The Leaders through Education, Action, and Hope (LEAH) Project of HRiA is pleased to be the recipient of a $40,000 Project Innovation grant. Project Innovation is a competitive grant program presented locally by NBC10 Boston, Telemundo Boston, and NECN in partnership with the NBCUniversal Foundation. It recognizes non-profit organizations that are using innovative solutions to solve everyday problems.
The LEAH Project is a STEM, college readiness, and workforce development program for low-income Boston Public Schools (BPS) students of color. It cultivates the power of youth leaders to transform their lives and communities through science, education, and service by recruiting and training BPS high school students to become LEAH Mentors. Using an innovative near-peer teaching model, Mentors complete intensive training and are placed in paid internships at after-school or summer programs in which they provide hands-on, fun STEM instruction to elementary school students. Additionally, Mentors receive personalized college and job readiness counseling and exposure to STEM career paths through field trips, career events, and college visits.
The LEAH Project has recently expanded its program offerings to provide Mentors with exposure to new STEM experiences, including biomedical research, environmental education, and technology. The Project Innovation grant will support the technology track, which includes a near-peer tech curriculum in electricity and circuits, tech career exploration opportunities, and a summer course in Introductory Computer Science and Coding.
LEAH Project Program Manager Allyson Shifley accepted the award at a check presentation ceremony during a live local broadcast. She said that upon learning of the grant, the LEAH Mentors were excited and surprised. HRiA is grateful for the recognition and support the LEAH Project has received through Project Innovation and extends its thanks to NBC10 Boston, Telemundo Boston, NECN, and the NBCUniversal Foundation.
