"LEDA taught me that while my circumstances were a part of who I was, they did not have to limit my opportunity. Becoming a LEDA Scholar gave me the resources to make college a reality. But the most valuable thing LEDA gave me was a voice."
The 2026 LEDA Annual Celebration will be held on Tuesday, May 5th at Chelsea Piers! Click here for more information!
What We Do
Students from low-income and under resourced backgrounds are disproportionately excluded at the nation's top universities, diminishing their opportunities to become leaders in our society. LEDA works to close the gap.
We're dedicated to helping exceptional young people overcome challenging circumstances to reach and succeed at the most selective colleges. Our support guides them from the admission process through graduation and beyond.
The Difference We Make
Our Impact
LEDA scholars come from households with an average annual income of
$36,800
We proactively seek out the most promising future leaders and give them the support they need to pursue their full potential.
88%
have enrolled in the top tier of American colleges
Since our inception in 2004, nearly 2,000 LEDA Scholars have gone to institutions ranked in the top 100 of the most widely used lists. Last year, 97% were accepted to at least one of these top schools.
Under-resourced students at top colleges face distinct challenges
90%+
of LEDA Scholars graduate within six years, a success rate on par with students from more privileged backgrounds.
How We Do It
The LEDA Scholars Program
Our program offers exceptional students and potential leaders vital support from high school through college and beyond.
Recruitment & Admissions
Aspects of Leadership Summer Institute
College Guidance
