Early and ongoing intervention is known to be a critical element in increasing the likelihood that students in underserved communities will attend college and then thrive there and beyond. Crucially, intervention is most effective when it starts at an early age—planting the seeds in young minds that college is a realistic option for them—and continues from elementary school through high school. The Leadership U. program provides grade-appropriate preparation scaffolded through four curriculum manuals, each tailored to a specific stage of learning, and includes a supplement to guide high school students through the college application process. The interactive lessons of the Grades 11–12: Thriving in College and Beyond curriculum focus students on getting into and succeeding in college. In addition to building on the skills of the Grades 9–10: Preparing for Postsecondary Success curriculum, this program for high school juniors and seniors provides a safe framework in which they can further explore identity, step into their roles as leaders in their community and the wider world, understand college-level expectations, enhance communication skills, learn from their mistakes, define and plan for success, manage personal finances, and develop the skills to balance social and academic life. All lessons follow The Leadership Program’s proven-effective approach to enrichment and social and emotional learning, which has been implemented in thousands of classrooms for hundreds of thousands of students.
