The goal of the LEAD UP (Leadership, Education, Adolescent Development and Unlimited Potential) Youth Achievement Program is to provide leadership and college preparation support to high school youth. The mission of the program is to prepare underserved youth to thrive in high school and college through positive leadership opportunities and college readiness supports that enhance their skills, resources, and social networks. Specifically, program participants engage in short and long-term goal-setting activities, action-planning, and identifying resources to build a solid foundation for success from adolescence to young adulthood.

​​​​For further information regarding participation and support of the LEAD UP program, please contact leadup@ku.edu​ or 785-864-6691.

What is LEAD UP?

LEAD UP provides youth with training and support in the following areas:

  • Leadership development, including pro-social behaviors, moral development, and decision-making of youth;
  • Life skills development, academic planning, goal-setting, and identifying resources to support student success in both high school and college completion, such as academic success planning and scholarship search strategies.

LEAD UP Summer Academy 2025

​​​​​​LEAD UP Summer Academy 2025 will be held from July 23 through July 25, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS. KU LEAD UP is a 3-day and 2-night event that will be held on the KU Lawrence campus from Wednesday, July 23 through Friday, July 25, 2025. Youth participants will receive college prep guidance, support, and experience living on campus. Eligible youth are invited by the partner program (ThrYve) to participate. KU staff from ThrYve and LEAD UP will host and chaperone the program and event in partnership with partner programs. ​ 

Visit LEAD UP Summer Academy 2025 for application instructions.