Vanguard Leadership Academy
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
We empower underserved and overlooked high school students by equipping and inspiring them to reach their full potential.
- Income
- $147,587
- Spending
- $158,190
- Reserves
- 0.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 99%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 19 out of 100. Higher than 4% of charities in its peer group (youth development, under $250k).
Reserves
4 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 0.3 months of spending.
Debt
5 of 20It owes 70% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 7% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (2)
- $95,980 spent. The Vanguard Leadership Academy Summer Leadership Intensive is an immersive program that transforms high school students into confi dent, capable leaders. Rooted in four foundational pillars; holistic education, increasing awareness, instilling confi dence, and fostering community, this program equips students with both the mindset and skillset to succeed in every area of life. Over the course of the intensive, students participate in a wide range of interactive experiences, including: ? Leadership Development ? Exploring leadership styles and discovering their unique superpowers as leaders ? Practicing professional etiquette and networking skills to prepare for real-world opportunities ? Building emotional intelligence and learning to navigate relationships with empathy and awareness ? Strengthening resilience and focus through mindfulness practices ? Personal Growth & Teamwork ? Collaborative team projects that challenge students to apply leadership principles in real-world problem-solving ? Small group mentoring with professionals, community leaders, and VLA alumni who model leadership in action ? Guided sessions to set goals, increase self-awareness, and build confi dence ? Literacy Initiatives ? An interactive, hands-on Financial Literacy Store, where students learn the principles of money management, budgeting, and responsible decision-making through engaging real-life scenarios ? A daily Word of the Day video series, introducing new vocabulary with synonyms and antonyms through a Word Multiplier system that expands students vocabulary quickly and effectively over the course of just a few weeks
- $31,694 spent. The Youth Ambassador Leadership Program (YALP) is a year-round initiative that prepares high school students to serve as leaders, advocates, and representatives of VLA in their schools and communities. Ambassadors are carefully selected for their commitment to growth, service, and leadership potential. Throughout the program, they: ? Mentor & Model Leadership Serve as youth mentors and role models to the Summer Leadership Intensive (SLI) cohort, offering guidance, encouragement, and peer-to-peer support. ? Facilitate Workshops Actively participate in delivering Youth Leadership Workshops in schools, community centers, and churches, gaining real facilitation experience while inspiring other students. ? Represent VLA Publicly Represent Vanguard at community events, conferences, and school programs, amplifying the Academys mission and vision. ? Lead Service & Team Projects Design and implement projects that address real community challenges. ? Grow as Leaders Receive advanced training in communication, public speaking, emotional intelligence, civic responsibility, and networking. ? Build Networks Engage with professionals, community leaders, and peers to expand their influence and opportunities.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending May 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since April 2022.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Could it be confused with another charity? Worth knowing.
A much larger organization has a similar name: Vanguard Academy (Edinburg, TX), EIN 74-2971562. If that is the one you meant, check the EIN before giving.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.