LEAP Student’s Wise Advice about the High Cost of College
Gisady Mendoza is a chemistry major with a minor in business administration at Salem State University and a College Success Program (CSP) participant. In this interview we hear how CSP has supported Gisady's studies and journey to find the right school through guidance in seeking out scholarships, as well as hands-on assistance with applications.
Says Gisady: “CSP helped me navigate campus resources to find mental, spiritual and physical support, as well as scholarship opportunities like the Marian L. Heard, NBC Comcast Scholarship and SSU Honors Scholarship. During my sophomore year, I worked at LEAP as a math tutor at the Teen Center. I also had the opportunity to polish my public speaking in front of businessmen and businesswomen while fundraising for LEAP at Eastern Bank and for senator Joan Lovely. Public speaking is a skill I will continue to use in my career and for future scholarship opportunities.” Visit the LEAP blog to read more of the interview with Gisady and, while you are there, check out other interviews with LEAP students.
The College Success Program provides students with high-quality, educational, and advisory services for career exploration, college preparation, admission, and college success.
Donor Spotlight:
Wellington Management Foundation
Founded in 1992, the Wellington Management Foundation supports best-in-class programs and organizations that improve educational opportunities for youth from traditionally underserved and economically challenged communities. It supports non-profits worldwide through Annual Grants, Catalyst Gifts, and Strategic Partnerships and brings together employee volunteers for “support beyond dollars.”  LEAP’s Executive Director Linda Saris says, “We are so grateful to the Wellington Management employees who volunteer to serve on the Foundation’s Advisory Board, Nonprofit Relationship teams, and Grant Recommendation Committee.”
The Foundation made its first grant to LEAP in 2015, having made an earlier grant to Salem CyberSpace (LEAP's predecessor name). LEAP has been a proud beneficiary of Wellington’s generosity ever since through the Foundation’s sustaining Annual Grants program and other funding. Critical support from the Foundation in the form of a $250,000 Catalyst Grant helped LEAP expand into Lynn with the opening of its Dream MORE program at Thurgood Marshall Middle School program, now in its second year and serving over 100 youth per year. Wellington has also made emergency funds available twice to help LEAP, and other community organizations, weather the turmoil caused by COVID-19.
“It has been exciting to watch LEAP triple in size since our first grant. Our ongoing belief in the impact of their work allowed us to make a Catalyst Gift in 2019 to help them bring much needed academic programs to Lynn,” comments Karen Pfefferle, Executive Director, Wellington Management Foundation.
A big “thank-you” from LEAP staff and students to the employees who make Wellington Management Foundation such a philanthropic giant.
LEAP’s Virtual 5k for $10k is Underway!
Complete your 5k when, where, and how you’d like - run, walk, jog, bike, row, glide, etc. - now through November 14, 2021. Do it together with team members or solo. Upon completion, brag on social media! Share a photo using the hashtag #LEAP4Ed5k2021 and tag us using @LEAP4Ed on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; or @LEAP For Education Inc. on LinkedIn.
100% of proceeds will go directly to LEAP's youth programs to cover teacher salaries, supplies and other expenses, keeping learning and growth opportunities NO-COST for our underserved students. Thank you!
LEAP for Education empowers underserved students to achieve social and economic mobility by cultivating personal, educational, and career growth.