Why Look Up?

Through Look Up To Cleveland (LUTC), you’ll make unique connections in Cleveland, see first-hand some of the projects stimulating progress, meet people driving that change and develop close bonds with other young leaders.

During Look Up To Cleveland, you will:

  • Improve your interpersonal skills through focused team-based activities and a group capstone project.
  • Understand the importance of diversity and work with students from various ethnic, economic and social backgrounds.
  • Interact with local business, government and community leaders.
  • Peek behind the scenes of some of Cleveland’s most interesting places.

These experiences have a lasting impact on young leaders and serve as stepping stones for their school careers and later success. There are three options from which students and parents can choose.

Eligibility

Admission is through a selective application process for students who demonstrate leadership ability, participate in school/community organizations and clubs, exhibit academic soundness, and show self-reliance, independence and initiative. Students must be enrolled in a high school or be home-schooled in Northeast Ohio. In addition to completing the online application, students must supply two non-family references, commit to the attendance policies and gain school and parental approval. Contact your school administrator to inquire about applying.

The cost for schools is $250 per student for the Look Up To Cleveland Class of 2026. Applications for the Class of 2026 are open now. APPLY >

See the Class of 2025 >

Have questions about the Look Up To Cleveland program? Contact Director of High School Programs, Maya Smith (216-659-1289).

  • Class of 2025 Schedule

    Opening Retreat
    October 21, 2024

    Session 1
    November 6, 2024

    Session 2
    December 4, 2024

    Session 3
    January 28, 2025

    Session 4
    February 27, 2025

    Session 5
    April 1, 2025

    Commencement
    May 1, 2025

  • Class of 2026 Schedule

    Opening Retreat
    October 21, 2025

    Session 1
    November 12, 2025

    Session 2
    December 11, 2025

    Session 3
    January 27, 2026

    Session 4
    February 24, 2026

    Session 5
    March 18, 2026

    Commencement
    April 30, 2026

    APPLY >

The Look Up difference

At the end of each program year, participants indicate their level of agreement with a series of statements before and after the program. The charts below indicate the percentage of participants who agreed or strongly agreed with these specific statements.

I am able to use information about the community to envision Cleveland’s future.

I am able to think critically about how relationships between civic assets, issues, and stakeholders impact the health of the community.

To learn more about CLC’s evaluation process, visit our Impact page.