Media Gallery

Highlight: Summer Camp 2010: A Taste Of College

This years' LEAP summer enrichment camp was an overwhelming success. University of Texas at Austin was our gracious host and provided the perfect backdrop for the young people to experience campus life while living in Jester for a week. The young people were energetic and enthusiastic and really enjoyed the opportunity and the experiences that included classes in Community Leadership and ‘majors’ in Visual Art, Music or Theater.

For the past three years, LEAP has partnered with ICUSP (Institute for Community, University & School Partnership), a community arm of UT/Austin to provide qualified instructors who have a passion for their subject, a love for kids and a firm grounding in their respective subjects.

There were a variety of events and projects including evening programs – Poetry Slam, swimming at Gregory Gym, Game Night and a Night at The Blanton. When it was over it seemed that there just wasn't enough time for all the events and fun activities.

What is significant is that for the most part many of these children where not yet even in high school. The ages ranged from 11 to 17 years of age and some of the most talented work came from some of the younger participants.

All courses and curriculum focused on building esteem and leadership qualities. The workshops allowed the young people to discover and bring forth talents and speaking skills within them they may not have known they possessed. Many of the young people will have cherished memories that will stay with them for years to come. Several of them will no doubt go on to pursue the industry training in the fields they were exposed to when they are making their plans for higher education and career choices.

Finally there was outstanding support from the parents, several of whom were dedicated volunteers. The general consensus was that this is exactly the type of program that they want to support and have their children participate in. Our response to these comments and the favorable returns is this is what an enrichment program can be with the right mix of community support, participation, and organization structure.

This is LEAP!

Here are some of the images from Summer Camp

Media Gallery Photographs

Every LEAP graduate has gone on to attend college after high school