The LEAD Center was established in partnership with the National Educational Catholic Association to strengthen the resources and support offered to each and every Catholic secondary school in responding to the changing needs of students in the context of the Gospel and of their identity as Catholic schools.

Catholic Secondary Schools are called to respond to the changing needs whether the student body itself represents a diverse racial and cultural population or recognizes the call to greater diversity. This is also the case whether the school serves students with a specific academic profile or students presenting a range of learning needs.

The Center, housed at Loyola Marymount University, supports Catholic secondary schools in diversity and inclusion issues. This collaborative endeavor has opened the possibility for gathering Catholic school educators to explore topics in light of Catholic social teaching and in the context of the Catholic secondary school. Services and resources through the Center will include, over time, a range of staff development opportunities, assessment resources, publications and research.