About the LEAD Program

The LEAD (Leaders Empowered to Achieve Dreams) program provides academic and youth development programming for ninth through twelfth grade students after school and during summer. The program works to improve student achievement in academic subjects, develop leadership habits, and provide opportunities for students to learn the 21st century skills needed to be college and career ready.

To ensure every student receives the guidance and support they need, LEAD is organized into four specialized cohorts that focus on different academic and personal goals. Each cohort provides targeted programming, resources, and mentorship to help students build skills, gain confidence, and prepare for success in college, career, and beyond.

Supporting a successful transition to high school

Freshman 101

This cohort helps students navigate the shift to high school by providing algebra tutoring, freshman success workshops, and activities that build foundational skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

Building confidence in English skills.

English Express

Focused on students learning English, this cohort offers language lessons, conversation practice, and academic support to improve communication and comprehension skills.

Preparing for careers and technical pathways

TechWorks

Students explore career options and gain practical skills through hands-on training, paid internships, and mentoring, helping them prepare for technical colleges or entering the workforce.

Preparing for success in four-year colleges

Scholars

Designed for students planning to attend four-year colleges, this cohort provides college readiness labs, ACT prep, mentoring, scholarships, and college visits to support academic and postsecondary goals.

Program Details

DATES

August 13, 2024 – May 22, 2025

Monday through Thursday

TIMES

2:05 p.m. – 4:35 p.m.

LOCATION

Golden Gate High School
2925 Titan Way
Naples, FL 34116

LEAD PROGRAM MANAGER

David Banuelos
239.255.7208
david.banuelos@graceplacenaples.org

After School Program Flyer

CORE PROGRAM ELEMENTS

Academic Support

LEAD furnishes targeted academic assistance to each participant based on teacher input, grade reports, test scores, GPA, and other academic assessments.

Life and Leadership Skills

Students participate in content specific courses, including The Leader in Me, Financial Literacy, Life Skills, Wellness (physical, social, emotional), and electives provided by community partners, volunteers, and staff.

Mentoring

Students are paired with an adult mentor in the beginning of the school year. Mentors help students develop life skills, set career and life goals, improve interpersonal skills and increase self-esteem.

College and Career Readiness

Students participate in career awareness and exploration to include learning styles, strengths, passions, interests, and then targeted college/career exploration based on individual goals. College visits to local schools and College Access Labs are provided for Juniors and Seniors to support the application process and scholarship search process.

Service Learning

Students begin as Freshmen to prepare for volunteer opportunities at Grace Place, or in the community, with volunteer roles beginning as Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors will be able to choose between two options: to continue as a volunteer or to enter a work-based learning opportunity at Grace Place, or in the community.