Our Impact

Every Student Can Be Inspired to Lead

2,500+

high school students served annually

88%

of students identify as persons of color

56+%

of students face barriers to success

60%

of students identify as female

Our Results

Our Programs Change Lives

Here are just a few impactful statements around building self-efficacy and confidence, transforming skill-sets, and gaining access to opportunities.

Leadership Development

100%

of students said they now see themselves as leaders as a result of our programs

94%

of students said they took on one or more new leadership roles after joining 21st Century Leaders

Career Readiness

95%

of students said they are clearer on knowing their career path after high school as a result of 21st Century Leaders, while 55% of students said they discovered a new career field they're now interested in pursuing

80%

of students said they grew and developed in our core leadership competencies

Inclusion

45%

of students said it was their first time seeing someone who looks like them in a career or position they want to be in

30%

of students said it was their first time interacting with peers outside of their geographic area

Progression in Leadership Roles

88%

21CL Alumni who currently hold leadership roles in their college, military, community and/or workforce

85%

21CL Alumni say that through involvement with 21CL, their professional leadership trajectory has progressed more than peers/work colleagues

99%

21CL Alumni say that 21CL has helped them foster a culture of inclusion and service practiced today

Reports

Our students are more than just impact numbers.
They are young people discovering who they are and who they want to be.

Our reports provide an in-depth look of how our programs are doing just that through powerful student testimonials and the partners who support us.

School-Year Reports

See our outcomes from programs and experiences provided to students and partners throughout the school year.

Annual Reports

View the impact we have all year long.

Summer Reports

Dive into each summer leadership institute report below or get a snapshot of the entire 2025 summer impact here.

Our Success Stories

Sharing the success stories of our organization and alumni is crucial in demonstrating the significant impact our programs have had, showcasing tangible results, and illustrating how special 21st Century Leaders is and continues to be.

February 4, 2026

21CL Announces 2026 Georgia Youth Leadership Awardees

21 high school students will be recognized with 21st Century Leaders' Georgia Youth Leadership Award and the Be the Inspiration Gala on March 21, 2026.

January 29, 2026

Alumni Spotlight: Terence Pennyman

My advice to current and future students is to approach the program with an open mind and a willingness to grow. No two stars in the sky are alike, yet each one shines in its own way. When students recognize their unique strengths and support one another, they create something far greater than any individual effort. Embrace every opportunity to learn, connect, and step outside your comfort zone. You may be surprised not only by what you discover about yourself, but by how brightly you are capable of shining.

January 15, 2026

Alumni Spotlight: Jarrius Jackson

21st Century Leaders helped me develop a leadership style rooted in confidence, communication, and self-awareness. The program pushed me to become more outspoken and intentional about how I lead and how I use my voice.

Audits

We firmly believe in being accountable to you, our community, and the public at large. Independent audits are conducted by a reputable and impartial third-party firm, and the results are available here to all our stakeholders and the general public.