The Learning Enhancement and Academic Development (LEAD) program is designed to help student-athletes reach their fullest academic potential through individualized support and strategic skill development.

All incoming student-athletes complete an online needs assessment that evaluates their educational experiences and expectations. Using this information, a learning specialist creates a personalized learning profile for each student-athlete. This profile is shared with the student’s academic advisor to guide tailored support planning for the semester. Academic advisors, learning specialists, and students work collaboratively to implement and review these individualized plans throughout the year.

LEAD also partners with Temple’s Disability Resources and Services to ensure that student-athletes receive appropriate accommodations when applicable.

Throughout the academic year, learning specialists maintain regular meetings with their assigned caseload of students, helping them develop the learning strategies and habits necessary for long-term success at the college level. Students at all levels of academic achievement can benefit from LEAD, whether they are building foundational study skills or refining advanced academic techniques.

Each student in LEAD is paired with a learning specialist who has experience in school psychology or secondary education. Together, they identify strengths, areas for improvement, and patterns that influence the student’s learning process. The goal is not only to address immediate academic challenges but also to strengthen underlying skills such as organization, time management, and active learning.

Our learning specialists also serve as consultants for high-achieving students who wish to further enhance their academic performance through advanced strategy development.

Core Components of LEAD

Note-Taking

Learning specialists teach effective note-taking methods that help student-athletes identify key ideas during lectures, organize material logically, and process information efficiently. Over time, these techniques improve comprehension and retention.

Learning Style Services

Recognizing that every student learns differently, LEAD specialists assess each student-athlete’s learning style before implementing enhancement strategies. This personalized approach ensures that students receive one-on-one guidance that aligns with how they best absorb and process information.

Study Skills Development

LEAD focuses on equipping student-athletes with the tools they need to excel academically. Learning specialists provide targeted instruction in areas such as effective test-taking strategies, writing and editing techniques, reading comprehension, note organization, and concentration and focus. These skills help student-athletes approach academic challenges with confidence and efficiency while balancing the demands of their sport.

Through LEAD, the Resnick Center continues to provide comprehensive, student-centered support that empowers Temple student-athletes to excel academically, personally, and professionally.