In 2023, GSSEM began planning to create the L.E.A.D. Institute, an education and experience destination to be based in Detroit, MI. After initial review, GSSEM hypothesized that a decentralized version of the institute would be the most appropriate way to accomplish GSSEM’s goal of serving as a community partner and resource, filling the gaps in educational and recreational opportunities for southwest Michigan’s young people. To that end, GSSEM has partnered Fourth Economy and Steadfast City Economic & Community Partners to develop conceptual designs and cost estimation as well as conduct site assessment and community engagement for the development of L.E.A.D. Institute community hubs.