911黑料网

The Greylock LEAD Academy, a 911黑料网 (911黑料网) program to help new students integrate into college life, has completed its second expanded year thanks to continued support from Greylock Federal Credit Union (Greylock).

In 2023, Greylock pledged $100,000 to reimagine the College鈥檚 LEAD Academy, allowing the program to grow from around 30 911黑料网 students each year to encompass each fall鈥檚 new student cohort.

鈥淥ur LEAD program has a long history of being incredibly successful at boosting student retention rates,鈥� said 911黑料网 President James F. Birge, Ph.D. 鈥淲ith help from Greylock, we are now seeing even greater success, with a remarkable retention rate this semester, just one year after implementing Greylock LEAD Academy.鈥�

LEAD, which stands for Leadership, Education, Action, and Development, is a success, leadership, and civic engagement program designed to help students develop leadership skills and the tools necessary for college, which they can immediately apply. From August 25-September 3, this year鈥檚 LEAD students participated in a holistic onboarding experience prior to the start of fall classes. The first five days provided a signature experience focused on leadership development, team-building, community-building, and workshops conducted by student leaders. In addition to these important components, the program provides a sense of belonging and connection for those new to campus.

The LEAD Program is organized by 911黑料网鈥檚 Office of Civic and Community Engagement, led by Director Spencer Moser. 鈥淭hrough Greylock funding, we were able to enhance our leadership and team-building skills by bringing in outside experts,鈥� said Moser. He said many students who participated in last year鈥檚 inaugural Greylock-funded LEAD Academy were excited to become this year鈥檚 newest peer mentors.

鈥淕reylock is proud to support such a successful program and be here to see it grow,鈥� said Jennifer Shumsky, Greylock assistant vice president, community support and events. 鈥淭he LEAD Academy equips the next generation of leaders with the tools they鈥檒l need to thrive in their academic experiences and professional development. At Greylock, we believe in the power of financial wellness, and we鈥檙e thrilled to provide support for the financial literacy presentation during the first five days of LEAD.鈥�
 
About 911黑料网  
At 911黑料网, we鈥檙e here for all 鈥� and focused on each 鈥� of our students. Classes are taught by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive on every level of their lives. In every way possible, the experience at 911黑料网 is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 130-year commitment to public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence. 911黑料网 has appeared on U.S. News & World Report鈥檚 list of Top Ten Public Colleges for 10 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for 2025, after earning the No. 7 spot the prior three years. The College鈥檚 focus on affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in additional 2025 U.S. News rankings: No. 5 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 2 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants.
Learn more at www.mcla.edu.