Mayor Vincent C. Gray and State Superintendent Hosanna Mahaley pledged today to continue local funding for the Leveraging Educational Assistance Grant Program (LEAP) – despite Congress’ move to eliminate the initiative as part of the FY 2011 budget deal struck with the President. LEAP, a program designed to provide low-income students with critical bridge funding to support the transition to college, serves approximately 2,500 District students each year. Scholarship recipients can receive up to $950 for essential items such as fees, moving expenses, and books.
“There is no more important goal than helping our students attend and complete college. Despite Congress’ recent action to undermine this goal, I remain committed to helping as many District students as we can get to college by continuing to support the LEAP program.” Mayor Gray said.
Despite the elimination of nearly $500,000 in federal funding from the $2 million program, the Mayor and State Superintendent have committed to finding those dollars in citywide gap closing measures in FY2011. With this move, the entire LEAP budget will be funded with local dollars; thereby reaffirming the Mayor’s relentless commitment to education.
LEAP recipients often also receive funds through the federally-funded D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant Program (DCTAG). DCTAG is designed to provide up to $10,000 in direct tuition assistance for college-bound students, and is not impacted by the recent FY 2011 budget deal.
“We appreciate Congress’ continued support for DCTAG. However, many children who receive tuition assistance may not get to school without the LEAP bridge funding. Today’s announcement confirms our commitment to providing support for our college-bound students.” State Superintendent Hosanna Mahaley said.
For further information or press inquiries, please contact Jesse Bailey, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Office of the State Superintendent of Education at 202-368-3087 or [email protected].
Parents, with questions on the program, are instructed to call Mr. William Henderson at the Office of the State Superintendent at (202) 481-3951.