Lesley University was started by Edith Lesley Wolfard as a school where kindergarten teachers could receive professional instruction. She wanted to empower students “to be different; to consider the individual of basic importance; to inculcate the ideal of gracious living; and to foster the traditions of American democracy.” Today, Lesley graduates build on those early beliefs by becoming dynamic, thoughtful leaders in education, mental health counseling, and the arts. Located in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, home to the world’s best-known universities and cultural riches, Lesley combines an intensely creative environment with practical experience that prepares students for the world outside of Lesley. Each year, 2,500 undergraduate and close to 5,000 graduate students pursue degrees on campus, off site, online, and through low-residency programs. Lesley’s mission boils down to the very practical idea of preparing graduates for meaningful careers and lifelong learning. Its core values — inquiry, community, diversity, and citizenship — help students discover the power of creativity to overcome obstacles, foster connections, and reveal fresh answers to the world’s problems.