll embodied.
Under Bland’s leadership, CLD has advanced its mission to empower African American and minority youth through programs that promote character development, educational excellence, leadership effectiveness, community service, and career achievement. Through these values-based initiatives, CLD helps young people overcome systemic barriers and pursue college, careers, and leadership roles.
“Being recognized with the Michael A. Carroll Award is a deeply humbling honor,” said Dennis Bland. “This recognition belongs to every student, family, mentor, and partner who makes CLD’s work possible. Our mission is to open doors and build leaders, and this award reinforces that we are on the right path.”
CLD’s results are tangible: a 94% high school graduation rate among alumni, millions in scholarships awarded, and more than 20,000 youth served over decades. Bland’s leadership has helped expand CLD’s reach and deepen its impact across Indianapolis and beyond.
The award will be formally presented at IBJ Media’s Innovate Central Indiana event on December 11 in Indianapolis.
About CLD
The Center for Leadership Development (CLD) has, for more than four decades, engaged African American youth and their families through programs grounded in five Principles for Success: Character Development, Educational Excellence, Leadership Effectiveness, Community Service, and Career Achievement. CLD prepares students from 4th through 12th grade, supports them through college and into productive careers, with the belief that every young person is capable of leading and thriving.
Media Contact:
J.R. Rudolph
Manager of Marketing and Communications
Center for Leadership Development
Phone: 317-923-8111
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cldinc.org