In this episode of Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Dennis Bland, president of the Center for Leadership Development in Indianapolis. Bland reflects on his journey from growing up in a family of eight, raised by a single father, to becoming a standout student and attorney before returning to CLD as a volunteer, board member and ultimately its president. He explains how CLD has expanded from one program to 21 offerings beginning in fourth grade, along with a College Prep Institute that serves thousands of students and parents each year. Bland outlines CLD’s “no assumptions” approach to teaching youth core skills such as studying, leadership and understanding the value of education. He also discusses his focus on service, the example set by his father and what it means to receive IBJ Media’s Michael A. Carroll Award for his long-standing commitment to empowering Indianapolis youth.