Keepers Program

Keepers are the young connectors, doers, and visionaries Philadelphia can’t afford to lose.

Because our sponsor shifted priorities, the Keepers program is on hold until next year. Please check back then.

In 2015, in response to a Pew study reporting a marked increase in Philadelphia’s millennial population, LEADERSHIP Philadelphia created the Connectors & Keepers program as an effort to recognize, empower, connect, and retain Philadelphia’s most promising young leaders.

 Over the course of one year, Keepers…

Attend six sessions focused on issues impacting Philadelphia.

Work with mentors from the LEADERSHIP Philadelphia alumni network.

Connect with a diverse group of fellow leaders.

The Program includes sessions on Leadership, Creative Place-making, Education, Homelessness, Team-building, Connecting, Improv, Storytelling, Mural Arts and Legacy.

What is a Keeper?

Keepers are young leaders Philadelphia cannot afford to lose. They are hubs of trust who get things done behind the scenes for the common good, without expecting to receive credit.

How are Keepers identified?

Candidates come to our attention through a variety of channels. We aim to assemble a diverse and vibrant cohort of young leaders each year. Admission is by invitation only.


Keepers Class of 2022

Keepers Class of 2021

Keepers Class of 2020

Keepers Class of 2019

Keepers Class of 2018

Keepers Class of 2017

We sat down with the 2017 LEADERSHIP Keepers to find out what they do in Philadelphia, and why they do it.

Keepers Class of 2019

Keepers Class of 2018

Keepers Class of 2017

Keepers Class of 2016


The Keepers program was made possible by funding from the Knight Foundation. LEADERSHIP Philadelphia and Comcast.