Over the last decade, Justin-Siena has deepened its commitment to the De La Salle Christian Brothers’ foundational mission, “to provide a human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor,” through the existence and growth of the Lasallian Education Access Program (LEAP). Though LEAP in its current form has only existed since 2011, Justin-Siena’s commitment to serving first-generation college bound and economically marginalized students has persisted through its nearly 60 year history. It is a mission that harkens back to our Dominican and Lasallian heritage – two charisms committed to the education of young people and a ministry of social justice. In essence, Justin-Siena carries out its mission fully only when it is accessible to youth and families from all economic and social backgrounds.

Today, LEAP serves 66 students and they need your support!

This year, your support through BravesUnited will be directed towards two critical areas in LEAP: annual retreats for our sophomores, juniors, and seniors as well as our food pantry for those students experiencing food insecurity.

In our food pantry, funds will be used to buy fresh fruit, snacks, and microwaveable meals for the roughly 20% of our LEAP Scholars who regularly require supplemental nutritional items during break or lunch.

Additionally, your support of our LEAP retreat offerings underwrites the cost to transport, house, and feed our students during the sophomore/junior retreat (Fall) and/or the senior retreat (Spring). The sophomore/junior retreat has a particular focus on preparing these first-generation college students as they head into their college search processes. LEAP program staff include a college tour and visits with admission and financial aid staff. Ultimately, LEAP retreats develop deep bonds between the scholars and the program staff.