November 7, 2024
The Greylock LEAD Academy, a Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) program
to help new students integrate into college life, has completed its second expanded
year thanks to continued support from Greylock Federal Credit Union (Greylock).
In 2023, Greylock pledged $100,000 to reimagine the College’s LEAD Academy, allowing
the program to grow from around 30 MCLA students each year to encompass each fall’s
new student cohort.
“Our LEAD program has a long history of being incredibly successful at boosting student
retention rates,” said MCLA President James F. Birge, Ph.D. “With help from Greylock,
we are now seeing even greater success, with a remarkable retention rate this semester,
just one year after implementing Greylock LEAD Academy.”
LEAD, which stands for Leadership, Education, Action, and Development, is a success,
leadership, and civic engagement program designed to help students develop leadership
skills and the tools necessary for college, which they can immediately apply. From
August 25-September 3, this year’s LEAD students participated in a holistic onboarding
experience prior to the start of fall classes. The first five days provided a signature
experience focused on leadership development, team-building, community-building, and
workshops conducted by student leaders. In addition to these important components,
the program provides a sense of belonging and connection for those new to campus.
The LEAD Program is organized by MCLA’s Office of Civic and Community Engagement,
led by Director Spencer Moser. “Through Greylock funding, we were able to enhance
our leadership and team-building skills by bringing in outside experts,” said Moser.
He said many students who participated in last year’s inaugural Greylock-funded LEAD
Academy were excited to become this year’s newest peer mentors.
“Greylock is proud to support such a successful program and be here to see it grow,”
said Jennifer Shumsky, Greylock assistant vice president, community support and events.
“The LEAD Academy equips the next generation of leaders with the tools they’ll need
to thrive in their academic experiences and professional development. At Greylock,
we believe in the power of financial wellness, and we’re thrilled to provide support
for the financial literacy presentation during the first five days of LEAD.”
About MCLA
At MCLA, we’re here for all — and focused on each — of our students. Classes are taught
by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive
on every level of their lives. In every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed
to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered
to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 130-year commitment to
public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence.
MCLA has appeared on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Top Ten Public Colleges for
10 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts
Schools in the nation for 2025, after earning the No. 7 spot the prior three years.
The College’s focus on affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in
additional 2025 U.S. News rankings: No. 5 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for
liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 2 for Top Performer on Social Mobility
for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings measure how well schools
graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants.
Learn more at www.mcla.edu.
