Funds to Support Only Statewide Leadership Program for
the Department of Juvenile Justice Female Students

Kim Wilkerson of Bank of America (right) presents grant to
Dr. Caroline Whitson, Dr. Linda Salane, and Inez Tenenbaum (from left)

Columbia, SC (July 9, 2007) – For the first time ever, Columbia College is taking its Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) program behind the fence to high school girls at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. A $25,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation is enabling Columbia College’s Leadership Institute to take this bold step. LEAD will work with DJJ’s female population to instill leadership qualities and to assist them in developing a plan for a more successful transition back to their home communities. 

On campus at Columbia College, LEAD is an acclaimed six-day summer residential leadership program for high school girls in which 1,600 young women have participated since its creation in 1990.  Taking the program outside the college will allow this intensive leadership experience to be shared with a new population to provide skills in communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, decision making, and team-building, all necessary tools for academic and personal success. Also, the young women at DJJ will learn how to lead with vision and to begin to discover their potential individual leadership style.

“Offering LEAD to high risk young women is a natural progression for The Leadership Institute of Columbia College and reflects our mission of creating an outstanding legacy of leadership enhancement for women of all ages,” said Columbia College president, Dr. Caroline Whitson.  “With Bank of America’s generous support, we will be able to customize the program and offer the benefits to up to 200 Department of Juvenile Justice residents.” The Leadership Institute will enhance the current program offering a six-week leadership experience for female DJJ residents ages 15-18.

LEAD will offer these six-week sessions four times a year to encourage effective leadership through interactive workshops, leadership assessments and hands on leadership practice.  Participants will learn how to powerfully communicate ideas and motivate with confidence while expanding their skills. 
“With more than 1,200 high school aged women in South Carolina currently under the supervision of the Department of Juvenile Justice, there is a tremendous opportunity to foster a supportive environment for our at risk youth,” said Kim Wilkerson, South Carolina President for Bank of America.  “Bank of America is proud to support The Leadership Institute at Columbia College, as they are providing the necessary skills for these young women to not only turn their lives around, but to sustain this positive change.”

The grant will also support DJJ staff and volunteer training to prepare instructors to facilitate future LEAD programs within the juvenile justice system.  In addition, a long-term study will be conducted to assess the impact of this program with low-income, high risk students. Future plans include offering the new six-week LEAD model to South Carolina high schools for use in their curriculum.
 
LEAD will give the DJJ students the opportunity to strengthen their personal and leadership skills while they learn to celebrate the unique abilities they have as women. Often, there has been a deprivation of quality leadership and positive role models in their lives and they have made serious mistakes. LEAD is designed to re-direct behaviors and foster a supportive environment to explore challenges and uncover potential, hopes, dreams and promise.
 
 “This initiative will help our girls to refocus their lives while opening their minds up to change,’’ - Velvet McGowan, facility administrator for the DJJ Willow Lane campus, where girls are housed and educated. “I see them walking away from here with the ability to make responsible decisions and desiring to pursue academic success.’’
 
“With the influence of LEAD and evidence of a community that cares, these potential future leaders may become much needed positive role models in their own schools and communities.” --Dr. Linda Salane, executive director of The Leadership Institute
 
About The Leadership Institute at Columbia College
Established in 1990, The Leadership Institute prepares women to assume leadership within their professions and communities, to lead innovation and change throughout their lives, and to be effective in a global society. Columbia College is recognized as a national leader in the field of leadership for women by the Kellogg Foundation and the Women’s College Coalition. To learn more, please visit www.columbiacollegesc.edu.
 
About Bank of America Corporate Philanthropy
Bank of America has embarked on an unprecedented 10-year goal to give $1.5 billion to nonprofit organizations engaged in improving the quality and vitality of their neighborhoods.  The Bank of America Charitable Foundation will give more than $200 million in 2007, making the bank one of the most generous corporate donors in the world.  Bank of America approaches giving through a national strategy called "neighborhood excellence" under which it works with local leaders to identify and meet the most pressing needs of individual communities.  Through Team Bank of America, bank associate volunteers contribute more than 500,000 hours each year to improve the quality of life in their communities nationwide.  For more information about Bank of America Corporate Philanthropy, please visit www.bankofamerica.com/foundation.
 
About the SC Department of Juvenile Justice
As the state agency responsible for providing rehabilitation and custodial care for the state’s juveniles who are on probation, incarcerated, or on parole for a criminal or status offense, DJJ actively seeks partnerships that foster its mission. That mission supports the Governor’s mission by protecting the public and reclaiming juveniles through prevention, community programs, education and rehabilitative services in the least restrictive environment. You may visit our Website at www.state.sc.us/djj.