Project LEAD
Project LEAD (Leadership, Education and Development), is the only program in Houston that seeks to improve outcomes for high school girls who are at risk by combining “soft skills” training necessary for professional success with the hands-on financial education that is critical for personal success.
Project LEAD provides financial education, leadership development and career exploration. Using an interactive curriculum that includes personal reflection and writing, games, skill building, guest speakers and simulation exercises, LEAD addresses each girl’s need to develop the characteristics that will make her successful despite her current situation. Weekly topics to be addressed through the LEAD curriculum include: Values and Decision Making, Goal Setting, Creating a Personal Financial Plan, Creating a Budget and Savings Plan and Choosing My Path.
LEAD participants are given an opportunity to practice as they learn and to observe leaders in action both of which are critical factors cited in “Women’s Independence Project” research. At the conclusion of LEAD, participants will be able to:
1) identify qualities of a leader in themselves and others;
2) describe their personal values;
3) prepare a personal budget;
4) develop their short and long term personal goals; and
5) acquire knowledge of the career options available to them.
Project LEAD Sites
Spring 2012
César Chávez High School
Challenge Early College High School
DePelchin Children’s Center
Empowerment South Early College Prep
George I. Sanchez Charter High School
KIPP Voyage Academy for Girls
Westside High School
Fall 2011
César Chávez High School
Challenge Early College High School
Empowerment South Early College
George I. Sanchez Charter High School
KIPP Voyage Academy for Girls
Westside High School
DePelchin Children’s Center
If you are interested in having Project LEAD at your school, click here to contact The Women's Resource.
Project LEAD History
- Outgrowth of the “Women’s Independence Project”, three years of research,
funded by Houston Endowment and conducted by The Women’s Resource of Greater
Houston
- Research developed a blueprint for educational programming to help women and
girls reach their full potential
- Two ten-week semesters were developed that focus on leadership and self-empowerment
skills for high school girls
- 2004 - launched Pilot program at Jeff Davis
- 2005 - first full program at Lee High School; students showed improvement on
all post-test scores
- 2007 – added program to additional high schools: Lamar, Challenge and Southwest
Project LEAD Graduation