About Be A Leader Foundation
The Be A Leader Foundation designs programs that provide a positive learning environment and a college-focused mentality for each participant to develop their high school and college educational plan (4 plus 4 plan). We work directly with middle school and high school students in primarily inner-city schools to engage them into active development of their self esteem, leadership skills and long term preparation of their 4 plus 4 plan. Ultimate success is achieved through our long-term relationship and stewardship of their educational evolution from middle school into high school, culminating with active participation at the university level and ultimately a college degree.
- Be A Leader Institute Elementary (BLIE) program for seventh grade students
- BALF Valedictorian Club program for eighth grade students
- Youth Leadership Conferences (YLC) for 8th graders
- Be A Leader Institute High School (BLIH) for high school students
- Be A Leader Senior Boot Camp (SBC)
- Elementary and High School “Be A Leader Clubs”
- BALF Leadership Scholarship Programs to support and mentor middle, high school and college students
- Be A Leader Institute College (BLIC) and College Summer Internship Programs.
BALF has set high standards for our programs and has created one specific performance target for each and every one of our participants – Get a college degree!
Please visit our ABOUT US Video to learn more about the Be A Leader Foundation:
Download BALF's 2010 Annual Report
BALF_2010 Annual Report.pdf
Middle School
One of BALF's goals is the successful transition of students from middle school into high school. We achieve this goal through the following programs:
- The Be A Leader Institute Elementary (BLIE) program for 7th graders that aims to create a positive environment and nurturing community through its college going curriculum and self-esteem building activities. To learn more about BLIE click here
- The Valedictorian Club (V-Club) for 8th graders that provides each participant with a mentor to guide them as they learn to use high school as a platform to develop the leadership and academic skills necessary for entry into and success in college. To learn more about V-Club click here
- The Youth Leadership Conference (YLC) whose purpose is to provide 8th grade students with the knowledge and motivation needed as they transition into high school and introduce them to the Be A Leader Institute High School program. To learn more about YLC click here
Each of the above programs allows BALF to create a PIPELINE of college-going students from middle school into high school, culminating with a college degree!
High School
The Be A Leader Institute High School Program (BLIH) is a dynamic solution to fill the void that currently exists between the elementary and high school transition years. BLIH is a program for high school students that teaches students to become college bound, focused and prepared. Our 9 workshop curriculum that coincides with the academic year teaches students the critical skills necessary to become prepared for college requirements. Development of educational 4 plus 4 plans, exposure to various leadership and scholarship programs, and positive reinforcement by mentors and volunteers all enhance the students’ college-focused mentality and prepare them for their college-bound journey. BALF’s goal is to continue to develop a network of college bound students through active participation in not only our monthly BLIH workshops, but also our Be A Leader High School Clubs and our Be A Leader Parent Clubs.
Support of this program will allow BALF to continue to fulfill the needs and expectations of high school students whose dreams of obtaining a college degree are depleted due to the lack of mentoring, educational college focused programming and support. To learn more about BLIH click here!
In addition, BALF has established an extensive system to ensure that each of our seniors receives personal help with the college and scholarship application process. BALF's Senior Boot Camp begins the summer before our students' senior year and requires that students work with BALF staff during the critical college and financial aid application process. Students and parents agree to sign a contract that includes: 1) Preparing for and taking the ACT and/or the SAT, 2) Applying to at least 4 colleges/universities, 3) Completing and submitting at least 6 scholarship applications and 4) Completing the FAFSA application if eligible. In addition, students receive a "Senior Year Action Plan" designed to help a student stay on track with monthly testing and application deadlines. To learn more about our Senior Boot Camp program click here!
Teacher or Parent
Along with cooperation of educational institutions, corporations and community leaders, parent involvement is equally or more important to promoting a college-going mentality to their children. As a result, BALF has instituted Be A Leader Parent Clubs for parents with middle school and high school students. Our parent clubs meet every other month at the Roosevelt Elementary School District and Phoenix Union High School District Board rooms. All parents, regardless, of what district their child attends, are invited to attend the meetings. During the meetings parents are presented with the same college-going information being presented to their children and given suggestions as to how best support BALF's efforts at home to create a college bound student. Collaboration between BALF, parents and school districts will ensure that our students get the support and mentorship they need to see a college degree as a realistic dream.
For more information about the Be A Leader Parent Clubs please download the appropriate club calendar and join us at our next meeting or contact us at info@bealeaderfoundation.org
Elementary Be A Leader Parent Club Calendar
Valedictorian Be A Leader Parent Club Calendar
High School Be A Leader Parent Club Calendar