LIDER - The Spanish word for Leader - is the acronym for the Latino Institute for Development, Education & Responsibility. The primary goal of this non-profit organization is to empower Latinos with the personal and professional development tools and strategies to achieve their American Dream and become successful role models to future generations of Americans. Our approach incorporates clear and specific goals that enable Hispanics to develop a positive self-image, take responsibility for their own success, and embrace education as the cornerstone of self-reliance.

In 2050, Latinos will make up one quarter of the United States’ population. Education is, and will remain, the most important issue on the Hispanic agenda. Current efforts to address deficiencies in Hispanic educational attainment have focused on secondary and college academic achievement. However, “education,” the process of acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve one’s goals, should not be limited to the classroom.

Many Latinos, particularly newly arrived immigrants, turn to community organizations, public libraries, and local churches as a first step in their educational process. Others are further along the road in terms of their formal education, sophistication and awareness. LIDER meets individuals at their current level of personal and professional development, with an approach based on a concept that is often referred to as the Peak to Peek Principle.

Setting a series of goals and reaching them increases confidence and enthusiasm to set new objectives. “It tells me I can. The peak experience becomes a peek experience". From the vantage point of the first mountain, we are able to see other, higher mountains to climb. Our first success leads to more significant successes in the future. This is how we intend to raise the levels of literacy, education and leadership within our communities ensuring long-term success to 2050 and beyond.

The programs meet specific needs of New Americans -entrepreneurs, families and students- at different stages of integration, adaptation and development.

Peak One:
Discovery & Information Stage
[ Envision the Possibilities ]

LIDER programs will increase the Spanish-language collections in public libraries with Life Skills titles (how-to, self-help, business), which are among the most requested by newly-arrived Latinos seeking direction. Organized in partnership with public libraries, the program promotes literacy and library services in disadvantaged Latino communities, and provides direction, motivation, and a step-by-step strategy for achieving their American Dream.

Peak Two:
Community Involvement Stage
[ Expand the Vision ]

For Latinos who have “learned the ropes,” LIDER has developed a series of tools and workshops to inspire them to continue their education, expand their vision and focus on the next peak. LIDER works in partnership with Latino organizations that offer the community a variety of courses, programs and services in very specific areas such as: education, community development, home ownership, personal finances and small business resources.

Peak Three:
Empowerment Through Education
[ Become Self-Reliant ]

At this stage, LIDER provides Latino students at the college level with the strategies and tools they need to successfully complete their degree and become self-reliant. Our “Architects of Success” program, organized in partnership with colleges and universities, is unique in that it incorporates the successful components of corporate teamwork in a seminar series designed to train all of the team participants: students, parents and faculty.

LIDER is dedicated to creating and implementing activities that provide support and motivation for Latino communities across the country. We seek to coach and assist those charged with building an abiding platform from which Latino students and entrepreneurs can launch successful educational and professional careers. If you share a similar mission and are interested in becoming an active participant or sponsor of any LIDER program, we invite you to contact us.