"Schools teach math, science, literature. But who teaches students how to network?"— Arjun Sharda, Founder & Executive Director
In October 2023, Arjun Sharda founded TLEEM after noticing a consistent gap: students with equal intelligence and ambition had wildly different outcomes based purely on who they knew.
TLEEM fills that gap — not with networking tips, but with a structured system for building genuine social capital from an early age. Today our chapters reach students across the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Our Full StoryStudent-led clubs in high schools and middle schools where members practice real-world networking — cold outreach, informational interviews, LinkedIn strategy.
For students outside traditional school settings. Independently run TLEEM chapters extend our reach into homeschool networks and community centers.
Connecting students with professionals, alumni, and industry leaders. We bridge the social capital gap that determines who gets opportunities.
Local and national events where students practice in person — pitch themselves, build authentic connections, and gain exposure to real career paths.
Original TLEEM-developed guides, workshops, and playbooks that chapter leaders use to run high-quality sessions without needing prior experience.
From Texas to three continents. TLEEM chapters operate worldwide, proving that access to social capital shouldn't depend on zip code or institution.
Everything you need to know about TLEEM, our programs, and how to get involved. Can't find what you're looking for?
Ask us directlyTLEEM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in October 2023 in Round Rock, Texas. We build school and community chapters that teach K-12 students the networking and social capital skills that traditional education overlooks — things like professional outreach, building mentorship relationships, and developing a real-world network before graduation.
Any K-12 student can participate in a TLEEM chapter, whether through a school club or an independent community chapter. We welcome students from public, private, charter, and homeschool backgrounds. There are no prerequisites — just a willingness to put yourself out there.
Visit our Join page and fill out the chapter application. We'll pair you with an onboarding guide, provide the curriculum and materials, and connect you with our chapter leader network. Most chapters are up and running within a few weeks. You don't need prior experience — we'll walk you through everything.
No — while we were founded in Round Rock, Texas, TLEEM chapters now operate across the United States and internationally on three continents. Our mission is to make social capital accessible to students everywhere, regardless of geography or institution.
Chapters run regular meetings where students practice real-world networking skills — crafting cold outreach messages, doing mock informational interviews, building LinkedIn profiles, and connecting with local professionals. Many chapters also host guest speaker events and networking nights.
No. Joining TLEEM as a student member is completely free. Starting a chapter is also free — we provide all curriculum, resources, and support at no cost. TLEEM is a nonprofit and our programs are funded through donations and partnerships.
TLEEM is specifically focused on networking and social capital, not business competitions or finance concepts. We're less about pitching a business plan and more about teaching students to build authentic professional relationships — the kind that lead to internships, mentors, and opportunities that compound over a lifetime.
Absolutely. We're always looking for professionals who want to speak at chapter events, mentors willing to connect with students, and organizations interested in partnering with us. Reach out at hello@tleem.org and we'll find the right fit.
Yes. TLEEM is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our EIN is 93-4193643. Donations to TLEEM are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.