LEADS Projects
Experiential learning is a crucial part of the LEADS fellowship. Each year our fellows put the knowledge and leadership skills gained during their fellowship year to work on projects that ignite systems change in their local cities or region.
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Projects range from dedicated efforts to revitalize downtowns, to addressing food scarcity and the housing crisis, to piloting youth mentorship programs, to working on behalf of racial equity in supporting local elected officials.
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Many of the projects have resulted in significant change as the connections made through LEADS fuel new cross-sector partnerships, business and organizations.
FROM PERSONAL
LEADERSHIP TO
COLLECTIVE IMPACT
Beyond investing in the leaders that participate in the fellowship, LEADS invests in the communities where it works by catalyzing and supporting actionable projects that address priority issues at the local and regional levels.
METHODOLOGY
FOR
SYSTEMS CHANGE
Throughout the fellowship year, our programming incorporates systems thinking principles and design thinking methodology to identify opportunities to move the needle on priority issues. As these issues are identified and discussed, cohort members self-organize into cross-sectoral project teams based on aligned interest and expertise. The groups work to turn their ideas into action through a guided “entrepreneurial opportunity framework” and present their proposed solution to a panel of high-profile state and regional leaders at the conclusion of the fellowship year.
INCUBATION
AND
CULTIVATION
Through seed funding, tactical connections, and other support, LEADS helps project teams launch, adapt and scale their efforts. While the teams and their initiatives are dynamic and ever-evolving, the project proposals included here represent what was presented at the conclusion of the fellowship year. To get involved, get more information, or to get in touch with leaders involved in any of these efforts, please reach out to the LEADS team.
Downtown Revitalization
Lawrence Small Business Support
Small Business Resources
Lawrence Workforce Development
Workforce Development
Lawrence Opioid Commission
Community-Based Harm Reduction
​Engaging Youth in Climate Change
Youth-Led Climate Change
Haverhill Small Business Support Coalition
Small Business Resources
Merrimack Valley, Advancing Racial Equality
Political BIPOC Representation
Lawrence Welcome Center Initiative
Community Information & Resources
Food Fighters
Food Insecurity
Affordable Housing
Youth mentoring
Zoning: Fair and Affordable Housing
Fair Housing Representation
Next-Wave Entrepreneurs in the Merrimack Valley
Entrepreneurial Resources
Combating Houselessness
Increasing DEI Hiring
Re-Imagining Community Brand
LYNC: Linking Youth to Needed Community Resources
Youth Resources
Making It in the Merrimack Valley
Re-Building the Manufacturing Industry
DEIJ Coaching & Resources For Businesses
Youth Entrepreneurial Accelerator
The Community Protection Initiative
Anti-Hate Training and Advocacy
Financial Education
Matching Employers & Talent
Mentorship for POC Male Youth
Peer-to-Peer Communication for Youth in Crisis
Housing Supply
BIPOC Youth Workforce Opportunities
Capital for Affordable Housing
Supercharging Housing Production in Massachusetts
Housing Supply
Fostering Resilient Youth)
Non-English Speaking Media Outlets
Expanded access to services via .AI