L.E.A.D. (Learn. Empower. Act. Discover.)

As part of Notre Dame’s ongoing commitment to Catholic education and women’s leadership, we offer a series of workshops for young women currently in seventh grade at Catholic elementary schools in the Diocese of San Jose.

After applying to the L.E.A.D. program and being selected, students choose from a menu of workshops to fit their area of interest and emerging skill set throughout the year. Past workshops have included:

• Diverse Voices in Art
• Teamwork in Sports
• Goal Setting in Sports
• Public Speaking in Speech and Debate
• The Power of Adaptation: Intro to Improv
• Leadership through Song
• Taking Risks in Tech Theater
• Hidden Language of Movement in Dance
• The Value of Listening and Speaking: Mardi Gras
• Collaboration and Communication in Robotics
• An Afternoon with the Head of School: Communicating as a Leader
• LEAD the Way: Leadership Styles
• Women's Leadership: Celebrating Women's History Month

Typically workshops are offered on weekday afternoons and Saturday mornings. There is no cost for students to apply or participate.

Qualifying students will build a leadership portfolio as part of the program and receive a certificate of completion in the spring. Additionally, "graduates" of the program become candidates for the Françoise Leadership Award, a scholarship at Notre Dame High School.

The LEAD application for the 2023-24 school year opens August 22. If you attend a Catholic middle school, please contact ndadmissions@ndsj.org after August 22 for more information.