Program Overview

LEAP tutors are placed on small teams (of six to ten students) under the guidance of a team leader. Each team member is paired individually with a child and the group conducts three-hour sessions on Saturday mornings.

During sessions, the team leader guides the group through activities while maintaining an open environment in which each individual child can make choices and explore their interests alongside their partner. Sessions are planned completely by the tutors and are customized based on the interests of the children in the group.

Each team meets weekly outside of session to debrief, plan activities, and support each other as they work to find the most effective ways to help their specific group of children learn.

LEAP is designed to promote active learning in an environment that is open to exploration and gives children the opportunity to learn through play. Each tutor has an important role as they discover the interests and abilities of their specific partner child and encourage literacy, math, science, and social development.

Community or Classroom Assistance Time

In addition to Saturday sessions, LEAP tutors participate in either Community or Classroom Assistance Time (CAT). For classroom assistance, tutors are placed with a local school and expected to assist students based on the teacher's direction. Tutors can be placed in any classroom from K–8 grade in a variety of subject areas including social studies, science, and special education.

For community assistance time, tutors provide extra support virtually to LEAP partner children on their school work. Parents decide whether they want their child to receive this additional support from LEAP staff. (Please note that LEAP staff members are not trained in NYS required curriculum so are not a replacement for a professional tutor if a child has a high-need in a specific subject area.)

How to Apply

LEAP is currently hiring. See below for job ​descriptions and application requirements. Please note that a federal work study award is required for all positions.

Please read the LEAP tutor job description (PDF) before applying.

If you have any questions about LEAP, please contact community.engagement@rochester.edu