LEAD Charter School

Why LEAD Charter School was nominated

Lead Charter School's model is grounded in the unwavering belief in the power of young people to transform their lives and the community. Our model is developed and delivered by practitioners of research-based youth development practices and systems that ensure a tailored, personalized, strengths-based learning experience, grounded in the advocacy of Opportunity Youth. Our model contains five interconnected core components: 1. Education 2. Construction PLUS 3. Counseling and Counseling Management 4. Leadership Development 5. Graduate Success, LEAD programming develops young people (particularly opportunity youth) who are dedicated to rebuilding and improving the quality of life in their community through collective work, responsibility and cooperative economics. LEAD’s key design elements support the unique academic and non-academic needs of students who have disengaged from traditional schooling. LEAD’s innovative model re-engages young people via active participation in rigorous and relevant content and standards-driven, competency-based instruction aligned with emerging market demands. Through applied learning opportunities with partner organizations and corporations, LEAD prepares students to compete in the local economy and/or transition to post-secondary education.