Shaping the leaders and societies of tomorrow.

Empowering Black youth through diverse, transformative leadership development.

We cultivate the values and durable skills of effective leadership, pairing them with high-quality learning experiences to foster personal growth, academic excellence, and professional achievement.

By advancing student success, strengthening communities, nurturing responsible citizenship, and positively impacting the workforce, the LLI helps shape the leaders and societies of tomorrow.

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Students are at the centre of our work

At the centre is the student, Black youth pursuing personal, social, academic, and career success, and making an impact in their communities.

Around every student, three partners work together: the LBD program delivers high-quality learning opportunities and experiences; parents serve as partners and their children’s primary educators; and community partners (post-secondary institutions, the corporate sector, governments, and volunteers) extend what’s possible.

2000

Students admitted to Leadership by Design (LBD) since 2016

Growth in annual admissions from 24 in 2016 to 140+ today

Leadership by Design:

LLI’s signature program, Leadership by Design (LBD), delivers a curriculum that is rich in leadership-advancement opportunities, career-exploration pathways, and encouragement to become engaged citizens.

These objectives are achieved via twelve major curriculum elements:

Leadership Skills

Building essential qualities and practices for effective leadership.

STEM Learning

Engaging in science, technology, engineering, and math education.

Mentorship

Guidance from experienced leaders and professionals.

Relationships

Developing interpersonal connections and communication skills.

Symposia & Conversations

Participating in events and discussions to encourage curiosity, broaden knowledge and perspectives.

Business Learning

Exploring entrepreneurship and business concepts.

Career Exploration

Discovering various career paths and personal strengths.

French Language

Learning and practicing French to enhance bilingualism.

Civic Engagement

Involvement in community service and social responsibility activities.

Scholarships

Opportunities for financial support toward academic goals.

Cultural Arts

Exposure to arts, creativity, and cultural expression.

Parent Partnership

Engaging families to support youth development and achievement.

SummerUp

LLI’s Summer learning opportunities deepen intellectual curiosity, address inequities, and enhance academic readiness for the coming fall semester. The SummerUp program provides these benefits and more. Delivered in partnership with post-secondary institutions, or by highly qualified subject-matter experts, SummerUp courses are developed to primarily serve students enrolled in the Leadership by Design program, or to remediate learning inequities encountered by other Black youth.

Workforce Impact

By cultivating the mindsets, competencies, and professional habits that employers value, LLI equips students to thrive in a rapidly evolving labour market. Through leadership skill-building and purposeful career exploration, we prepare students to enter the workforce with confidence, and with the capacity to contribute meaningfully to Canada’s economic and social prosperity.

Community

Our programs cultivate a supportive community where students and parents feel valued, connected, and encouraged — a space where relationships deepen, racial and cultural identities are affirmed, and where students gain the confidence that comes from being surrounded by people who believe in their potential.

The people behind the mission

LLI is guided by a dedicated board, delivered by a committed staff, and powered by volunteers who invest their time and expertise in the next generation of Black leaders.

Founder • Board Chair

Trevor Massey

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