In October of 2015, School & Main Institute, along with a group of national partners including, The Annie E Casey foundation, Jobs for the Future, Jobs for America’s Graduates and MDRC began working on a five-year Learn and Earn to Achieve Potential (LEAP) initiative. LEAP will focus on young people (14- to 25-year-olds) who are transitioning from the juvenile justice and welfare systems (or who are homeless) into education and employment. SMI will manage a partnership of the 5 national organizations (including SMI) and around the country who will serve 3000-5000 youth over the course of 3-5 years. Sites selected will utilize one or both evidence-based models provided by Jobs for America’s Graduates and Jobs for the Future. The JAG model helps targeted youth develop professional skills, obtain full-time employment, enter postsecondary education, and earn a credential. While JFF’s “Back on Track” model provides academic enrichment and other supports to help youth complete high school and build a career path.
SMI will be involved in managing all aspects of the initiative.
This national initiative is supported by a $7.5 million grant awarded to the Annie E. Casey Foundation by the Corporation for National and Community Service’s Social Innovation Fund.