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Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences and College of Fine Arts  ›  LEAP: Leadership, Excellence, Access, Persistence  ›  About Us

Since the program's founding in 2021, the LEAP team has been guided by a set of core tenets. 

What we believe…

LEAP students creating books from recycled paper materials

  • The arts and humanities are powerful tools for personal and community transformation.
  • Every student brings knowledge, resources, talent, and power to the program.
  • Learning is reciprocal—we grow with and learn from our students.
  • Students' time and expertise  are valuable and deserve compensation.

 

What we do…

Three pictures showing students talking with each other in a classroom, exploring Â鶹¹ÙÍø's Margaret Morrison building, and singing into a microphone in Â鶹¹ÙÍø's recording studios.

    • Mentorship
      Ongoing, personalized support from Â鶹¹ÙÍø faculty, students and staff, including academic and personal advising, recommendation letters, and career guidance.
    • Learning on Campus
      Regular workshops on Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s campus led by faculty and community leaders, exploring equity through storytelling, artmaking, critical dialogue, and writing.
    • Student-Led Public Events
      Platforms for students to share their learning and lead conversations around the issues and stories they are passionate about.
    • Reflection
      Continuous evaluation through journaling and surveys to assess growth and impact.
    • Monthly Stipends
      Financial compensation that honors students’ contributions and removes barriers to participation.

Who we are...

Headshot of Ayana Ledford

Ayana Ledford
(Advisory Board Chair)

Associate Dean for Community Impact and Educational Outreach for Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Executive Director of PROGRESS
Headshot of Nico Slate

Nico Slate
(Faculty Director)

Professor in the Department of History at Â鶹¹ÙÍø and Faculty Director of LEAP
Headshot of Sarah Ceurvorst

Sarah Ceurvorst
(Program Director)

LEAP Program Director, Dietrich College Academic Pathways Manager, Art21 Educator 
Headshot of Justine Mikell

Justine Mikell
(School Coordinator)

Learning support teacher at City Charter High School
Headshot of Mark Barga

Mark Barga
(Advisory Board Member)

Learning Space Integrator at Kay-Twelve
Headshot of Dara Ware Allen

Dara Ware Allen
(Advisory Board Member)

CEO and Principal of City Charter High School
Headshot of Angela Welch

Angela Welch
(School Coordinator)

Education Director of City Charter High School
Headshot of Marlene Williams

Marlene Williams
(Advisory Board Member)

Director of Operations for the Center for Shared Prosperity at Â鶹¹ÙÍø
Headshot of Elizabeth Keller

Elizabeth Keller
(Advisory Board Member)

Associate Head of School for Â鶹¹ÙÍø's School of Art
Headshot of Miguel Alvarez

Miguel Alvarez
(Advisory Board Member)

Associate Director of Admission and head of the Access and Diversity Initiatives team in the Office of Undergraduate Admission at Â鶹¹ÙÍø
Headshot of Mike Mayer

Mike Mayer
(Advisory Board Member)

Board of St. James School, Philadelphia and former leader at General Electric, Honeywell (formerly Allied Signal), and the Aramark Corporation
Headshot of David Lehman

David Lehman
(Advisory Board Member)

Partner, K&L Gates LLP

To learn more about us, check out: