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Our Impact

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.  

High school often represents the final opportunity to select your peers and determine your social circle. We firmly believe that providing students with more opportunities to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and varied life experiences will better equip them for success while nurturing an understanding and appreciation for diversity, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging.

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.

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.

35th Anniversary - Shannon Wiggins
October 24, 2024
21CL taught me the importance of networking, building connections, and being confident in myself. Developing those skills has helped me to become a communications professional for local municipalities where I am responsible for keeping thousands of residents informed, educated, and engaged. In times of crisis, 21CL has prepared me to become a fearless leader in rolling out a communications plan and protocol for my staff that focuses on keeping the community safe and informed in a timely manner
35th Anniversary - Tony Nguyen
October 18, 2024
The program exposed me to a variety of unique leadership styles and introduced me to many inspiring individuals. It played a pivotal role in allowing me to not only develop the leaders around me but also the leader within me!
35th Anniversary - Anntoniette Walker (1)
October 10, 2024
I participated in 21st Century Leaders programs that prepared me and gave me social and professional skills needed to be successful in any room. Some of those takeaways include how to dress for success, how to interview, and even proper etiquette for professional events. The leadership skills I learned have stayed with me up to now, and I have been able to influence others along the way.

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.

Alumni Spotlight: Shannon Wiggins

21CL taught me the importance of networking, building connections, and being confident in myself. Developing those skills has helped me...

Alumni Spotlight: Tony Nguyen

The program exposed me to a variety of unique leadership styles and introduced me to many inspiring individuals. It played...