Project EXCEL, a community educational leadership demonstration project sponsored by the National Council of La Raza and its over 123 affiliated community-based organizations, is a major educational initiative to improve the educational attainment of Hispanic Americans by working with local communities to develop and demonstrate effective practices. The following models are described: (1) Academia del Pueblo; (2) Project Success; (3) Project Second Chance; (4) Parents as Partners; (5) Teacher Support Network; and (6) Family Reading. Project EXCEL contributes to national educational improvement efforts in the following ways: (1) demonstration of the six models in a total of 35 communities; (2) preparation of curriculum packages and teaching techniques; (3) development of replication packages; (4) production and dissemination of information about project findings, processes, and policies, and research summaries on relevant topics; (5) increased capacity of all demonstration sites to implement, manage, and evaluate educational programs; (6) establishment of school-community partnerships; and (7) increased awareness about educational practices and programs affecting Hispanic youth. Evaluation findings for each model based on student and parent self-reported attitudes and behaviors indicate the success of first-year implementation. Recommendations for related Federal educational initiatives are suggested. (FMW)