The VCS LEAD System is designed to enhance positive school climate by embedding research-based protective factors and developmental assets throughout both the school and community.  A growing body of evidence suggests that school climate is one of the major factors differentiating successful schools from those that are not.   Improving school climate has been shown to be an asset for all schools; a large body of research suggests that school climate, connectedness, and developmental assets directly impact the academic and social-emotional success of students.  VCS LEAD philosophy is founded on research-based developmental assets and the three biggest protective factors for kids: Authoritative schools and families, Connectedness, and Higher Purpose (altruism and service).  These larger themes also include protective factors of resilience, empathy, accountability, and social intelligence.