About
Center for Leadership Development (CLD) Indianapolis Youth Development Programs includes the Bowen Engineering/MEP Initiative, Rawls Scholars Medicine Initiative, Role Model/Advisor Experience, SAT Prep, STEM Workshop, College Research and Selection, Study Sessions and Free Tutoring, Free One-on-One Licensed Guidance Counseling, CLD Scholarship Track, Crispus Attucks IU Fellows, Cummins-CLD Senior Leadership Speaker Series, and Lilly Internships. The program schedule says CLD offers more than twenty Indianapolis Youth Development programs for middle and high school students and their parents/supportive adults, and some programs run in six-week, eight-week, one-day, two-phase, or three-phase formats.
Programs
- Bowen Engineering/MEP Initiative — Grades 10-12
- Rawls Scholars Medicine Initiative — Grades 10-12
- Role Model/Advisor Experience — Grades 8-12
- SAT Prep — Grades 10-12 · A six-week class providing insight, test-taking strategies, and practical training to improve math and verbal/written scores.
- STEM Workshop — Grades 10-12 · Students increase their knowledge about STEM-related fields by participating in STEM activities and learning about STEM resources, information and opportunities.
- College Research and Selection — Grades 9-12 · The College Prep Institute helps youth and parents research post-secondary education choices, arrange campus visits, and prepare strong admissions applications.
- Study Sessions and Free Tutoring — Grades 4-12 · The College Prep Institute offers study sessions and free tutoring in math and science in addition to foreign languages, social studies, reading, and language arts.
- Free One-on-One Licensed Guidance Counseling — Grades 4-12 · Licensed professional guidance counselors assist youth on their academic and career pathways and support academic success, career goal development, and social/emotional learning.
- CLD Scholarship Track — 12th-grade seniors
- Crispus Attucks IU Fellows — Grades 10-12
- Cummins-CLD Senior Leadership Speaker Series — Grades 10-12 · Students meet, interact, and network with Cummins executive leaders, learn about careers in engineering, and explore paid internship opportunities.
- Lilly Internships — Grade - First-year college students · CLD students who have completed the Lilly Summit and are pursuing STEM degrees as first-year college students are invited to return to Lilly as summer interns.
At a glance
- Ages: 4–18 years old
- Current session: College Prep - Fall (Sep 16–Oct 10, 2026)
- General schedule: CLD offers more than twenty Indianapolis Youth Development programs for middle and high school students and their parents/supportive adults. Some programs are offered in multiple sessions over weeks, including six-week, eight-week, and one-day experiences; some are three-phase, two-phase, or workshop-based.
About the provider
CLD says its mission is to foster the advancement of minority youth in Central Indiana as future professional, business, and community leaders by providing experiences that encourage personal development and educational attainment. The site says CLD has been transforming the lives of African American youth for more than 40 years and has impacted more than 50,000 students and families. It also states that 77 percent of CLD participants report enrolling in some institution of post-secondary learning and 46 percent of CLD participants who attend college earn a college degree.
Programs and services are for minority youth in Central Indiana and include parents/supportive adults in some offerings. CLD states that program fees are non-refundable for some programs. CLD says students must successfully complete Self-Discovery/Career Exploration Project before participating in certain programs.
What families say
“Great place to truly “develop leaders.” My daughter attended the Precious Miss program through this business and really enjoyed it. The classes helped draw out her hidden gifts and talents. They offer free tutoring and counseling sessions to help your child succeed.” — Ms. JSM
“Best program to hit Indy for our young people! My boys attended several classes they offer and will be attending more in the future. This is a great stepping stone for our future leaders. Every parent should get familiar with this program and enroll their children.” — Brittany Alexander
Last updated September 4, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.