Founded in 1983, HLDP identifies, trains, and promotes the placement of Hispanics in volunteer policy-making positions for local community boards and committees. Prominent community leaders facilitate the training sessions. The program also includes a community action component. Past projects have included establishment of a Hispanic Youth Leadership Development program, and development of El Centro de Oro, a senior citizen program at Ibero-American Action League. Employers, too, benefit from the program because their Hispanic employees develop leadership skills that they can apply on the job.
HLDP participants laud the program.