Look Up To Cleveland

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.

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 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.