Leader's Challenge was a Colorado, USA, based nonprofit organization that provided leadership training to high potential students through experiential education programs. Their mission was to create civic and service minded youth by developing leadership skills, inspiring purpose, and developing engagement in their communities. As of October 28, 2009, Leader's Challenge was shut down due to financial difficulties. Leader's Challenge operated three programs, serving around 750 high school students annually. History Leader's Challenge was founded in 2000 by American author Tommy Spaulding, who serves as President/CEO of Up with People. The organization initially offered one program serving 60 eleventh grade students at 10 high schools in metro Denver and Boulder. In 2006, the organization expanded, with the introduction of a program aimed at high school seniors, and the absorption of the long-established Colorado Close Up program. Programs IGNITE The flagship program, IGNITE is a year-long experience for high school juniors focusing on leadership development, service learning and civic engagement. Beginning with a four-day Summer Academy, students develop knowledge, skills and behaviors related to leadership and active citizenship, including self-confidence, team building, conflict management, critical thinking and problem solving skills. Throughout the year, teams of students at 35+ schools along Colorado's Front Range participate in monthly Challenges and service projects designed to involve them in their local communities while exploring topics such as community building, the role of media in society, leadership in the workplace, and state and local government. IGNITE culminates with each school team identifying a need in their community and partnering with an outside organization to implement a project that helps that need. Global Challenge Global Challenge is a yearlong experience for high school seniors designed to expand students’ worldview and explore leadership in a global context, beginning with a 3-day Summer Academy. Throughout their senior year, students participate in monthly seminars centered on issues related to global leadership, including intercultural communication, diplomacy, economics and development. In addition, they examine topics such as indigenous cultures, historic and current conflict, the role of women, human rights, and policies concerning the environment, health, and service. The cornerstone of Global Challenge is an international trip over Spring Break, in which students live and work with citizens of either Costa Rica or Slovakia, and have the opportunity to experience their culture and customs firsthand while making a difference in the community. Colorado Close Up Colorado Close Up has been the state's largest civic