Leadership through Engineering Academic Diversity

The LEAD Living and Learning Community is made up of a small group of students who live in the same residence hall and have similar academic goals. Learning Community members take an Orientation Course together and often end up in one or more courses together. The community provides an environment where students share common interests, are able to easily make friends and develop a supportive network of peers.

Learning Community FAQs

• What are the benefits of joining a learning community?
• What makes the LEAD Learning Community unique?
• What do students have to say?
  
  
  
  

Students who participate in LCs are more likely (than non-participants) to remain at Iowa State and they are more satisfied with many aspects of their academic experience, including their overall experience at ISU.

Also, LC students have reported greater satisfaction with their opportunities to interact closely with faculty, participate in study groups, apply their learning to real world problems, and work with other students.

The LEAD Living and Learning Community is designed to support African American, Native American, Latino/a and Asian American students in the College of Engineering adjust to their first year at Iowa State University. Participants in the program take an orientation course together, live on the same residence hall floor, and have the support of peer mentors.

If you are interested in living and taking classes with other engineering freshmen, having upper-class mentors who provide tutoring and arrange study sessions and participating in out-of-class social activities that help you get acquainted with other students and members of faculty, the LEAD Living and Learning Community is for you.

“We are in college to learn and the LEAD learning community taught me many things not covered in a text book.”
Kim Williamson, Industrial Engineering, Friendswood, TX

"The best thing about LEAD is that it helps acclimate you to Iowa state university and helps you make a good transition to college life. If you are nervous and scared about what lies ahead, LEAD can help you adjust easily."
Korin Reid, Chemical Engineering, Carmel, IN

“Through the Learning Community, students can easily form study groups and long lasting friendships. The Learning Community focuses not only on academics, but also in the personal development of students and on creating a community where students feel comfortable.” Carlos Ortiz, Computer Engineering, Caguas, Puerto Rico