2004 · The beginning
A different kind of after-school program
leap was created in 2004 out of frustration with after-school options that amounted to little more than daycare. We believed students in under-resourced neighborhoods deserved programs that made a measurable difference — programs that supported the whole student: physically, academically, and creatively.
Our first program launched at the Alexander Science Center School in South Los Angeles. Every day, from the close of the school day until 6:00 PM, leap staff, contractors, and volunteers delivered safe, highly engaging environments — nutritious meals and snacks, homework support, creative enrichment classes, and academic tutoring, all at no cost to parents.
We built the program around a simple idea: supporting the total person — physically, academically, and creatively — produces students who are confident, disciplined, and motivated. The first "something" they accomplish is graduating high school; the next is college or a career pursued with passion. Our tagline said it best — develop critical thinking by encouraging students to ask "Is this how I…?" instead of "How do I…?"
2004–2011 · Growth
Growth through word of mouth
Parents, schools, and communities responded. At its height, the leap after-school program operated across Los Angeles and Inglewood school campuses, serving more than 2,300 students each day with homework support, enrichment classes, academic tutoring, and nutritious meals — at no cost to families.
These humble roots generated overwhelming support. As positive word of mouth grew, leap grew with it — serving hundreds of at-risk students from some of the lowest-performing schools in California and creating measurable results in the process.
Four pillars guided everything we did:
Academic Achievement
Students develop scholarly habits — come to school, prepare for tests, improve skills, and turn in completed homework, growing academically and socially.
Social & Emotional Development
Students take ownership of their learning and future through enrichment classes, practicing communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Health
Students make healthy lifestyle decisions, eat healthy foods, and stay physically active every day.
Family & Community Engagement
Students build positive connections with role models, family, and community — through field trips and performances — and see themselves as global citizens.
A first for Southern California. Through the Health pillar, leap became Southern California's first Healthy Behaviors Learning Initiative (HBLI) — a training ground that helped other schools use after-school time to make their students healthier and more physically fit. Schools sent staff to train alongside the leap team, and Andy Fletcher — the "godmother" of after-school in our region — was so impressed by our motto that she championed the model. In short, leap became a Southern California training site for HBLIs.
"…leap makes it a lot easier for us working parents."
— Milagros Chiara, parent · a voice from the after-school era
"Each year our waiting list grows as parents continue to seek admittance… Even the leap staff is well organized and demonstrates a sincere concern for the welfare of our students."
— Annitra Edmonds, Principal, Gifted Academy of Mathematics and Entrepreneurial Studies · a voice from the after-school era
2011 · The pivot
The pivot to nutrition
Feeding students was always part of the program — and we saw how much it mattered. In 2011, leap became a CACFP meal sponsor, delivering free, nutritious meals to dozens of after-school sites beyond our own.
That work kept growing until it became the heart of the organization.
"Today was We Care's first day of receiving meals… we are THANKFUL for the amount of support and commitment we have received from you all. It was a SUCCESS — the students were thrilled. 'Hey, guess what we are having today?' They automatically responded, 'We have food!!!'"
— We Care staff and family · a partner site, in the early years of meal sponsorship
Today · leap Healthy Meals
Today — leap Healthy Meals
leap is now a dedicated meal sponsor through CACFP and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), having sponsored more than five million meals for students across Southern California, Northern California, and Arizona — with our Nevada expansion underway.