Latest News & Updates

Spring brings fresh starts, renewed energy, and forward momentum, and the LEEP To College Foundation is embracing this season with intention and purpose. As the days grow brighter, the LEEP community is leaning into its theme of Growth and Opportunity by offering scholars a rich lineup of academic, professional, and enrichment experiences designed to broaden their horizons and strengthen their confidence. This month’s programming includes college tours that give scholars firsthand exposure to campus life, hands on learning opportunities that deepen their understanding of the world around them, and the Spring Service A Thon campaign, which reinforces LEEP’s commitment to leadership and community impact. Each experience is crafted to help scholars expand their vision, discover new possibilities, and move boldly toward their goals. Beyond the activities themselves, spring at LEEP is about cultivating a mindset of curiosity, initiative, and courage. Scholars are encouraged to ask questions, explore new environments, and step outside their comfort zones. Every opportunity, whether a workshop, a trip, or a service project, becomes a seed planted for future success. LEEP believes that the choices scholars make today will shape the future they build tomorrow, and this season offers countless chances to grow. As the organization continues to support youth academically, socially, and professionally, the spirit of spring serves as a reminder that growth is ongoing and full of possibility. The LEEP community is excited to move forward together, embracing new challenges, celebrating progress, and creating pathways that empower every scholar to thrive.

At first, I felt nervous because I had not met anyone from L2C yet. However, the meetings leading up to the tour quickly helped me feel more comfortable and excited. The experience offered the perfect balance of information and enjoyment, and I gained valuable insight into what I am and am not looking for in a university. Cornell University stood out to me the most. Standing on campus felt surreal, and I am truly grateful for the opportunities provided by the LEEP To College Foundation. The campus visits were not the only highlight. The mentors and fellow scholars were welcoming and supportive, which made the experience even more meaningful. As the trip came to an end, I found myself wishing for just one more day to keep exploring. Throughout the tour, I also grew personally by managing my schedule and collaborating with my roommates to make the most of each day. It was a new level of independence for me. I am sincerely grateful to LEEP for providing such an inspiring and transformative opportunity. This experience has not only shaped my perspective on choosing a university but has also given me the confidence and motivation to pursue my goals.

The Alumni and Community Engagement Lab hosted a memorable Red and White Luncheon, bringing together scholars, L.E.E.P chair members, and families for an afternoon of connection and celebration. The space was fully decorated by scholars in the lab, with support from parents and L.E.E.P leadership, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that reflected the spirit of the event. The luncheon opened with a brief presentation from Sidney Steele III, who outlined the day’s timeline and highlighted upcoming opportunities for scholars. This set the tone for a purposeful and engaging experience. Scholars then participated in a reflective activity, writing down one thing they were proud of and one accomplishment they had achieved so far this year. This moment of self‑recognition encouraged students to pause, celebrate their growth, and acknowledge the progress they are making. A short break followed, giving everyone time to enjoy games, conversation, and socializing before transitioning to the dining hall for the luncheon. The combination of reflection, fun, and fellowship made the event both meaningful and enjoyable. Overall, the Red and White Luncheon was a wonderful success, showcasing the leadership, creativity, and community spirit of the Alumni and Community Engagement Lab. It was a powerful reminder of how shared experiences strengthen the L.E.E.P community and inspire scholars to continue growing together.

As you prepare to graduate, how have you seen yourself grow through L.E.E.P., and how are you “springing forward” into your next chapter? As I count down the days until graduation and reflect on my high school experience, my moments of personal growth have all revolved around L.E.E.P. I first learned about leadership through mental health workshops and about the importance of financial literacy through our L2C | ALLY Financial Literacy sessions in my freshman year. Today, through uncomfortable conversations, I have become more self-aware and mindful of others’ perspectives. This has empowered me to “spring forward” into college with a clear picture of the student I want to be. How did college tours or enrichment experiences influence your college decision or career goals? The enrichment experiences during my L.E.E.P high school workshops helped me understand my academic and social strengths, particularly that I wanted a career centered on service with room for creativity. My new sense of self helped me decide on a major during my junior year. That year, we took a career quiz during a L.E.E.P mentoring workshop. My results matched me with Speech-Language Pathology. Those workshops shifted my mindset: I would study something I was good at, and that would serve me long-term. What opportunity this year pushed you outside of your comfort zone and helped you grow? Working as a co-lead on the Fundraising and Development Civic Lab has helped me understand the inner workings of a business and experience real-world deadlines where people depend on me and the work I do. Most importantly, my team pushed me to become more imaginative and flexible, illustrated by our amazing Heart and Hustle event this past February. What advice would you give younger scholars about taking advantage of opportunities offered through L.E.E.P.? Take advantage of each college tour. I initially was reluctant to attend the second tour in my sophomore year because I didn’t think I would learn anything new. But each tour was a window into college life that I couldn’t have seen otherwise. The peer-to-peer interactions taught me responsibility and accountability. The mentor-to-peer interactions provided me with insider information about college, including its ups and downs. Beyond the tours, make the most of your Zoom meetings, workshops, and mentoring sessions. The more energy you put in, the more insight and reward you can take away.

STEM Expo 2026 Brings AI Exploration to Young Scholars The A. James Clark School of Engineering’s Center for Minorities in Science and Engineering (CMSE) is welcoming 3rd–8th graders and their families to the 2026 STEM Expo: AI + U — Smart Tools, Smarter Kids on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the University of Maryland. Hosted in the John S. Toll Physics Building, the Expo offers a full day of hands‑on STEM activities, campus tours, demonstrations, and interactive learning led by university faculty, student engineers, and community partners. This year’s theme highlights how artificial intelligence can spark creativity, problem‑solving, and early interest in STEM careers. Families will enjoy free activities, STEM program information, and college and career preparation sessions designed to make STEM pathways visible and accessible. A complimentary lunch will also be provided. The event is supported by partners, including L.E.E.P to College Foundation, CODE, Virtuous Boss, and Terrapin Works Baltimore organizations committed to expanding opportunities for underrepresented youth. Event Details Date: March 28, 2026 Time: 10:00am–3:30pm Location: John S. Toll Physics Building, College Park, MD Contact: cmse@umd.edu | (301) 405‑3878