READY. SET. SOAR

Igniting Fearless Courage In Next-Gen Student Leaders

Lead U is a student leadership development program under the 501(c)(3) JLB Scholarship Fund Inc., serving students ages 16–24, including high school juniors, seniors and college students. Through leadership development, entrepreneurship, arts, and design, we equip students with the skills, courage, and real-world connections needed to successfully transition from college to career and become impactful leaders in their communities.

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LEAD U Summer & F1X26 Student Summit
Apply for 2026 Scholarships

Apply for LEAD U 2026

The Lead U 2026 Summer Leadership Institute is a transformational experience designed to equip emerging leaders with the courage, character, and career-ready skills needed to impact their communities and future professions.

APPLY BEFORE JUNE 1ST

F1X 2026 STUDENT SUMMIT & SHOWCASE

Fearless 1X serves as the culminating experience of the LEAD U Summer Institute, celebrating student growth, leadership development, and the commissioning of future-ready leaders prepared to impact their communities and careers with courage and purpose.

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ABOUT

Students Soaring To Success

We exist to close the gap between potential and opportunity by creating clear college-to-career pathways through leadership development, mentorship, and real-world learning experiences. Through hands-on programs and events focused on leadership, media, entrepreneurship, arts, and design, we equip students with the skills, confidence, and exposure needed to navigate academic, professional, and creative career paths and serve their communities.

Since 2019, LeadYth has trained and impacted over 250 students through campus-based programs, conferences, and partnerships—including hosting programs in Pasadena, California, and partnering with Camp College since 2023—preparing students to lead with confidence, character, and purpose.

Through intentional programming and mentorship, LeadYth prepares students to:

  • Lead with confidence and character
  • Navigate college and career pathways successfully
  • Make informed decisions about their future
  • Become positive change-makers in their communities
Sponsor Students or Campus
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Our Core Areas

Our programs are built around key focus areas designed to educate, equip, and empower students for leadership and career success

Leadership

Our Leadership program is designed to give you the tools and knowledge necessary to become a successful leader in your personal and professional life. We offer opportunities for students to serve with local nonprofits, gaining invaluable experience while making a positive impact in the community.

Entepreneurship

We believe that entrepreneurship is a vital skill for success. Our program is designed to teach you how to envision, build, manage, and scale a business effectively. With a focus on hands-on experience and real-world knowledge, our program will prepare you to take your entrepreneurial goals to new heights.

Arts & Design

Our Performance Arts & Design program equips students with the necessary skills to effectively communicate visually and verbally. Our students learn how to design and pitch with confidence and deliver powerful messages through their artistic creations.

The Lead U Summer Internship

The Lead U Summer Internship offers students and emerging leaders the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in leadership, media, and professional development. Interns can choose between paid positions or earning college credit while working on real projects that build valuable skills and prepare them for future careers. This program is designed for motivated individuals ready to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact.
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Hosted by:

Jasmine M. Smith

LEAD U Hosting Leadership Lunch and Learn at TCC March 25th!

The LEAD U Student Leadership Lunch & Learn is a professional development event designed to help students transition from college to career through leadership, entrepreneurship, and creative training. The session focuses on building purpose-driven leaders by providing practical skills in leadership development, AI for entrepreneurship, creative arts and media, public speaking, professional branding, and goal-setting with project management.

The event will take place March 25th from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Tidewater Community College – Portsmouth Campus (Building E, Student Center Room 211). It is hosted by Jasmine M. Smith and Brandon Roberts and sponsored by Hampton Virginia Youth Opportunities. Students can scan the QR code on the flyer to register or learn more about the session.

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Our Programs

Partner with us to Ignite Courage and Cultivate Creative Leaders

We deliver impactful programs and events that combine hands-on learning, leadership training, mentorship, and real-world exposure on college campuses and in professional environments. Our offerings are designed to meet students at various stages of their journey and provide progressive development opportunities.

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9 Week Campus Experience

One Week Experience

One Day Workshops

LeadU Program: 9-Week College Campus Experience

A structured 9-week after-school/in-school program leadership development program hosted on a college campus that provides transportation for high school students:

9 Week Core In/After School Program

College Credits with On-Campus Experience

Industry Professionals and Capstone Projects

State Conferences and Paid Internships

Lead used design to help students successfully transition into college and into careers from college, while gaining practical skills that prepare them for a long-term success, we host Non week after school in school programs held on a college campus that provides transportation for high school students.
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Lead Camp: One-Week Experience

An immersive, week-long leadership and college exposure experience designed to introduce students to college life and expectations while building leadership, entrepreneurship, arts, and design skills. Through hands-on learning and mentorship, students are exposed to diverse speakers who encourage academic and career pathways, foster confidence and purpose, and develop goal-setting skills—making this program ideal for students seeking an intensive introduction to leadership and higher educationation.

Student Leadership Skills

We are committed to training students who lead among their peers, and we provide a range of educational experiences designed to help them soar socially!

Career Readiness

Our approach to learning is centered around real-world experiences and case studies, as well as a network of leading organizations and brands in the community. We believe that this combination gives our students a unique advantage and prepares them to be leaders in their industries.

Dex Davis Cartoon AI & Animation Class

Students can learn about the latest technology and techniques in animation, AI prompts, and storytelling. Led by experienced instructors, this event is a great way to explore these exciting topics and develop new skills and interests..

 

Time Out With CMI Business & Leadership

We provide our students with the best resources and opportunities to meet their personal and professional goals, develop new skills and build a strong network. Come and join us to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level.

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LeadTech: One-Day Leadership Workshops

Interactive, high-impact workshops tailored for schools, churches, community organizations, and youth groups. These sessions focus on:

AI & Media Team Training

Public Speaking & Professional Development

Project Management & Workflows

Workshops can be customized to meet the needs of specific audiences or events.
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100% Customer Satisfaction

Why Choose Us

Order The New Book: Freeing The Fearless U!

A Student’s Blueprint To Overcoming Fear and Rising To New Heights

Freeing the Fearless You is a transformative guide designed specifically for students who are ready to break free from the fears holding them back. In this book, you’ll discover practical strategies and empowering insights to overcome the most promising fears that keep young people from experiencing the lives they boldly dream of living.

Order Your Copy Now

Keeping Up With LeadYTH

This year, LEADYTH marked another season of growth and impact, hosting our second annual Lead Camp with Camp College, Camp 25, Upward Bound, CBN, and Regent University to sponsor 30 students. We also served over 150 students through our Youth Conference, featuring workshops, concerts, and a college and career fair, while expanding our team with two interns and more to come. Additionally, students from Camp College Franklin Upward Bound toured the Regent University School of Communications and CBN 700 Club Studio, gaining behind-the-scenes access to professional media facilities and insights from expert faculty.

Sponsoring Future-Ready Leaders Through The JLB Scholarship

The Jewell L. Britt Scholarship Fund is the parent 501(c)(3) organization for our programs, founded in 2019 in honor of Jewell L. Britt a promising youth who transitioned at an early age.

Not having an opportunity to live out his potential in sports, The fund’s mission is to support college seniors and continuing students pursuing careers in sports or media communications by providing scholarships and resources that help them advance their education and professional goals. Through this work, the JLB Scholarship Fund continues Jewell L. Britt’s legacy of empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators.

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