About LEAP
LEAP for Education is a youth education nonprofit with 24 years of impact, offering free, year-round programs from middle school through post-secondary that expand opportunity and advance equity for young people historically underrepresented in higher education and the workforce.
Over the next decade, our goal is to become the region’s backbone for career-connected youth development—bringing schools, colleges, employers, and community partners into alignment so support is coordinated from middle school through young adulthood. Through education, resources, and allies, we strengthen the regional talent pipeline and help young people—especially those facing systemic barriers—gain the skills, experiences, credentials, and connections to launch meaningful careers.
The Why Of What We Do
The need for these programs is paramount:
- Societal inequities cause a growing opportunity gap that disadvantages many students, especially our youth of color.
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Massachusetts is at a crossroads with a shrinking workforce.
- By 2030, the state is projected to have about 180,000 fewer working-age adults—roughly 15,000 people a year leaving the workforce.
- Massachusetts needs to retrain about 40,000 workers every year—about ten times the current pace—to keep up with changing labor market needs.
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Incoming talent is unprepared—through no fault of their own.
- Too many young people finish high school and/or some college without clear guidance, real-world experience, or credentials that employers recognize.
- Only 47% of Gen Z felt they had enough information to choose their best post–high school plan, and fewer than 30% felt “very prepared” to pursue any path.
- Youth who do not have a post-secondary credential are at higher risk for unemployment and significantly lower lifetime earnings.
LEAP’s Approach to Student Success
Our Model (The How)Social-Emotional
Students develop a belief in themselves and confidence to pursue the future they want. LEAP provides mentoring programs and opportunities for students to build interpersonal skills such as communication and intrapersonal skills such as self-advocacy.
Academic
Students learn in a variety of settings that broaden their academic knowledge. Project-based and experiential learning helps students see the connections between academics and career paths and develop 21st century skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Education & Career
Students participate in education and career development lessons and workshops to help them chart a course for their future. Students identify their strengths and interests and connect them to educational pathways and careers with ongoing support from advisors. With an education and career plan, students get college access help including admissions, financial aid and scholarships.
Social Capital
Students build a supportive network.
LEAP provides students with multiple opportunities to develop their relationship-building skills by connecting with business professionals, peers, alumni, teachers, community members, and career mentors in both formal and informal settings.
LEAP Through the Years
2025
LEAP Achieves Service Enterprise Accreditation
2022
LEAP Celebrates 20th Anniversary
2021
DEIA Committee Launches
2020
Business Partner Network Created
2020
Partnership with Lynn Public Schools to Open a Middle School Program
2019
Partnership with Salem State on Early College
2018
First Summer Work Program
2017
Career Services Expands
2016
Gloucester Partnership for After-School Program
2016
Teen Center Opens
2015
First Mentoring Program
2015
LEAP Incorporates
2013
College Success Program Expands to Peabody and Gloucester
2013
Partnership With Salem Public Schools to Open a Middle School Program
2008
The College Success Program Opens in Salem
2007
ELL Street Launches
2004
Start of First Youth Program
2003
First Computer Skills Class for Adults
2002
