Season for Sharing: Center for Leadership Development wants to help more Indianapolis youth

The Center for Leadership Development was founded in 1977 to help more Black students become leaders in business and in the community. Back then, it was just one program for 10th through 12th graders.

Now the nonprofit begins working with Indianapolis youth beginning as early as 4th grade, providing free or affordable help with tutoring, high school and college preparation, leadership training and more.

"We're just trying to create one of the most preeminent youth development program models in the nation that's dedicated to helping achieve fruitful, successful outcomes in African American youth," said Dennis Bland, the nonprofit's president.

As Bland looks ahead, though, he sees opportunities to create an even brighter future.

The Center for Leadership Development will soon gain space to host even more classes at 2425 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, where it is expanding its physical footprint.

The nonprofit also has started working inside additional satellite locations across the city, helping more youth with the programming aimed to boost the region's number of Black academic, business and community leaders.

The very first program, which launched back in 1977, called Self-Discovery, still exists today. The students meet for 2½ hours per week over 13 weeks. They are asked to find answers to three questions, Bland said: Who am I? Where am I going? And how do I get there?

"I call it an executive leadership program that's been created for 10th, 11th and 12th graders," Bland said.

After watching Self-Discovery's impact over the years for teenagers, Bland said, his organization decided to create something similar for 4th through 6th graders called Jr. Self-Discovery.

But it's not just that particular class that has evolved. So, too, has the Center for Leadership Development.

It now offers 17 types of programs, Bland said, each designed to address specific challenges confronting young people in Indianapolis.

For example, the Imani Book Club helps improve the participants' reading levels.

Another challenge is the number of students who drop out of high school because they were not ready for how tough it can be.

So the Center for Leadership Development created Success Prep, where students in 8th and 9th grades are taught how to take notes, prepare for tests and study.

"If you're going to have impact," Bland said, "then you want to make sure that you're creating some exceptional programs that really speak to the young people's needs and gaps."

What is your organization's mission?

Bland describes the Center for Leadership Development's mission as creating a pipeline of Black youth who thrive as leaders in their communities and businesses.

"Because you are empowered, you represent improvement," Bland said. "Places get better when you show up. Organizations improve because of your presence. Consequently, schools want you, universities want you."

How many people do you serve?

About 1,600 youth and their families are being helped through the nonprofit. That number is lower than usual because of the effects of the ongoing pandemic. Typically, the organization maxes out around 4,000 youth and families, and it's hoping to grow beyond 6,500 people through its expansion.

What is your organization's No. 1 need?

More than anything, Bland said, the nonprofit needs the community to spread the word about what classes and programs are available so more students can take advantage of what's being offered. Everything is underwritten by supporters, which reduces the cost of a $500 Self-Discovery class down to a $25 fee for a family.

How can people get involved?

The Center for Leadership Development needs more volunteers to help with tutoring, particularly as the nonprofit seeks to expand its presence in the city.

Make a difference with IndyStar: Support Season for Sharing

The shared mission of IndyStar’s Our Children initiative and annual Season for Sharing campaign is to harness the power of journalism to make a difference in the lives of Central Indiana youth. We invite you to join us by making a financial contribution. The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust will generously match donations up to $25,000. All charitable donations are tax deductible.

This year, grants will be awarded to organizations that have gone above and beyond in serving Central Indiana children and families amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Go to indystar.com/ocdonate to give online. If you prefer to send a check, please mail to: Central Indiana Community Foundation, Attn: Our Children, 615 N. Alabama St., Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46204. You also can donate by texting "SHARING" to 80888.

Contact IndyStar investigative reporter Ryan Martin at ryan.martin@indystar.com or by phone, Signal or WhatsApp at 317-500-4897. Follow him on Facebook or Twitter: @ryanmartin.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Center for Leadership Development wants to help more Indianapolis kids