21CL connected me with a life-changing internship. In the summer of 2016, I worked at Warner Bros Discovery (formerly Turner)...
Every Student Can Be Inspired to Lead
21st Century Leaders has welcomed and inspired thousands of high school students, truly reflecting the state’s diversity, hailing from urban and rural settings, and representing a range of religious, social, economic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.
2,500+
high school students served annually
88%
of students identify as persons of color
56+%
of students face barriers to success
60%
of students identify as female
Our Results
Our Programs Change Lives
Here are just a few impactful statements around building self-efficacy and confidence, transforming skill-sets, and gaining access to opportunities.
Leadership Development
100%
of students said they now see themselves as leaders as a result of our programs
94%
of students said they took on one or more new leadership roles after joining 21st Century Leaders
Career Readiness
95%
of students said they are clearer on knowing their career path after high school as a result of 21st Century Leaders, while 55% of students said they discovered a new career field they're now interested in pursuing
80%
of students said they grew and developed in our core leadership competencies
Inclusion
45%
of students said it was their first time seeing someone who looks like them in a career or position they want to be in
30%
of students said it was their first time interacting with peers outside of their geographic area
Reports
Our students are more than just impact numbers.
They are young people discovering who they are and who they want to be.
Our reports provide an in-depth look of how our programs are doing just that through powerful student testimonials and the partners who support us.
School-Year Reports
See our outcomes from programs and experiences provided to students and partners throughout the school year.
Annual Reports
View the impact we have all year long.
Summer Reports
Dive into each summer leadership institute report below or get a snapshot of the entire 2024 summer impact here.
Our Success Stories
Sharing the success stories of our organization and alumni is crucial in demonstrating the significant impact our programs have had, showcasing tangible results, and illustrating how special 21st Century Leaders is and continues to be.
November 15, 2024
21CL connected me with a life-changing internship. In the summer of 2016, I worked at Warner Bros Discovery (formerly Turner) as a "Turner Voices Intern" for the Department of Culture and Engagement. I even helped plan the following year's summer camp! That internship sparked a chain reaction. I secured internships every summer after that through my growing network, setting me up for success and ultimately leading to a fantastic job that took me from Atlanta to NYC.
November 12, 2024
The program taught me the core qualities of leadership—confidence, humility, professionalism, and resilience. Through 21CL, I learned that leadership is not only about guiding others but also about consistently showing up as the best version of myself in any environment. These skills were invaluable as I navigated new leadership roles in college and beyond.
November 7, 2024
21CL was instrumental in shaping my leadership style. It taught me to lead with inquiry, empathy, and a strong sense of humanity, but most importantly, as a team player. My collaborative leadership style is a direct result of working intensively on group projects at 21CL, where teamwork and support led to great outcomes.
Audits
We firmly believe in being accountable to you, our community, and the public at large. Independent audits are conducted by a reputable and impartial third-party firm, and the results are available here to all our stakeholders and the general public.
In the News
Over the past three decades, 21st Century Leaders has been recognized for it's work and impact.
- 2016 - BUSINESS-TO-NONPROFIT PARTNERSHIP AWARD from Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta)
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2019 - Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award from Emory's Goizueta Business School & Rollins School of Public Health - 2022 - Excellence Award ( The Georgia Afterschool & Youth Development Awards, led by GSAN (Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network)
Alumni Spotlight: Tonia Brown
The program taught me the core qualities of leadership—confidence, humility, professionalism, and resilience. Through 21CL, I learned that leadership is...
Alumni Spotlight: Taylor Thomas
21CL was instrumental in shaping my leadership style. It taught me to lead with inquiry, empathy, and a strong sense...