LYNN — The LEAP for Education after-school and summer program that operates in partnership with Lynn Public Schools has received a $100,000 grant from the Afterschool Alliance and New York Life Foundation. LEAP was one of 15 organizations nationwide to be selected for the two-year grant.
LEAP’s Dream MORE (Marshall Opportunities for Resilience and Education) program runs at Thurgood Marshall Middle School. Dream MORE is a 21st Century Community Learning Center program funded in part by the U.S. Department of Education and run in partnership with Lynn Public Schools.
“We want to keep youth in LEAP programming as long as we can, and make sure they have a community of support.”
Kayla Dorst, LEAP deputy director
The grant will be used for new initiatives to support students in the transition to middle school and from middle to high school, as well as combat chronic absenteeism.
“Research shows that good after-school programs help with that,” said Hilary Kopp, senior director of Middle School Programs for LEAP. “We offer welcoming space with caring mentors and deliver engaging, hands-on learning that builds students’ confidence and connection to the school day.”
Kayla Dorst, LEAP deputy director, said the LEAP after-school and summer programs not only prepare students for academic success, but also provide them with career awareness and readiness skills as they seek employment and economic mobility down the line. Approximately 85 Lynn students participate during the school year and 100 in the summer.
“This grant will allow us to add capacity to our programming,” Kopp said, adding that reaching multi-language learners is a priority. “With threats to federal and state funding, this could not have come at a better time.”
While the LEAP program is based at Marshall, any student that lives or goes to school in Lynn is eligible to participate. The summer program typically includes students from several other schools.
“We want to keep youth in LEAP programming as long as we can,” Dorst said, “and make sure they have a community of support.”
LEAP offers high school programming and post-secondary advising to youth after they move on from Dream MORE.
“Our students greatly benefit from our partnership with LEAP,” said Superintendent Molly Cohen. “This grant will provide even more opportunities and support our efforts to address chronic absenteeism.”
Students learn about LEAP from their guidance counselors, the special education department, word of mouth, open houses, and the school web site. The openings fill quickly, Kopp said.
LEAP’s mission is to support youth in their personal, educational, and career growth by partnering with the community to increase opportunities and advance equity.
LEAP also works to secure approximately $250,000 annually in additional funding for Dream MORE from private foundation and individual philanthropy as well as from the state through the Afterschool and Out-of-School Time (ASOST) grant and a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education line item supported by Sen. Brendan Crighton.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
LEAP for Education Enrichment Facilitator Mike Scarfo teaches John B., how to throw a spiral during the after school program at Thurgood Marshall Middle School in Lynn on Wednesday.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Diego M., works on his push-up form during the LEAP for Education after school program at Thurgood Marshall Middle School in Lynn on Wednesday.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
The LEAP for Education physical fitness group learns how to do proper sit-ups during their after school program at Thurgood Marshall Middle School in Lynn on Wednesday.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Kareal L., left, and the rest of the LEAP for Education physical fitness group perform wall-sits during the after school program at Thurgood Marshall Middle School in Lynn on Wednesday.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Michael D., launches the ball as the LEAP for Education physical fitness group plays in the gym at Thurgood Marshall Middle School in Lynn on Wednesday.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Rayniel M., is all smiles as he paints his mask for a play he's working on with the LEAP for Education drama group at Thurgood Marshall Middle School in Lynn on Wednesday.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
LEAP for Education Dram Enrichment Facilitator Lemar Archer guides the group through prop making at Thurgood Marshall Middle School in Lynn on Wednesday.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
The LEAP for Education drama group runs a dress rehearsal for their play at Thurgood Marshall Middle School in Lynn.
