The unique approach of the African American Leadership Institute (AALI) to increasing the well-being of the African American community is described. The AALI was founded in 1990 by Metropolitan State College of Denver (Colorado) and the Urban League of Denver in the belief that all members of society should have an equal opportunity to pursue their goals and aspirations. To date, the AALI has graduated 85 people from its program, which consists of once-a-month seminars from October through June. With the participation and interaction of Institute facilitators, presenters, and the developing leaders themselves, topics that reflect current community issues are discussed. An outdoor adventure activity is the culmination of the program format. Each class must then work on a project that benefits the African American community. Participants are people with a vested interest in the African American community, aged at least 25, with personal attributes that enhance the overall diversity of the class and program. Corporations and organizations are encouraged to pay the tuition for employees and associates they sponsor. Three hours of college credit is available to eligible participants at a cost above the $850 program fee. (AALI brochure included.) (SLD)