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.

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

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.

CORE PROGRAM ELEMENTS

ACADEMIC YEAR
2022-2023

0GPA
students who attended our LEAD program for three years or more have a 3.0 GPA or higher
0%
of high school students reported getting homework done on time because of the LEAD college and career access program
0%
of high school students agree the LEAD program helped them understand how to make career choices

2023 SENIORS

0%
GRADUATION RATE
0%
COLLEGE OR MILITARY BOUND
$0
IN SCHOLARSHIPS

Student Activity Gallery

education changes everything.

An investment in the literacy and language skills of our families is an investment in the workforce of Collier County. Together we can build a stronger community, now and for future generations.