LEAP (Literacy Enhancement & Advancement Project)

Project Theme: Early Childhood Literacy

Years in Existence: 2

Target Audience and Location: Kindergarten through 3rd grade students enrolled in the after-school program at Southside Preparatory Academy identified as having low English proficiency in Miami, FL.

Mission: To nurture young English language learners so that they confidently build their literacy skills by providing consistent after-school tutoring with caring high school volunteers. 

Project Description: Scholar Amy Zhou and educator Martha Cabrera grounded their project in a shared passion for literacy, focusing on supporting elementary school students building English proficiency. Through their afterschool program, they created an engaging learning environment where students build their confidence and abilities in reading. This year, the team is focused on improving English proficiency through targeted tutoring, using assessments to track student growth in sight words and grade-level literacy skills.