About Us

Leaders of Today is a non-profit organization that was created to help high schoolers and college students achieve their highest potential. The goal of Leaders of Today is to encourage students to create a habit of working to improve their community and being generous with their time, talents & resources.

About

We do this by entrusting them with a micro-grant, along with a mentor to help guide them, to propel them forward on their journey of helping others. We would like to be one step in helping them cultivate leadership habits.

What we do

Micro-Grants

Leaders of Today allows students to apply for micro-grants which are awarded to students who complete a multi-step application process. Micro-grants can range from $250 to $1000. After students apply, complete their viability exploration, and submit their final budget, students may be awarded their micro-grant. Not all students are awarded a micro-grant but all are encouraged to dream big and finish what they started! You can start your application to win a micro-grant today by using the button below!

Mentorship

As soon as students submit an application, they are assigned a mentor! This mentor will help each student to fine-tune their idea. Mentors also help keep students on track and complete all of the tasks needed to win a micro-grant. However, a mentor is not a babysitter. Students will still be required to work towards their dreams using skills they’ve acquired. If students are awarded a micro-grant, their mentor will follow their student to help them complete their goals in changing their community. You can learn more about becoming a mentor by clicking the button below.

Curriculum Development

Leaders of Today is currently developing our own curriculum! Our first season of the Leaders of Today Podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts! We also have our blog with insights from members of Leaders of Today!

Coming this year, Leaders of Today is publishing our first video series highlighting our board and amazing community leaders. We are also working on a workbook to help you grow in your leadership using our 7 values.

Leadership Conference

Leaders of Today is hosting our next High School Leadership Conference on February 21, 2025. Our conference will be from 8:30am to 2:00pm. This event is for high school students who want to hone their leadership skills through connecting with student leaders across central Ohio, participating in leadership-centered activities, and hearing from community leaders! This year’s Keynote speaker is Rob Smith, Founder of Capital Waste. Sign ups are now open! For more information or if you have any questions please email madison@leadersoftodayco.com.

Microgrant Project Spotlights

  • Rex Dornoo: 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 Neopaney: 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 Winland: 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.

Why are we called Leaders of Today?

So often young people are told that they are the “leaders of tomorrow." At Leaders of Today, we believe you are not only the leaders of tomorrow but the leaders of TODAY! Young people have the ability to make very real and impactful changes in the present!