I-LEAD's innovative course in leadership has empowered hundreds
of citizens across Pennsylvania to change the direction of their lives
as they change the course of their communities. Now through our groundbreaking
partnership with Harcum College, participants can earn a college degree in Leadership.
…citizens have a vital new pathway to improve their communities
and schools, while at the same time advancing their education,
achieving personal success, and professional advancement.

Lynne Abraham, District Attorney,
City of Philadelphia

In 2005, with the support of its board, various Pennsylvania community organizations, and working closely with Harcum College, I-LEAD translated its highly-successful leadership curriculum into an accredited associate degree and established its degree program. I-LEAD partners with local community organizations to host cohorts of students. The program offers affordable tuition, and follows an accelerated format that compresses four full-time courses, which meet twice weekly in the evenings, into one standard college semester to best accommodate working adults. This program is currently accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools through Harcum College, from which students earn their Associate Degree in Leadership Studies. Students participating in the program are fully-matriculated students of Harcum College and their degree is awarded by Harcum College.

In 2008, I-LEAD's degree program model drew the interest of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. I-LEAD received its first large grant dedicated to the development of the program model. Knight Foundation funds support expansion of the degree programming to a student body of 500, and organizational capacity-building to develop new faculty and new community partners.

Currently, cohorts of students operate at participating community sites located in Philadelphia, Chester, Reading, Coatesville, and Upper Darby, bringing the opportunity of higher education to residents of some of the Commonwealth's most challenged communities. Other sites are under development. 

Despite the absence of a traditional, centralized physical campus, I-LEAD has a fully-developed virtual campus in Second Life, where students, site partners and faculty from different locations can meet with each other from the comfort of their own homes or workplaces to share information and socialize in real-time. The Second Life campus is available 24/7 and I-LEAD offers courses ranging from Leadership Studies to Virtual Technology Leadership. 

          To learn more about I-LEAD's degree programs, please contact Cheryl Lang at (877) 428-8092 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  
                                             Follow this link to see our campus: I-LEAD's Virtual Campus.