&NA;The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reports that 40 percent of the aged will utilize a long‐term care (LTC) facility during their lives. With a potential doubling of elderly LTC residents by 2030, the need to train, recruit, and retain qualified health care professionals and paraprofessionals in LTC will escalate. This article presents results of a workforce initiative, LEAP for a 21st Century LTC Workforce. Developing effective LTC leaders and staff members benefits residents' quality of life. Unique to LEAP is its comprehensive approach on development of nurse leadership and communication skills, career enhancement for nursing assistants, and development of workforce teams. Initial program evaluation indicates significant value to residents, staff members, and organizations, strengthening retention, work effectiveness, and positive work climate.