Emerging in Community Engagement shortly after the lockdown, LEAP (Learning Education Access Program) has grown into a pillar of support for the Windsor community since its beginning. Students who have been recommended by their teachers for extra support, ranging from the 3rd to 5th grade, from John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Windsor, come to Loomis Chaffee’s campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays to meet with Loomis students and improve their academics.
LEAP is no ordinary program; however, it is the only one with tutoring opportunities on Loomis’ campus, which means that Elementary school students have a new place to embrace learning opportunities, and tutors are comfortable in their environment. This specific setting allows everyone to flourish.
The students within the program are building bridges between the town community and our home on campus, integrating helpful programs for younger Windsor residents to flourish academically.
LEAP has been an important program for all of these years, as LEAP Director Khang Le describes, because students truly do need the help, and Loomis students are willing to offer it. Mr. Le also notes that the work that the tutors put in truly does reflect a large difference in students, stating, “From the feedback we have gotten from their school, saying that the efforts of our tutors are really helpful, shows that they are making a difference.”
Furthermore, LEAP provides additional benefits specifically because the tutors are, in fact, teenagers. Ms. Henderson states that “An important element in the success is how much elementary students look up to teenagers, making them more willing to tackle their homework or a challenging enrichment assignment than if they were working with an adult teacher, parent, or tutor.”
The Loomis student benefit of the program is particularly tangible as well. It offers students a place to connect with others whom they would not otherwise meet, like elementary schoolers, to form a friendship with. Many Loomis students often see their tutees as a younger sibling.
LEAP is an enriching and especially rewarding activity, because oftentimes tutors can see the progress of their students’ work. LEAP student leader Ben Whitehouse noted, “It’s the ‘I don’t know how to do fractions, but then, a couple sessions later, oh my gosh, I just did a fraction. I think those are powerful moments.” Seeing tangible improvement and success in students is gratifying because you can see how you are giving back to your local community. The reason Ben himself joined LEAP was because “[he] loves school, and loves learning; and to share that love with students is really fun.”
Ms. Henderson also notes that the benefits extend beyond contentment, stating, “Many of the tutors I have talked with share that they learn a lot about our community and diverse perspectives from their tutees. They are often surprised by how good it feels to help others overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Many tutors also find that their time in LEAP in the afternoon is reinvigorating after a long day of classes, and they have renewed energy for their evening commitments.”
LEAP, as a program, has set an example for an exceptional community service project, where Loomis Chaffee students can make an authentic difference in Windsor residents’ lives, and help others further their academic careers.
