Each year, LEDA searches the nation to recruit approximately 60 rising high school seniors. Our Scholars are exceptional students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, currently underrepresented in our nation's top colleges, universities and ultimately, leadership sectors. Scholars attend the Aspects of Leadership Summer Institute at Princeton University, which is an intensive, seven week program including leadership study, writing instruction, standardized test preparation, and college advising. During the academic year, Scholars work closely with writing instructors and college guidance counselors on their applications to selective colleges and universities. Upon enrollment in college, Scholars receive support through LEDA Scholar Support staff and mentors, as well as a growing network of Scholars in colleges throughout the United States.
For the current cohort (High School Class of 2014): -92% received acceptance to the most competitive colleges in the U.S - 46% were admitted to at least one Ivy League university -13 Scholars received the Gates Millennium Scholarship -1 Scholars received the Burger King Scholarship - 5 Scholars received the Horatio Alger State Scholarship - 1 Scholar received the Horatio Alger National Scholarship - 3 Scholars received the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship