Leadership Built Through Experience.

We connect students and educators with powerful, real-world experiences that help them grow, lead, and make a difference. Your support helps students and educators grow into leaders through real experiences that make a lasting impact.

We partner with organizations that share our belief: leadership is learned through experience. Each experience is chosen for its quality, its impact, and its ability to help people grow. Our partners create environments where students and educators step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and learn what it means to lead alongside others. Together, these experiences bring our mission to life—helping people grow into leaders who create real change.

Real Stories. Real Growth.

Hear from the participants, educators, board members, and community leaders who have experienced LEI’s impact.

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.

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.
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.

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.