Program Overview

Introduction to LEAP

The Leadership, Empowerment, and Purpose (LEAP) program is a year-long initiative designed to help students build professional skills. At the heart of LEAP is the "leadership action" — a student-led project designed to create positive change.

Program Structure

LEAP builds on the foundation of the college's Leadership Academy, a long-running initiative that helped students become well-rounded engineers through development opportunities outside the classroom. The program takes this model further by putting students in charge of their own growth and connecting them directly with mentors in the engineering community.

A Program Built for Action

Throughout the year, LEAP hosts workshops and social activities. The program also organizes multiple industry visits, such as a multi-day trip to Seattle where students tour companies like Boeing, Blue Origin, Microsoft, and Bristol Myers Squibb, offered at no cost to students. The program culminates in April at the LEAP Summit, where participants present their leadership experiences to a panel of mentors.

Mentorship Component

Every LEAP student is paired with an engineering mentor, an alumnus or industry professional who meets with them three times during the academic year. Mentors offer career advice, conduct mock interviews, and help students reflect on their goals. The mentorship component is a core part of the LEAP experience.

Student Voices

With more than 175 students joining LEAP in its first year, the program is already making a big impact. For many, it's more than a leadership program, it's a launchpad for confidence, community, and career opportunities.

Leadership Actions

The "leadership action" is a student-led project designed to create positive change. These actions are intentionally open-ended, allowing students to pursue what matters most to them. Some start study groups, lead student clubs, or launch apps.

Examples of Leadership Actions

• Start study groups
  • Focus on specific subjects or skills
• Lead student clubs
  • Organize events and activities
• Launch apps
  • Develop and market mobile applications

Benefits of LEAP

LEAP helps students build professional skills, gain confidence, and develop a sense of community and purpose. The program also provides opportunities for students to connect with industry professionals and alumni, potentially leading to career opportunities.

Testimonials

• "LEAP helped me go from being a lost freshman international student to someone who found mentorship, learned that leadership is about action, and now gets to help others." - Laraib Nadeem, computer science undergraduate student
• "I left with industry connections, strengthened communication skills, and an environment I always feel welcome in." - D'Artagnan Krommenhoek, mechanical and industrial engineering student

Mentorship Experience

Mentors in the LEAP program play a crucial role in guiding students and helping them achieve their goals. Mentors offer valuable advice, support, and guidance, and help students develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

Mentor Testimonial

• "Mentorship is a constant third eye that reminds us there is always more to learn and improve. It's also a mirror for self-reflection and a chance to grow." - Nitin JBS, product manager at Way.com and LEAP mentor