The New Leaders Academy (NLA) is a national leadership training program aimed at ensuring the continuity of effective leadership of, and improved practices within, youth employment and development programs. The first NLA residential training session, held at Gallaudet University (Washington, DC), enrolled and trained 31 participants (called "New Leaders") during 1999. An evaluation of the program, beginning in November 1998, produced a series of nine interim reports (appended to this document) that provided insight into program implementation and offered recommendations for refinement. Data for the evaluation was collected using first-hand observation of the training sessions, evaluations and surveys administered to participants, in-depth interviews with participants and administrators, and a sub-sample documenting the personal experiences of four participants. The study found that the NLA is an extremely effective professional development opportunity, producing substantial improvements in participants' intrapersonal, interpersonal, and leadership skills. The residential training sessions were particularly effective. However, participants reported having mixed experiences with the topical study group and career advisor components of the NLA. The study concludes that participation in the NLA led to program expansion and development and revitalized the programs in which the participants served. (KC)