Our programs empower young women to be leaders by providing them with leadership training, skills-building, mentoring, and a peer-support network. The intensive 12 month LEAD program launches with a two-week Leadership Institute where students gain knowledge on issues such as women’s rights and acquire professional skills such as public speaking. They learn from and engage with Nepali female leaders who come in as guest speakers. They learn leadership theory and practice through seminars, workshops and political and service learning trips. Throughout the academic year, participants are paired with a mentor, stay engaged though social media, and continue building their skills and self-awareness through experiential learning in 1 of 3 programs: 1) Internships: Students intern with NGOs to build professional skills and gain experience. 2) Social Entrepreneurship: Students design and lead their own social venture in teams of 4-5, receiving training, guidance and $250 to launch a project in response to a community need. One team is currently working on a recycling project. 3) School LEADership: Students are trained to facilitate weekly leadership workshops for 30 middle school students in their own schools. 10 students are currently facilitating workshops for 130 middle-school students (girls and boys) about issues affecting their lives, such as bullying, parental pressure, and relationships.