Grants were for an initial period of 3 years. Grantees were then given 3 year extensions at a reduced level of Federal funding. The center in one State subsequently dropped out of the program. Each center was required by statute to provide matching funds in amounts equal to the Federal grant during the first 3 years, and could be awarded a 3 year extension if the grantee agreed to maintain the program with Federal assistance reduced by one-half. Two additional grantees withdrew from the program and rejected additional funding due to inability to provide matching funds.
Many grantees are consortia or collaborative associations involving two or more organizations.
The LEAD centers were required by law to conduct and submit annual progress reports to the Department. One consistent finding across the evaluations was that project participants reported generally high levels of satisfaction with services and indicated that they intended to apply new skills on the job. Centers developed new, research-based leadership training curricula, leadership diagnostic instruments, resource guides, and similar materials to support leadership training, which are available to LEAD centers nationwide. Finally, formal assessment centers were introduced or expanded in several States coupled with complementary training programs to meet identified training needs. Centers provided advanced training programs to equip administrators to implement State reform policies and promote systemic educational change in such areas as effective schooling, restructuring, and strategic planning.