Learn and Earn to Achieve Potential (LEAP)™ is a multimillion-dollar initiative to increase employment and educational opportunities for young people facing some of the greatest challenges on the path to adulthood. The initiative was partially funded by a grant from the Social Innovation Fund, a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency for volunteering and service programs, and receives support from national and local philanthropies.
LEAP focuses on youth and young adults ages 15 to 25 who are in foster care or involved in the criminal justice system, or who are homeless. Working with 11 local partnerships in Alaska, Arizona, California, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico and New York, the initiative aims to adapt two evidence-based models to meet the needs of these youth, including support to address the trauma they may have experienced in their lives.
Learn about LEAP's early achievements
Through LEAP, the Foundation hopes to identify effective strategies for helping youth and young adults overcome challenges and succeed in school and at work.
The evidence-based models we are adapting:
The 11 local partnerships: