the signature program
PURPOSE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
POTENTIAL DESERVES OPPORTUNITY
Purpose Leadership Institute is a national, cohort-based leadership development program dedicated to multicultural, underprivileged, and underserved high school students in grades 9 through 11. We exist for the student who is striving to be better and to do better — the young leader who just needs the right community, the right mentorship, and the right opportunity to rise.
Through cohorts strategically located throughout the United States, PLI creates a powerful national network of emerging leaders — each one equipped, connected, and inspired to transform their communities from the inside out, regardless of their zip code, background, or circumstance.
“We don’t just prepare students for the future — we prepare them to lead it.”
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT TRAINING
Through structured sessions, our students develop the core skills of exceptional leadership — communication, decision-making, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and servant leadership.
MENTORSHIP
Every student in the Purpose Leadership Institute is paired with a dedicated mentor — a proven professional and servant leader who invests in them personally. Mentorship sessions are held virtually throughout the year, with one powerful in-person session during the Washington State Leadership Trip.
COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS
We equip our students with the tools, guidance, and resources they need to navigate the path beyond high school with confidence — from college applications to career exploration and everything in between.
WHAT OUR SCHOLARS RECEIVE
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT COACHING & LIFE PLANNING
Every student receives personal development coaching designed to help them discover their unique purpose, set meaningful goals, and build a life plan that is entirely their own. Because leadership starts from the inside out.
COMMUNITY SERVICE & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
We believe leaders serve. Our students participate in structured community service projects and civic engagement initiatives that teach them the power and responsibility of giving back.
LEADERSHIP BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Scholars step beyond their everyday world to walk HBCU campuses, experience the Obama Presidential Center, explore Chicago, and see new possibilities for their future firsthand.
SIGNATURE LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCES
THE HBCU EXPERIENCE
Scholars spend the day immersed in HBCU life—walking the campus, visiting classrooms, meeting students and faculty, learning about admissions and scholarships, exploring academic programs, and sharing a meal on campus. They experience the culture, history, traditions, and sense of community that make HBCUs unique. The goal is simple: let them see it, experience it, and begin to believe, “I can be here.”
Chicago Leadership Experience
Chicago becomes the classroom. Scholars will experience the Obama Presidential Center, explore the city’s rich history and culture, and see leadership, service, and possibility come to life. From powerful stories of changemakers to unforgettable moments throughout the city, scholars are challenged to think bigger about who they are, what they can become, and how they can use their own voice to make a difference.
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Fully participate in the PLI experience, including all 12 mentoring sessions (8 virtual and 4 in-person) and all required leadership and travel experiences.
Participate actively in all program activities, workshops, and sessions
Attend the Opening Cohort Dinner at the start of the program year
Participate in leadership trips —HBCU College & Cultural Experience and Chicago/Obama Presidential Center Experience
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Complete all community service and civic engagement activities
Attend the Graduation Banquet at the close of the program year
Represent the Purpose Leadership Institute with excellence, integrity, and purpose at all times
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PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
Purpose Leadership Institute is a commitment — and we take that commitment seriously. We ask every student who joins our program to show up fully, not just for themselves, but for every other scholar in their cohort.
PROGRAM FORMAT & DETAILS
FORMAT
National, cohort-based program with chapters throughout the United States
SESSION FORMAT
Primarily virtual (8 sessions) with four in-person sessions
DURATION
Year-round program- from January 2027- January 2028
ELIGIBILITY
Current high school students in grades 9, 10, or 11 and in good standing with your school.
ENROLLMENT
Limited cohort size — space is limited and applications are competitive
APPLICATION WINDOW
August 14, 2026- closes Oct 16, 2026