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.

May 21, 2026

Alumni Spotlight: Melanie Harper

My journey started with a deep "love of humanity" and a childhood passion for medicine. 21CL was the ultimate training ground that helped me turn that passion into a professional plan. The Summer Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI) and the Healthcare/IT Institute (HII) completely opened my eyes, making me realize that both the business and medical world could be a powerful place for me to thrive.

May 7, 2026

Alumni Spotlight: Sierra Vincent

Programs like 21CL are important because they provide a safe space for career exploration and exposure, for making mistakes, and for truly learning about yourself. As someone working in the nonprofit space, I see so much value in accessible spaces and organizations like this, especially at a time when entry-level jobs and experiences for young students are becoming harder to find.

April 30, 2026

Alumni Spotlight: Morenike Ibidapo

Throughout the Media Institute, we met with several industry professionals who shared their paths to getting where they were at the time. Prior to that experience, I thought becoming a news anchor or reporter was similar to becoming a supermodel from a mall casting – it just happened if you were lucky enough.

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.