The Leadership for Education and Development Program (LEAD) offers full tuition scholarships to 54 students annually. Each year, one male and one female from each of Egypt's governorates are selected for the scholarship. LEAD is a joint program between the United States Agency for International Development, the Egyptian Ministry of International Cooperation and The American University in Cairo.

The program's vision is to prepare Egyptian students for the 21st century and qualify them to lead a positive vision of Egypt's future. This takes place through equipping the selected students with the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to lead change in society.

Students are equipped with the knowledge and skills that permit them to be employable and to actively participate in the development of the country. Through the program, students develop an affiliation with their home country and commitment to lifelong community service. They are equipped with leadership skills and ethics such as honesty, transparency,  respect for others, tolerance of differences and respect for work. Students are also able to compete and integrate internationally.