Largest Summer Work Program to Date Grows Career Exposure, Skills and
Social Capital
Volunteer virtual mentors from three continents and seven states paired with high school students during LEAP's Summer Work Program. Each of the 100 students (60 from Salem and 40 from Lynn) chose areas of career interest and were then matched with a professional in that field who shared practical advice and inside knowledge to help students with their projects. Thank you to each and every volunteer mentor and connector, along with LEAP staff, who helped make this incredible program possible!
Summer Sizzles with Hands-On Learning for Salem and Lynn Middle School Students
This summer has been busy for middle schoolers in LEAP’s Dream MORE and Expanding Horizons programs, where they have explored potential careers through field trips and project-based learning and enrichment in art to zoology and everything in between. In Lynn some students have opted to study film making, including script writing, visual design, filming and editing, and focused on the dangers of vaping. Salem students have explored the life of bees, identifying actions they can take to protect this vital species. Other offerings: topics of social justice, ocean life in Salem Harbor, and steps students can take to be healthier teens, especially socially and emotionally. Just this week, many Lynn elected officials toured Dream MORE for the first time: Read more here.
Lynn (Dream MORE) students sent their dreams aloft at GE Aviation.
LEAP’s Expanding Horizons and Dream MORE programs, partner programs with the Salem and Lynn public schools, serve 295 richly diverse students from underserved communities with after school and summer opportunities. Both are funded in part by the 21st Century Community Learning Center grants funded by the U.S. Department of Education as well as private contributions from individuals, business and foundations in our communities.
The Legacy Dialogues and LEAP Spark a Conversation on the Opportunity Gap
Summer at LEAP kicked off with Executive Director Linda Saris invited to spark a conversation for nearly 40 community leaders and professionals on the systemic and social reasons behind the opportunity gap and the steps we can take to better provide resources for all students which benefit all of us. The conversation was part of The Legacy Dialogues series, founded by Marcel Quiroga, CEO of TQM Wealth Partners (a valued corporate sponsor of LEAP’s Great Expectations event this past spring). Thank you to Marcel, her staff team and volunteers, Root's event space and Chef Sam, and all who engaged in this important conversation!
