The primary objective for MALDEF's leadership development programs is to increase the skills and knowledge of mid-career professionals so that they can serve in policy making roles and thereby reverse the traditionally low representation of Latinos in these positions.
Each local program operates for five years providing three to four program cycles annually. The goal for the leadership program is to transfer it to another institution after the initial five year period. The intention is to ground the program in the local community so it can be a continuing resource for leadership development.
New sites are selected based on a community's population, board and commission representation needs, community support and financial resources to support such a program.
