About LEAP

Leadership Enrichment Arts Program (LEAP) was established in 1989 as an outreach arm of the Austin Lyric Opera providing African-American students with a chance to experience the world of opera through study of and attendance at opera performances, “walk-on” roles and the opportunity to write and produce operas of their own. This highly acclaimed award-winning youth program expanded beyond the mission of opera, and in the fall of 1995, became an independent 501© (3) nonprofit organization. Even though opera remains the central focus and the Austin Lyric Opera continues to be a significant partner, LEAP now offers a full array of programs designed to expose youth to a variety of art, cultural, and educational programs that they might otherwise not have access to or be interested in. LEAP uses the arts to build self-esteem, increase sensitivity to other cultures, and motivate youth to look seriously at their lives.

Major program initiatives include Opera Heroes and Heroines, a program for middle and high school students and their parents or other significant adult that uses opera as a tool to examine life choices;

The Summer Leadership Institute- a unique residency program at a college or university that allows middle school and high school students to explore the vast resources of a major university and gives them a “Taste of College”.

Description of Groups and People Served: Designed for students who make a commitment to learning, exploration and personal growth, there are no artificial barriers to participation in LEAP. This program reaches across the economic and social spectrum of the entire community. The entire family is invited to participate in the majority of our activities. Rather than age or other limiting factors, LEAP strives to reach young people who evidence a commitment to learning, exploration, and personal growth.

Articles about LEAP

Download some past articles about LEAP

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