Funding

It is not unusual for schools interested in presenting the Challenge Leadership Program to inquire about ways to fund the program. The fee is based upon the years of experience since the inception of the program in 1980 and the long-term benefits derived from the program. We have heard repeatedly after presenting the program that the money spent to bring the Challenge Leadership Program to a school was, in fact, an investment. Schools see a return on that investment that far outweighs the cost. Based upon the success of the program, we are often asked to return year after year.

• Many of our schools use funds from an extra-curricular, interest-bearing checking account
  
  
• Some schools use money from the funds of each extra-curricular club or class that will be participating in the Challenge Program, ie., student council, sophomore class, photography club, etc.
  
  
• Some schools access federal funds to be used to develop drug-free schools and communities and/or funds that have been established to assist in the development of leadership skills for at-risk students.
  
  
• Many of our schools use grant money from local foundations or philanthropic organizations within the community.
  
  
• Some schools are successful solicitation the financial help of local corporations. Often times a bank, newspaper, corporation, etc. will seize the opportunity to financially assist with a program involving leadership development.
  
  
• Because of the many positive, long-term effects of the program, many school districts are able to have the entire cost or a portion of the cost paid for by the school district or through funds available from the office of the school superintendent.
  
  
• Some schools assess a small portion of the cost of the program to each student who will be participating. Some students pay for the program directly while others who work ask their employer to sponsor them for the leadership skill-development program.