LEAP

List of 5 items.

• What is LEAP?

  A tuition-free summer program that empowers Latino youth for high school success, college preparation, and meaningful connections.

   

  Steward’s Latino Education Advancement Program (LEAP), now in its 17th year, is a tuition-free summer program for Latino students entering grades 8-12. The 2025 program takes place June 16-July 11, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on The Steward School campus.

   

  LEAP includes:

  • Small classes (12 students per class)
  • Steward School faculty
  • Math, English, and Spanish-language classes, plus extracurricular activities
  • SAT preparation and college counseling
  • Financial assistance information for college 
  • An exploration of career opportunities
  • Hot lunches, plus snacks
  • Field trips to several colleges 

   

  LEAP fulfills The Steward School’s mission, which is to prepare students for college and for life in a community defined by robust academics, inspiration, engagement, and care. 

   

  Small classes, dedicated teachers, and college counseling combine for an enriching experience designed to contribute to high school success and college readiness. LEAP is open to students from Richmond and surrounding regions. 

   

  LEAP reaches Latino youth at a critical age when their academic and personal interests are growing, but when their educational and social opportunities may be limited. 

   

  LEAP connects students with their culture and provides a welcoming environment in which they can form lasting friendships.

   

  Parents and families of LEAP participants are invited to a special ceremony on campus at the end of the program. 

   

  Students interested in applying to LEAP will need to submit teacher recommendations and a copy of their transcript. After participating in LEAP,  families who are interested in applying to attend The Steward School may set up a meeting with the admissions team.

  
  Apply 
  
  

  Follow the instructions on the LEAP application by completing LEAP application and submitting it to the LEAP director. Please complete and return the student records release form to the main office of the student's current school. The teacher recommendation form can be delivered to the student's English teacher.
  
  All forms can be sent to:

  Claudia Ramirez at LEAP@stewardschool.org

• Melanie G. Rodriguez Scholarship to The Steward School

  The Melanie G. Rodriguez Scholarship provides a $10,000 yearly merit scholarship for Upper School tuition at Steward to a new or current student entering grade 9, 10, or 11. Recipients are chosen based on strong character, community service involvement, academics, and potential. The student needs to have participated in the Latino Education Advancement Program.
  
  The Melanie G. Rodriquez Scholarship is made possible by the generosity of the family of Lisa and Larry French, parents of Elliot French ’20. The inaugural scholarship recipient was Mercedes Torres ’27.
  
  About Melanie G. Rodriguez
  In 2007, Melanie G. Rodriguez founded the Latino Education Advancement Program (LEAP), a tuition-free, four-week summer program at Steward for Latino students entering grades 8-12. Her exemplary leadership and teaching enriched the lives of countless students. Mrs. Rodriguez, who also taught Spanish at Steward, retired in 2022 after 32 years at the school. 
  
  

• LEAP Supporters

  Founding Supporters:
  

  • Edward E. Ford Foundation
  • Genworth Financial
  • Monument Consulting, LLC in partnership with WestRock (formerly MeadWestvaco)

  2025 Supporters:
  

  • Memorial Foundation for Children
  • Moses D. Nunnally, Jr. Charitable Trust B
  • Shelton Hardaway Short, Jr. Trust

  
  In-Kind Supporters:
  

  • Clayborne Education
  • Nova Swimming
  • Virginia Credit Union
  • University of Richmond
  • Meriwether Godsey
  • Richmond Public Library
  • The Steward School

  
  Thank you to our past supporters. If you are interested in supporting the LEAP program please email development@stewardschool.org. 

• Building Better Minds: LEAP feature

• Radio Poder: LEAP Feature