Summer 2025 Newsletter

WE WON!

LEAP is one of only fifteen organizations nationwide being awarded a $100,000 grant over two years ($50,000 per year) to reduce chronic absenteeism and to prepare 8th graders for the transition to high school. Funding continues to be incredibly competitive and this grant was no different with 1,120 applicants!

View the full Announcement

JOIN US ON AUGUST 14TH

Meet Our Newest Board Member:

Santiago (Santi) DeOleo

We’re thrilled to welcome Santi DeOleo to our Board of Directors! Santi is the Co-Host and Executive Producer of Ashlee & The New JAM'N Morning Show on iHeartMedia and the founder of Silo Space Media.

A proud Salem native, Santi attended Salem Public Schools and went on to study communications at Endicott College.

Santi brings a deep connection to our community and a passion for storytelling, creativity, and youth empowerment.

Mentor Spotlight: Courtney Carleo of Mazow & McCullough shares her experience as a mentor in this year’s Summer Work Program.

A heartfelt thank you to all of our incredible mentors and volunteers! Your time, guidance, and dedication made it possible for every student in our program to develop valuable skills and grow their social capital through one-on-one mentorship.

"Spending time with Amar each week has been incredibly rewarding. Watching her grow in confidence, open up, and connect real-life lessons to her passions reminded me how powerful mentorship can be, even in small, consistent moments. Our weekly meetings have brought both joy and inspiration in my own life." -Courtney Carleo

LEAP for Education supports youth in their personal, educational, and career growth by partnering with the community to increase opportunities and advance equity.