What is the Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP)
program?
The LEAP program helps states provide grants to students who demonstrate
substantial financial need, enabling them to attend post-secondary schools.
There is also a community service work-study assistance component to the program.
The LEAP program is funded jointly by states and the U.S. Department of
Education. These state programs carry a variety of names that do not necessarily
include the name "LEAP" in their titles.
How do I qualify for Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnerships
(LEAP) grants?
Each state may have different eligibility criteria for students to receive
aid LEAP program. However, all students must meet the general eligibility
requirements and must demonstrate substantial financial need.
To meet the general eligibility requirements, students must:
- be either a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
- be enrolled as a regular student in an eligible program at an eligible
school
- have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent
- be maintaining satisfactory academic progress standards in their course
of study
- sign a Statement of Educational Purpose and a Certification Statement
on Overpayments and Default
- register with the Selective Service, if required
Other factors that determine whether a student is eligible for a LEAP award
include the state's definition of substantial financial need, its method of
determining maximum awards, and the costs that can be covered.
For more details on eligibility criteria, see: http://ifap.ed.gov/sfahandbooks/attachments/0304Vol9Ch1leapprog.pdf
What is considered substantial financial need?
Each state sets criteria for substantial financial need, which must be
approved by the Department. A state may define need in terms of income, Expected
Family Contribution (EFC), or relative need, as measured by cost of attendance
minus available resources.
A dependent student who applies for aid from any of the FSA programs must
include parental information on the application. An independent student need
only include his or her financial information (and, if married, that of a
spouse).
Can I receive the grant if I do not attend school full time?
Yes. However, most states limit LEAP awards to undergraduates attending
school at least half time. The maximum amount of the award is reduced for
students who only attend part time.
What schools can participate in the LEAP program?
All non-profit institutions of higher education in a state are eligible
to participate, except when participation violates the state's constitution
or a state law.
While states are not required to include proprietary (for-profit) schools
in their state programs, the most recent LEAP figures show that 26 states
made LEAP awards available to students attending such schools.
What is the Community Service-Learning Job program?
Each award year, a state may use up to 20 percent of its LEAP program allotment
for a Community Service-Learning Job program. This award is not a grant --
the student must receive compensation for work. The job program must be administered
by post-secondary schools in the state, and each student employed under the
program must be employed in work for the public interest.
The employer may be a school, agency or a private non-profit organization.
An arrangement must be established between the school and the agency or organization.
What are the requirements for community service-learning jobs?
Schools consult with local non-profit, governmental and community-based
organizations to identify jobs designed to improve the quality of life for
residents (particularly low-income residents) of the community served. These
jobs should be in direct service, planning or applied research fields.
Each community service-learning job must:
- provide the student with a job related to their educational or vocational
program or goals
- be governed by conditions of employment that are considered appropriate
and reasonable, based on such factors as type of work performed, geographic
region, and proficiency of the employee
- pay at least the current federal minimum wage (not the sub-minimum wage)
- not displace employed workers or impair existing contracts for service
- not involve the construction, operation or maintenance of any part of
a facility used or to be used for religious worship or sectarian instruction
How do I apply for the LEAP program?
States may apply. Undergraduate and graduate students having substantial
financial need may then apply to the states in which they are residents. Note
that these state programs carry a variety of names that do not necessarily
include the name "LEAP" in their titles.
The student must apply to their state's higher education agency either
directly or indirectly through the school. Every award requires the state
agency's formal approval. You can find contact information for each state's
agency at: http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/Programs/EROD/org_list.cfm?category_ID=SHE
Does it cost anything to apply?
To award a student aid, a state may require the student to provide applicant
information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or on
another free form. In addition, the state may require a student to provide
supplemental information on a fee-based supplemental form.
How much money can I receive from a LEAP grant?
The maximum award is $5,000, though states may have lower maximums, according
to the 2008-2009 Federal Student Aid Handbook. Some states limit awards to
cover only tuition and fees, while others include allowances for commuting,
room, board and other costs.
What is required from the state?
Each eligible participating state receives an annual LEAP allotment (formula
grant) from the Department based on the state's eligible post-secondary education
enrollment.
States must, at a minimum, match the federal allotments dollar-for-dollar
with state funds provided through direct state appropriations for this purpose.
States must administer the program under a single state agency and meet maintenance-of-effort
criteria.
How can I get more information?
For information about the LEAP program in your state, contact your State
Higher Education Agency. You can find contact information at: http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/Programs/EROD/org_list.cfm?category_ID=SHE
For more information on Student Financial Assistance Programs, contact
the Federal Student Aid Information Center:
Internet : http://studentaid.ed.gov
Phone : 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243)
TTY : 1-800-730-8913
Spanish speakers are available (se habla español).