FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Leadership Development Program?
The leadership Development Program (LDP) is more than an undergraduate degree. It provides leadership training and a fully Christian worldview. Each student has a personal mentor and is nurtured through care groups. Every student plays a role in their church. And throughout their education, Compassion’s 24 module leadership curriculum develops skills and mindsets in everything from communication and job search to financial stewardship and sexual purity.
What is the role of an LDP sponsor?
LDP sponsors are individuals or groups who support one or more students for the duration of their LDP experience. Sponsors are long-distance mentors offering advice and sharing experiences to encourage their students. This personal time investment is a key part of the program. Sponsors have a unique influence on students’ lives. Students are honored to have someone so far away care about them and invest in their success.
What benefits does a sponsored LDP student receive?
Sponsorship helps provide tuition, books, room, board and transportation when necessary. Students also receive Christian leadership training and help with additional school-related expenses.
How do students qualify for the Leadership Development Program?
Candidates for the Leadership Development Program are recommended by a pastor, teacher or community leader. They are young people who have been involved in church and community service, displaying exceptional Christian character. Students must be committed Christians, graduates of Compassion’s Child sponsorship Program and have maintained an exceptional academic record in secondary school.
How do students apply for and become accepted into the Leadership Development Program?
Compassion will award a scholarship to those students who have demonstrated academic and extracurricular excellence and who have successfully met the selection criteria established by the LDP Advisory Committee in their country of origin. The number of new students is often governed by the number of eligible students and too often by the lack of adequate funding. The vision is that one day the Leadership Development Program will be able to select and sponsor all eligible Child Sponsorship Program graduates.
Where is the Leadership Development Program presently operating?
Currently, the Leadership Development Program is operating in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Thailand and Uganda.
What makes the Leadership Development Program unique?
The Leadership Development program drills deep to educate, train and disciple student leaders. It is more than academic. Students take their hearts and their hands into the villages and towns of their countries with a single purpose in mind – to serve. These are leaders who learn that service isn’t an option – it is the very core of biblical leadership.
What is the cost to sponsor a student in the Leadership Development Program?
The cost for sponsorships is $300 per month or $3,600 per year (cost subject to change). Your support covers a full-time student’s tuition, books and school expenses at an approved university or college, along with a congruent program of Christian leadership training. Most students take four to six years to complete the program.
How long does an LDP sponsorship last?
Typically four to six years, the time it takes most students to earn a degree. In some cases Compassion extends the program to accommodate the degree requirements, such as for a medical or law degree. Our hope is that your church can see your student through the complete program, but we understand that individual circumstances may change.
May I visit the LDP student our church sponsors?
Absolutely! You can take a group trip organized by Compassion or schedule your own visit. Spend time with your student, visit the campus, and experience what university life is like for him or her. Your student will be especially honored if you can attend his or her graduation and LDP Completion Celebration.
How do we communicate with the student we sponsor?
One of the greatest relationship opportunities occurs between sponsor and student. This is best achieved through a correspondent in your church who will commit to communicate on your behalf through the student’s years in the program. This correspondent will be the student’s champion and a consistent voice of encouragement. This connection between sponsor and student is often the influencing factor for successful completion in this rigorous program.
