In 1998, Linda Saris envisioned a safe, academically focused
space where teens from low-income and first-generation families could learn, grow, and feel supported. After 12 successful years (1989 -2001) as an executive in the emerging cybersecurity industry, she left the tech sector to turn that vision into reality.

Greatly influenced by her coming-of-age experiences in the 60’s and the call to make a difference in the community, Linda launched Salem CyberSpace in 2002 as part of North Shore Community Action Programs which quickly became a second home for local Salem youth. As demand grew and the programs and geography expanded, Salem CyberSpace became an independent nonprofit in 2014 and rebranded as LEAP for Education.