In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., “Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.”
The Center for Leadership Development (CLD) is the brainchild of esteemed Indiana businessman Henry Bundles Jr., who as its first president in 1976, and until his retirement 24 years later, thoughtfully guided the organization through its many expansions. 48 years since it was established, CLD continues to thrive and live up to its mission.
The Center for Leadership Development’s mission has been to foster the advancement of minority youth in Central Indiana as future professional, business and community leaders by providing experiences that encourage personal development and educational attainment. Over the years, more than 50,000 students and their families – and in turn their communities, have been impacted by the tools offered and the skills taught at CLD.
From its roomy modern facility based at 2425 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street in Indianapolis, CLD runs a multitude of classes and programs, including free tutoring, workshops and guidance counseling services throughout the year. Classes and sessions are held after school hours, with a few also offered on Saturdays. Additionally, CLD hosts both large and small events aimed at enriching the lives of the community’s minority youth. One such highlight is CLD’s annual College Prep & College Fair Conference, held downtown at the Indianapolis Conference Center. Another is the Minority Achievers Awards and Scholarship Gala, where millions of dollars are awarded in scholarships for eligible high-achieving students.
With the ongoing staunch support of the Lilly Endowment foundation, CLD continues to provide educational opportunities as well as personal support for youth between grades 4 through 12. CLD has established a cornerstone upon which awareness, exposure, and options have become the springboard to a future of opportunities for minority youth.
Countless CLD alumni have gone on to become leaders in their profession as well as their communities, among them Nicole Harper, Regina Majors, Dr. James Knight II and Dr. Shaila Stayhorn.
Under the auspicious guidance of its current president, Dennis Bland, Esq. (CLD ’82), who is also a recent recipient of the Recorder Media Group’s “2025 Champions of Diversity Award,” the Center for Leadership Development has expanded its collaborations to offer initiatives with Indiana University, and Purdue; events with Cummins; and both in-school services as well as satellite programs. In light of Mr. Bland’s vision to continue to expand CLD’s services to reach even more minority youth, there is a pressing need for more volunteers to assist in facilitating programs.
As per the adage, “You don’t like something? Do something about it,” volunteering gives everyone the opportunity to become involved in areas of interest they would like to make a difference in, even outright change. At CLD, time volunteered can be a one-time event for just a couple of hours, or a few hours after work once a week for six or eight weeks as part of facilitating a program. To schedule a tour of the facility, feel free to contact us at 317-923-8111 or directly register as a CLD volunteer by visiting www.cldinc.org/volunteer.
Join us in serving our youth, be great!
