The LEAP team is guided by a set of core tenets. 

What we believe…

We believe that the transformational power of the arts, humanities, and social sciences can create change in our lives and communities. 

We celebrate the knowledge, resources, talent, and power that each student possesses. We embrace that we can learn with and from our students. We know that students’ time and experience are valuable and therefore compensate participants in the LEAP program.

What we do…

Launched in Fall 2021, the LEAP program features:

• Year-round mentoring from CMU staff and faculty. Students are given individual guidance to achieve their personal, academic and professional goals. Whether writing a letter of recommendation for college, discussing student artwork, or introducing internship opportunities, the LEAP team is there to support students. 

• A week-long intensive academy on CMU’s campus. Students spend full days in workshops focused on breaking down educational inequity through the lens of the arts, humanities and social sciences. They create art, think critically, and engage in dialogue with one another.

• Monthly gatherings with staff, faculty, mentors and Pittsburgh community members. Students guide the learning process by sharing what they are passionate about. In these gatherings, students can suggest areas of focus, lead workshops themselves, or open themselves up to learning about new subjects and expanding their horizons.

• Public events created by LEAP students. These public events are opportunities for LEAP students to showcase their learning and directly address issues of equity that they are passionate about. 

• Regular assessments through pre- and post-participation surveys and journaling.