No breaks in developing tomorrow's leaders today

For the week of April 2-6, 2018, it is spring break for a number of students based in Metro-Atlanta. Some went on vacation, and a few took advantage of late nights and later morning in not having to focus on classes.

However, a select few take advantage of the opportunity to enrich and empower themselves as they consider their post-high school options. Thanks to the LEAD Foundation, a number of metro-Atlanta students are able to partake of their annual spring break college tour.

Visiting a blend of HBCU's (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and PWI's (Predominantly White Institutions) is part of the foundation's "formula" in doing more than just visiting campuses. In a number of instances, former program students (via their male-mentoring program and their co-ed student leadership development program) are current attendees or alumni of the campuses visited. As executive director Michael Woodward notes, "We are fortunate to forge relationships with a number of campuses (including his alma mater, FAMU [Florida A&M University]) and provide access to opportunities for our young people".

Last week's tour leads students to Fort Valley State University, Albany State University, Florida State University, along with FAMU. A blend of middle and high school students are able to meet with students, including former program students, as well as administrators and other key personnel. Likewise, during their visit to FAMU, they visit the National Black Archives (on campus), one of the larger collections of African-American and African-influenced artifacts based on Florida, Southeastern, National, and International history.

As part of their mantra of "developing tomorrow's leaders today", this is one of the key components of their programming for middle and high school students. For a complete listing of services, readers are encouraged to visit their website (www.theleadfoundation.org) as well as their social media (Facebook: The Lead Foundation and @leadfdn on Instagram and Twitter).

Spring break is always a way to take a breather from the usual day-to-day academic routine; in the case of the LEAD Foundation, its students, parents, and supporters, it's a way to expand student horizons and perspectives in helping shape their present and future.

And that is what developing tomorrow's leaders today is all about.