Asian American LEAD (AALEAD) provides after-school programs, leadership training, mentorships, and family-support services for Asian American youth.

Synopsis:

Asian American LEAD (AALEAD) is a stronger organization than it was in 2002 and is positioned to expand into Maryland and triple the number of youth served by 2010. Its overall effectiveness has improved; however it is too early to determine their overall sustainability until recurring funding for Maryland expansion is secured.

Key accomplishments:

AALEAD built a stronger senior management team, board, and robust measurement system to ensure outcomes accountability and performance. Other noteworthy accomplishments that contributed to improved capacity and increased effectiveness include:

• Planning and Focus: Completed business planning in May 2005, facilitated by Monitor Group, resulting in a well-defined expansion plan for growth in new DC and MD communities, based on detailed data of regional demographic shifts.

• Human Capital-Board and Management:

  • Recruited and integrated Deputy Director and Director of Development positions.

  • Added six new board members with needed expertise, shifting composition of board from founding board to a board with diverse professional areas of expertise, providing stewardship and governance.

• Capitalization/Revenue: Secured recurring source of revenue totaling $200 thousand from local public funding source (OECD) and qualified for an additional continuing source of per student funding through the Supplemental Education Services program in DC and Maryland. Increased capacity to secure public funding, resulting in $250 thousand for 2005.

• Outcome Assessment: With support and expertise in the form of a co-investment with VPP from the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, AALEAD developed a system of outcomes and performance assessment and management and implemented in all program areas.

• Raised Expectations for Talent: Executive Director Sandy Dang deepened knowledge and understanding of resources and time necessary to recruit and secure leadership talent and increased her ability to work with senior talent like the Deputy Director and outside consultants.

Key Information

Date, Years, and stage of VPP Investment:	November 2002; 2.75 years (later-stage; partially funded)
Capital committed and disbursed by VPP:	$425,000 committed; $325,000 disbursed
Estimated children to be served in 2010:	487
Revenue increase & % budget growth:	$750 thousand to $1.2 million — 60% in four years
Leveraged funding:	$1.1 million