Leaders of Today

Leave Changed. Lead Confidently.

Register for the 2026 RISE Leadership Experience
“Isn’t the time people believe anything is possible the time we want them to lead the most?”
— Jordan Davis
Learn More about the 2026 RISE Leadership Experience

RISE Leadership Experience

📅 August 5-7, 2026 📍 Columbus, OH 💰 Tickets: $60 🥪 Lunch Included

THE MISSION: “Why We Exist”

Our mission is to help students across Central Ohio develop leadership skills, confidence, and vision to improve their communities.

We believe students are not tomorrow’s leaders — they are the Leaders of Today.

RISE Leadership Experience

RISE Leadership Experience

THE EXPERIENCE: “Where It Happens”

Three Days. Real Growth. Lasting Confidence.

RISE brings together a select group of Central Ohio high school students for a three day leadership experience designed to challenge, stretch, and grow them.

Through hands on activities, reflection, and meaningful conversations, students build confidence, discover their values, and learn what it means to lead.

They don’t just attend RISE.

They leave more confident, more clear, and ready to make an impact in their school and community.

Date: August 5-7, 2026
Tickets: $10 application fee, $50 acceptance fee
Time: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Food is Provided

➡️ Registration Deadline: June 14, 2026

Learn More

THE IMPACT: “How It Changes Lives”

Microgrant Project Spotlights

  • Rex: B.E.A.R.

    The Brotherhood in Education Association of Reynoldsburg (B.E.A.R.) is a school-based organization designed to unite and develop young men to positively impact both their community and the world. B.E.A.R. has two main components: the internal side, which focuses on personal development through discussions on topics like mental health, discipline, and trauma, and the external side, which involves volunteering and community engagement.

  • Pratima: UnitySpeaks

    UnitySpeaks aims to support Bhutanese Nepalese refugees, particularly parents, who were unable to receive an education either in their home country or after arriving in the U.S. The project seeks to empower these individuals by providing English language classes to help them navigate everyday challenges, such as visiting doctors, shopping, and applying for jobs, without needing to rely on their children for translation.

  • Kathik & Thomas: Makers of Tomorrow

    Makers of Tomorrow is a STEM intensive camp for elementary age students designed to promote a love for learning in young students. Grant was awarded as part of the 2024 Workforce Development Program sponsored by the PAST Foundation.

  • Natalie: STEM Girls

    STEM Girls is an after school program for middle school girls designed to make young girls excited about the opportunities that exist in STEM fields. The program seeks to raise awareness about the lack of diversity/gender inclusivity that exists in STEM.

  • Sai, Esraa, Dwanae: Crochet with a Cause

    This program is designed to teach crocheting techniques to high school students. Crochet products from this program are donated to long-term care facilities. Grant was awarded as part of the 2023 Summer Workforce Development Program sponsored by the PAST Foundation.

GET INVOLVED: “Join the Ripple”

Support Us

When you give to Leaders of Today, you’re doing more than donating — you’re helping a student realize their potential. Your gift funds hands-on leadership experiences, micro-grants, and mentorship opportunities that give young people the tools and confidence to lead right where they are.

From a first-time public speaker to a student launching a community project, every dollar helps create moments of growth that ripple far beyond the classroom.

Your support keeps the momentum going — inspiring students, empowering communities, and proving that leadership starts today.

Give today and help us grow the next generation of changemakers.

Donate

Volunteer

Volunteering with Leaders of Today isn’t just helping out — it’s joining the energy. Our volunteers laugh, lead, and make real connections as they guide students through a day filled with growth, confidence, and community. From welcoming students to helping with workshops, you’ll be part of the team that makes the conference come alive.

If you love good vibes, teamwork, and watching young leaders step into their potential — this is the place for you.
Lunch is on us, smiles are guaranteed, and you’ll walk away knowing you helped spark something special.

Join the fun. Lead the impact. Be a part of the Leaders of Today team.

Volunteer

Become a Mentor

Being a mentor with Leaders of Today isn’t about giving lectures — it’s about sharing your story. You’ll walk alongside students as they build confidence, sharpen leadership skills, and bring their ideas to life.

Whether it’s a coffee chat, a brainstorming session, or a quick check-in, you’ll be part of the moment a student realizes, “I can actually do this.”

It’s meaningful, energizing, and honestly — a lot of fun.
Inspire. Encourage. Empower. Become a mentor.

Become a Mentor

THE VOICE: “Our Leadership Conversation”

The Leaders of Today Podcast

Real stories. Real leadership. Real impact.

The Leaders of Today Podcast dives into honest conversations with students, mentors, and community leaders who are making a difference right here in Central Ohio. From lessons in leadership and service to finding purpose and confidence, each episode is packed with stories that inspire and challenge us to lead where we are — not someday, but today.

Whether you’re a student, teacher, or lifelong learner, tune in for laughter, lessons, and a reminder that leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about action.

Listen and lead with us.

Listen here
Learn more

The Leaders of Today Blog

The Leaders of Today Blog is where stories meet inspiration. We share leadership lessons, student spotlights, behind-the-scenes moments, and insights from mentors and community changemakers across Central Ohio.

Each post is designed to encourage reflection, spark new ideas, and help young leaders grow in confidence and purpose. Whether it’s a story from our conference, a tip from a mentor, or a look inside one of our student projects, this is where leadership gets personal.

Read the stories. Live the lessons. Lead today.

Read our Blog here

STAY CONNECTED: “Keep the Story Going”