IEL encourages leaders to work across institutional boundaries, increase their knowledge, and expand their networks. IEL focuses on educational leadership, youth leadership, parent and family leadership, and community leadership.
Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP)TM
The Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP)TM prepares individuals for leadership positions in education and related fields at the local, state, and federal levels. Fellows broaden their leadership skills, understanding of education policy, and networking ability through cross-sector learning.
Leaders for Today and Tomorrow (LT2)
Part of IEL's emerging work, Leaders for Today and Tomorrow (LT2) will prepare and support principals in addressing the social-emotional, civic, and academic needs of the whole child. LT2 will link innovators in higher education, school districts, and nonprofits.
Early Childhood Collaborative Leadership Institutes
The Leadership Institutes provide opportunities for co-learning about effective strategies for crossing boundaries and creating strong linkages with families, early childhood programs, community schools, libraries, public health services, and other community resources.
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), IEL collected stories from young leaders who came of age under the ADA: the ADA Generation. These stories are personal narratives, reflections, and demonstrations of the importance of the ADA in people’s lives.
Blazing the Trail Youth Call-to-Action
Blazing the Trail: A New Direction in Youth Development & Leadership - Youth Call-to-Action outlines 10 actions that youth can take to enhance their development and become leaders in their communities and the nation. IEL and its partners in the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth identified these actions from the 2007 Blazing the Trail Summit.
Youth Action Council on Transition (YouthACT)
The Youth Action Council on Transition (YouthACT) is a national initiative to get more youth with disabilities and their allies involved as leaders who partner with adults and organizations to improve opportunities for youth and to develop their skills and knowledge in leadership and advocacy.
National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth
The National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth (NCLD/Youth) is a youth-led resource, information, and training center for youth and emerging leaders with developmental disabilities.
Parent Leaders and Advocates
Through the Family and Community Engagement Network, IEL works with local communities to develop and implement capacity-building activities that strengthen the key roles parents and families play in their child's educational success: decision-maker and supporter of learning; school/community partner; and advocate for school/community improvement.
Community Learning Exchanges
Community Learning Exchanges (CLEs) offer grassroots community leaders working on community change opportunities to share challenges and solutions through local, regional and national events. CLEs provide teams time and space to build trust and learn from others through fun and engaging activities.
The Community Schools Leadership Network unites leaders of community schools and initiatives into a professional learning community. The network also helps guide IEL's Coalition for Community Schools' direction and activities.
DC Advocacy Partners
DC Advocacy Partners is a free leadership training program for self-advocates and family members of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It empowers DC residents to work with policymakers to improve policies, programs and services for people with disabilities in Washington, DC.
