20/20 Leadership

Led by Executive Director Marnie, the mission of 20/20 Leadership is to provide high school students with unique experiential learning opportunities to expand their education beyond the classroom, develop resilient leaders, and build stronger communities.

The 20/20 Leadership program began in 1993 with 36 students and a budget of $3,500 for the 9-month program junior program. In 2002, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the Garth Brooks “Teammates for Kids” provided grants to expand the program from Wyandotte into Jackson County, Missouri, and Johnson County in Kansas.

In 2003, the decision to file for the 501(c)(3) status was made by the Board of Directors, and approval notification was received six weeks later. The Sprint Foundation has supported program development and growth in Kansas and Missouri and promoted the development of the 20/20 Olympics.

20/20 Leadership is a bi-state youth educational leadership development program providing a continuum for Freshman Leaders, a 6-month program for high school freshmen, Sophomore Leaders, a 7-month program for high school sophomores, Junior Leaders, a 10-month program for high school juniors, Senior Leaders, an 8-month program for high school seniors.

Alumni Leaders help graduates return to the program as trainers, mentors, board/advisory board members, and selection committee members.

The Freshman/Sophomore program focuses on personal development, including improving self-awareness and self-knowledge, improving social skills and learning new skills, identifying potential, self-esteem, and aspirations, and improving health.

The Junior Leaders Program blends academically, socially, economically, racially, and geographically diverse students in learning the importance of earning an education and taking personal and social responsibility.  The program offers each student an opportunity to succeed.  Program content includes college and career exploration, local and state government, media, law, entrepreneurship, finance, personal and leadership development, the arts, and social service.

The Senior Leaders program is designed for Junior Leaders who have completed the 10-month program and enter their senior year of high school. Program topics include Finances, Government, Media, Economics, Entrepreneurship, and Community Awareness.

Visit the 20/20 Leadership website to learn more, volunteer, or donate.

Website: 2020leadership.org