ELA Timeline
A walk through time
We've come a long way over the years. Take a look at our journey.
Club LEAD Pilot
When it all began! ELA pilots it's Club LEAD lead program in 3 different schools in June of 2008.
June 2008
MAR 2012
to
NOW
JUL 2013
to
MAR 2015
July 2009
First Camp Lead Program
Summer fun curriculum based on the TV show Shark Tank, supported entrepreneurial thinking and collaboration for the campers. This successful pilot led to the role out of a four-year curriculum.
Our First Grant!
In February of 2010 ELA receives their first grant from Cleveland Foundation to offer programming to CMSD students.
February 2010
JULY 2011
to
JUN 2013
SEPT 2006
to
AUG 2011
August 2011
Our First Conference
ELA holds their first conference-style program in partnership with the Cleveland Leadership Center.
Transitions Program Launched
Partnerships up by 58% since 2011 and ELA begins partnership with Nordson Corporation Foundation to expand programming impact in Lorain County.
July 2012
AUG 2004
to
AUG 2006
SEPT 2006
to
AUG 2011
September 2013
Beyond Ohio
ELA launches the first program outside the state of Ohio. This also marked the first year of ELA joining forces with Race.
Chamber Leadership Academy Launched
New Workforce Development Program Launched. The inaugural Chamber Leadership Academy, turning a community into a classroom, was first hosted in Beachwood, Ohio.
January 2014
AUG 2004
to
AUG 2006
SEPT 2006
to
AUG 2011
June 2015
Positive Youth Development Award
Statewide grant collaboration with Community Connectors; Club LEAD wins Ohio Department of Education Positive Youth Development Award.
Accolades Galore
ELA wins Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Award. ELA establishes partnership with Cleveland Clinic to offer Louis Stokes Workforce Readiness Internship Leadership Boot Camp. ELA begins work with Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry.
March 2016
AUG 2004
to
AUG 2006
SEPT 2006
to
AUG 2011
August 2017
Goldman Sachs 10k, bigBang! Winners
ELA founder Flo Brett is accepted into Goldman Sachs 10k Small Businesses. ELA also wins the Social Venture Partners Cleveland bigBang! Fast Pitch Competition.
Strategic Planning & Structure
Poised for growth, ELA develops a 3-year strategic plan focused on Northeast Ohio saturation and enhancement of organizational structure.
June 2018
AUG 2004
to
AUG 2006
SEPT 2006
to
AUG 2011
January 2019
Impactful Benchmarks
ELA surpasses 25,000+ student alumni, 175+ organizational partners, and 30+ community sponsors.
Pivoting to Virtual Programs
ELA quickly responds to COVID with a pivot to provide virtual programming for schools and educators
April 2020
AUG 2004
to
AUG 2006
SEPT 2006
to
AUG 2011
August 2020
ELA Expands to Alabama
ELA partners with the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils and Brookwood High School in Tuscaloosa, AL to provide virtual programming to support all 9th grade students as they transition into high school.
ELA Across the World
Through virtual programming, ELA reaches students and educators across 17 states and 4 countries.
September 2020
AUG 2004
to
AUG 2006
SEPT 2006
to
AUG 2011
August 2022
Impact Across Alabama
ELA's continued success in impacting students in Alabama leads to an expanded partnership with the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils to now provide virtual programming for 9th grade students in 8 schools across the state.
ELA Expansion Continues in Alabama
ELA is now impacting over 1,200 9th grade students across 15 schools in Alabama and ELA team members take their first trip down to AL to visit schools and students.
September 2023
AUG 2004
to
AUG 2006
SEPT 2006
to
AUG 2011
October 2023
ELA Celebrates 15 Years with a Birthday Gala
Over 150 attendees providing 150 birthday wishes to raise over $150,000 to support more than 15 school districts!
The Future is Bright
ELA impact expands to reach over 50,000 students and educators through partnerships with more than 240 schools and youth serving organizations.
Today
AUG 2004
to
AUG 2006
Support ELA
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