Developing Tomorrow's Leaders Today

Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to developing the academic and leadership potential of exceptional high school students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Now at a critical juncture, LEDA requested that the Capstone team help the organization measure their scholars’ academic success, employability, and level of civic engagement. The Capstone team prepared an evaluation framework for future cohorts of students, and provided recommendations for resource allocation and strategic direction in building the organization’s program. The team reviewed quantitative and qualitative information about LEDA through data analysis and staff and scholar interviews. After rigorous research focusing on college access, college success, and leadership frameworks, the Capstone team developed short and long-term recommendations for scholar support and evaluation tools. This project will enable LEDA to refine and scale its program model, more accurately understand and share the impact of its work, and increase fundraising potential.