LEAPS AND BOUNDS

Nonprofit Leap Year offers two-generation approach to education

By Clare S. Richie

read, earning up to $550 per month. They act as a teacher’s helper but also work independently with a small group of students using Reading A-Z, an evidencedbased curriculum.

“Fellows who look like them, from schools in their neighborhood, being mentors in their class saying ‘reading is important, I’m going to college you should also go to college. You can.’ I think that’s so important,” Scott said.

Deerwood Academy teachers agree.

“The students are eager to participate with [Fellow] Mr. Roberson. They are engaged when he is tutoring them and enjoy reading and demonstrating their ability to comprehend the questions,” 2nd grade teacher Sylvia Coleman shared.

Principal Camisha Perry is also a fan. “Last year, over 85% of the students we worked with had growth in reading. And Principal Perry says this is some of the highest growth she’s seen in 2nd grade,” Scott said.

The 20182019 cohort of eight Fellows tutored 120 2nd graders and are now halfway through freshman year at GSU. After the gap year, Fellows can go to whichever school they choose but GSU makes a compelling case.

“GSU has the highest rate of graduating first generation students in the country. At the Perimeter campus, a student can earn their associate’s degree and Pell will cover it. Then you can transfer over to the Downtown campus to get your bachelors,” Scott said.

Even after moving on from the program, Leap Year does monthly checkins during a student’s freshmen year to see how’s it going, remind students about office hours and things other students might ask their parents.

“Leap Year meant a second chance to prepare for college. It also taught me the meaning of commitment. From Deerwood Academy, I learned that it is important to not only be the student but a teacher, too. Putting yourself in both places will help you value the importance of learning and how far it can take you,” Leap Year alumni Katy Gudino said.

“All of our students are so talented. It’s just about providing those extra supports – so they can reach the potential that we know they can. As a community, we can change the trajectory for our kids.” Scott said.

To learn more about Leap Year, visit theleapyear.org.