Brought to you by: September 2, 2010

Post Free Classified Ad \| Search the Classifieds \| Add Your Free Event \| Add Your Business Listing \| Subscribe to SouthJersey.com Newsletter

Your Contribution to Help Haiti Rebuild

ShareThis

Charter School Rec's Human Dignity Award

In recognition of its commitment to promoting education and diversity, the LEAP (Leadership, Education, And Partnership) Academy University Charter School in Camden has received a 2010 Rutgers University Human Dignity Award.

Presented annually by the Rutgers Committee to Advance Our Common Purposes, the $1,500 award honors up to five individuals or groups who demonstrate extraordinary achievement and commitment in promoting the value and importance of diversity at Rutgers and in society.

Developed by Voorhees resident Gloria Bonilla-Santiago, a Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor of Public Policy and director of the Center for Strategic Urban Community Leadership, both at Rutgers–Camden, LEAP launched as one of New Jersey’s first charter schools in 1997. Today, LEAP serves 870 children in grades pre-K through 12. Every student graduating from the LEAP Academy University High School has been accepted into college. The LEAP initiative has replicated its best practices in serving children and their families at schools across the state and region.

Article continues below

Rutgers selected the LEAP charter school for this Rutgers honor due to its achievements as a national model for urban school reform, and its innovative approach to connecting a major public research university such as Rutgers with children, parents, community members, business leaders, and a public charter school.

“The partnership between Rutgers and LEAP represents exactly the sort of innovative thinking needed to advance public education for our children,” notes Bonilla-Santiago. “By connecting Rutgers faculty and students with Camden families, we promote a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity that benefits everyone involved.

“The entire LEAP Academy community is honored to be recognized by Rutgers in such a fashion. We have always sought to prepare children and their families for success by providing high-quality learning experiences and the support needed to advance their lives.”

This year the LEAP Academy continues to achieve 100% graduation and college placements. Students have been admitted to Rutgers, Villanova, Howard University, American University, the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, Penn State, the University of Rochester, Widener, and Drexel, among many others.

Through the support of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Rutgers–Camden Center for Strategic Urban Community Leadership is preparing to construct a Rutgers Early Learning Research Academy, which will provide critical learning programs to children prior to preschool.

More information about the LEAP Academy University Charter School is online at leapacademycharter.org.

Author: Press Release--Rutgers-Camden

Archives