The LEDA Scholars Program admits 11th graders whose academic records and other accomplishments suggest they are viable candidates for admission to highly selective colleges and universities, even if the students themselves do not realize the strength of their potential, do not believe they can afford to attend such institutions, or are not receiving any encouragement currently to aspire to such institutions. LEDA recruits nationally in small towns and rural communities and in the five boroughs of New York City, targeting high schools with a large proportion of African American, Latino/Hispanic, or Native American students and/or students from low-income families. LEDA seeks to raise the academic aspirations of students, and LEDA Scholars should strive to attend he most highly competitive institutions in the nation.

LEDA Scholars spend the summer following 11th grade immersed in the Aspects of Leadership Summer Institute, housed on the campus of Princeton University. A large portion of class time is allocated to discussion (based on readings assigned each night), role plays, and group activities. Frequent essay assignments challenge students to develop their writing and analytical skills in preparation for college level work. The intensity of the academic program, the residential component of the experience, and supplemental group activities contribute to the development of a strong sense of community among the students. Although the Aspects of Leadership Summer Institute is intellectually challenging and stimulating even for very bright students, it is also fun.

• A rigorous, intellectually stimulating study of leadership, conducted in small class sections (about 15 students per section); classes are held Monday through Friday; discussions (based on reading assignments or video segments), role plays, debates, critical essays and group projects are the primary learning activities
• A residential life component, providing meaningful preparation for the adjustment to college life
• Social and cultural activities (primarily on weekends) intended to strengthen the sense of community among the students
• An introduction to college guidance, comprising a series of group meetings and at least two individual meetings with each student by LEDA College Counseling staff

No tuition is charged for attending the Summer Institute, and all costs associated with housing on campus and the full meal plan will be paid by LEDA. Family income will be considered in calculating other costs incurred by LEDA Scholars (such as travel arrangements, SAT & associated test fees, and other incidental expenses).

Senior Year

Following the Summer Institute, LEDA remains in close contact with Scholars throughout their senior year of high school, helping them negotiate the college application and financial aid processes.

• As LEDA personnel have gotten to know the students individually, LEDA assumes an active role in advocating for each student with college admissions and financial aid officers. It is LEDA's expectation that the combination of the curriculum, leadership development, and the peer community that forms in the course of the summer, encourages each LEDA Scholar to view his or her future options to achieve and to contribute from a significantly different and more ambitious perspective than might otherwise have been the case.
• Contact will be maintained with LEDA Scholars throughout their undergraduate careers, with LEDA staff fostering networking among the students, providing assistance in resolving problems they may encounter in college, and encouraging LEDA Scholars to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them on their campuses and elsewhere.