Through funding from The Rapides Foundation, The Orchard Foundation provides leadership institutes for emerging and current leaders from Central Louisiana's public school districts. Participants learn how to recognize highly effective practices within the classroom, and how to coach other educators to implement those practices.

The leadership workshops are presented by the University of Washington Center for Educational Leadership (CEL). Instructors focus on the 5 Dimensions of Learning: Purpose; Student Engagement; Curriculum & Pedagogy; Assessment for Student Learning; and Classroom Environment and Culture. The belief of the Center of Educational Leadership is that student achievement begins with the leadership of the school.

The Aspiring Leaders workshop is designed for teachers who demonstrate leadership potential, and the Leading for Better Instruction workshop is designed for Principals and Assistant Principals. Participation is by application and based on the referral and approval of the District Superintendent. To learn more about how to apply, interested educators should contact The Orchard Foundation.