LEAF Receives a $1 Million Grant from the BelleJAR Foundation!
We are thrilled to announce that LEAF has been awarded a monumental $1 million grant from the BelleJAR Foundation! This generous funding marks our first million-dollar grant and underscores the incredible work and impact of our team.
This grant represents a pivotal opportunity for LEAF to expand our impact and deepen our reach to middle and high school students and their families. By engaging students earlier, we will increase college persistence and enhance economic mobility for underserved youth.
About the BelleJAR Foundation Grant
The BelleJAR Foundation grant will enable LEAF to expand our Career Exploration & Discovery (CED) Program into middle and high schools. Designed to empower first-generation, socioeconomically disadvantaged students and their families, the CED Program offers essential information, exposure, and support to pursue economically mobile career pathways, tailored to meet the specific needs of middle and high school students.
Impact of the SPARK Grant
The SPARK grant from the BelleJAR Foundation will revolutionize LEAF's community impact:
- Expanded Program Offerings: The CED Program now includes career workshops, “Lunch & Learns” with Latinx professionals, and peer mentorship connecting students with college mentors.
- Enhanced Support: Workshops will cover postsecondary pathways, financial aid, and college applications. The SPARK grant will address critical service gaps, foster strong school partnerships, and establish comprehensive support from middle school through postsecondary education.
Looking Ahead
Thank you to the BelleJAR Foundation for believing in our mission and to our incredible team for making this milestone possible. Here’s to a future filled with greater achievements and opportunities for the students and families of East San José and Alameda County!
With the SPARK grant, LEAF is poised to empower more students and families for a brighter future.
Stay tuned for updates on our progress and upcoming celebrations!
