Sponsored leadership Program (SLP), formerly the "Sponsored youth Program," was started in 1925 when the first Key Club was formed in Sacramento, California.  The Sacramento club is still active today.  This Leadership Program has grown over the years and now boasts over 7,000 clubs with a combined membership of more than 330,000.  Without question, this is the most important "project" in all of Kiwanis, touching and mentoring our children and young adults by sponsoring Campus clubs from elementary school ("K" Kids), to middle school (Builders Club), to High School (Key Club), through College (Circle "K").  Through these clubs Kiwanis builds future leaders and instills a sense of Home, School and Community.

In addition to these clubs Kiwanis has recently added "Aktion Club" and "Key Leader" to it's Sponsored leadership Program.   Aktion Club is a Community Service Club for adult Citizens over 18 years of age who live with a disability.  Key Leader is Kiwanis International's Leadership Education Program, primarily for students in High School (not to be confused with Key club).

The kiwanis Club of Escondido sponsors three Key Clubs (Escondido High, Orange Glen High, and Valley High) in the city of Escondido and Co-Sponsors with the San Marcos Kiwanis club, the only Aktion club in San Diego County.  All clubs, including Aktion, are deeply involved in Community service and make a significant contribution to the City Escondido.