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.

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.

  • All
  • 6th
  • 7th
  • 8th
  • 9th
  • 10th
  • 11th
  • 12th
  • Workshops

CLD Leadership Speakers Series

February - December 2024
This Leadership Speaker Series will focus on the Principles for Success and how each principle aligns with ...

10th11th12th

Business Orientation Project (BOP)

January 11 - March 21, 2025 | 11 weekly sessions
Partnering with the Kelley School of Business, local human resource leaders ...

6th7th8th

Precious Miss – Spring

March 4 - April 26, 2025 | 8 weekly sessions
During this eight-week program, girls strengthen their self-esteem, identify positive friendships ...

6th7th8th

Precious Miss: Belzer Middle School

January 27 - March 24, 2025 | 8 weekly sessions
During this eight-week program, girls strengthen their self-esteem, identify positive friendships ...

7th8th9th10th

Project MR.: Belzer Middle School

March 5 – April 16, 2025 | 6 weekly sessions
During six weekly sessions, young men will learn the significance ...

7th8th9th10th

Project MR. (Male Responsibility) – Spring

April 5 - May 10, 2025 | 6 weekly sessions
During six weekly sessions, young men will learn the significance of ...

10th11th12th

Rawls Scholars Medicine Initiative

January 30, 2025 - March 6, 2025 | 6 weekly sessions
Thanks to our partnership with Eskenazi Health, youth receive firsthand ...

7th8th9th10th11th12th

FAFSA Info Night

December 5, 2024 Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the most important step in the financial ...

10th11th12th

Self-Discovery/Career Exploration Project Spring

January 27 - April 26, 2025 | 13 weekly sessions
In this rigorous and life-changing experience, participants discover how to achieve ...

Workshops

Workshops

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

Workshops

Community Workshops

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