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Students Shoulder to Shoulder participant learns about locally grown berries and sustainable farming during a hands-on farm visit in Costa Rica.

Equip the Experience

Big Adventures. Bigger Opportunities to Grow.

A pair of hiking boots. A rain jacket. A headlamp. Sometimes the smallest essentials open the door to the biggest experiences.
This Giving Tuesday, help equip students for real-world adventures that build confidence, resilience, and leadership.

Support Our Students

Leadership Built Through Experience.

We connect students and educators with powerful, real-world experiences that inspire growth, build confidence, and develop leadership skills. Through youth leadership development and hands-on learning, we create opportunities for the next generation of leaders to make a lasting impact in their communities.

We partner with organizations that share our belief that leadership is learned through experience. That’s why we carefully select partners who provide meaningful, high-quality learning opportunities. By supporting youth leadership development programs, we help shape future leaders and create experiences that go beyond the classroom. Through hands-on learning and real-world challenges, students and educators step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and discover the value of collaboration. Along the way, they develop practical leadership skills and gain new perspectives. Ultimately, these partnerships bring our mission to life by creating opportunities for personal growth, stronger communities, and lasting impact.

Real Stories. Real Growth.

Hear firsthand how LEI’s programs for youth leadership development are making a lasting impact on participants, educators, and communities through the experiences and stories of those who know us best.

I believe that lifting up our community starts with lifting up our students and educators. LEI provides unique experiences to nurture leadership skills, immediately impacting lives and affecting long-term positive change.

Taylor Hood

President & Co-founder

It is very unique because it’s not just funding a program, it’s not just working with schools. We’ve experienced something that we feel others need to have the opportunity to do. It’s about changing lives, not sending people to experiences.

Deborah Elmore

Leadership Coordinator/ Co-founder

Going on a trip is not the point. The trip’s the vehicle to get to the point.

Bobby Carey

Programming & Partnerships

We are incredibly proud of these leaders and thankful to the Leadership Experience Initiative for making this opportunity possible. The insights and inspiration they gained will have a ripple effect across their campusesa nd our district.

Marcus Chambers

Superintendent of Schools, Okaloosa County School District

Because of this experience, I know now that I can do things I didn’t think I could do.

Carmello

Student, Choctawhatchee High School Outward Bound Utah

I go into a new mindset with everything. This might not be ideal, but it’s okay. You can do this. Because of this experience, I now know that I can go with the flow.

Karighn

Student, Choctawhatchee High School Outward Bound Utah

Experiences for Students

Students grow as leaders when they are challenged, supported, and given the opportunity to lead in real situations. These experiences help students build confidence, find their voice, and see what’s possible thanks to youth leadership development programs.

  • Students Shoulder to Shoulder – Students engage in immersive, community-based experiences where they work alongside others, build relationships, and gain a deeper understanding of leadership through service. This is just one example of how youth leadership development programs operate in action.
  • Outward Bound USA – Through outdoor challenges and team-based learning, students push past their limits, build resilience, and discover their ability to lead in unfamiliar situations.

Experiences for Educators

Strong leaders create strong learning environments. These experiences give educators the space to grow, reflect, and lead alongside others. In fact, youth leadership development programs are an excellent resource for guiding educators in fostering positive change within their schools.

  • Gardner Carney Leadership Institute (gcLi) – Educators participate in immersive leadership labs that expand their perspective, strengthen their leadership skills, and bring new insight back to their schools and communities.

Leadership in Action

The ripple effect continues long after the experience ends. For many, participating in youth leadership development programs can spark lifelong growth.

Follow Our Impact

Experience Partners

Click Images Below to Learn More

Students Shoulder to Shoulder. Discover how experience partners contribute unique perspectives to youth leadership development programs.

Outward Bound USA

Gardner Carney Leadership Institute

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