The Georgia Board of Education voted unanimously to allocate an initial $3.4 million in funding, directed by the General Assembly, to expand the Leader In Me program to an additional 120 schools across the state. This expansion marks a significant milestone in Georgia’s ongoing efforts to empower students with essential leadership and life skills.

 Beginning in 2023, the General Assembly partnered with the Georgia Department of Education (GDOE) to establish a curriculum development pilot program in 11 school districts and 28 schools statewide. The Leader in Me program promotes the development of necessary leadership skills inside and outside the classroom.

 Sen. John F. Kennedy (R–Macon), celebrated the program's expansion, remarking, “I commend Superintendent Woods and members of the Georgia Board of Education for their dedication to student success. Beginning in 2015, I witnessed the tangible impact of this program in Bibb County and was proud to champion an expansion of the pilot program last year.  This year, I am thrilled to announce that we have doubled down on our commitment to improve educational outcomes for over 84,000 students with this initial round of funding. This partnership and program exemplify our commitment to fostering a learning environment that is centered around student success.”

“Integrity and good character are some of the most important qualities a person can have to become a great leader,” said State School Superintendent Richard Woods. “I want to thank President Pro Tem Kennedy for his continued focus on providing resources for character education programs that provide our students with these leadership skills, which will serve them well for the rest of their lives.”

The expansion of the Leader in Me program represents not only a strategic investment in Georgia's educational future, but also a testament to the collaborative efforts of state leaders, educators and community stakeholders in educating the next generation of leaders.

You can find more information about Leader In Me here.