In 2004, a wild and wonderful dream was born! Our founders and numerous others banded together to change the trajectory of the lives of inner-city youth. 16 middle school boys and 2 adult chaperones boarded a plane, many for the first time, and embarked on an amazing outdoor adventure.

Many years later, LEAD now serves hundreds of adolescents each year. Adventure and new experiences remain at the heart of our mission. Our character development program provides life skills and exposure to new opportunities.

Weekly social emotional learning classes give students vision. Monthly community engagement activities and summer camp programs expose LEADers to new sights and new experiences outside of their current surroundings.

Ongoing research performed by University of Houston and funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation reveals that LEAD is an important part of the solution!

LEAD allows students to overcome nonacademic barriers to success.

We inspire VISION, practice EMPATHY, and demonstrate TENACITY.

Because of you, we change lives!!