LEEP Projects 3.0

What are LEEP Projects?

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• Summer experiences• Offer real-world application of course material• Allow authentic problem-solving experiences• Provide an opportunity to work with someone outside of Clark• Enhance mastery of the LEEP learning outcomes• Serves as a capstone, or culminating experience

→ Students who complete LEEP Projects will now be called LEEP Fellows

Benefits of completing a LEEP Project

• Real-world experience that animates your academic coursework; the opportunity to learn a variety of skills that will give you an advantage

• Opportunity to reflect on your experiences and your intentions as you make a plan to move forward

• Opportunity to make a close, working relationship with a faculty mentor• Some projects include working closely with a Clark alum

• Targeted training opportunities designed to prepare you for your project; pre- and post- project advising, preparation, and support

• Transcript designation as a LEEP Fellow

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What kind of LEEP Project can I do?

Existing LEEP Project• Alumni-sponsored• Organizations with close ties

to Clark• Faculty/department-

generated

→ Can be found in Clark Recruiter

→ If position is secured, LEEP funding may be available

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Self-designed LEEP Project• Crafted with guidance from a

faculty mentor• Should have a connection to

an external organization

→ Students will need to apply for funding

→ Decisions will be made by a faculty committee

How are LEEP Projects different?

• All have a connection with an external organization• Some existing projects offer a connection with an alumni host!• Some existing projects are paid by the organization!

• All require the support of a faculty mentor• Some existing projects will “come with” a faculty mentor

• Pre- and post training and reflection• Funding may be available*

→With all, an expectation that there is some outcome that is beneficial to you

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What are the responsibilities of aLEEP Fellow?

• Complete all components of the application• Including: 1) application form; 2) project description; 3) LEEP essay; 4)

letter of recommendation; 5) resume; 6) LEEP Project contract; and 7) relevant risk/liability forms

• Attend an advising session and pre- and post-project workshops• Attend LEEP Project class or boot camp• Submit a mid-term update• Submit a final reflection• Participate in LEEP Talks or Fall Fest• Take part in exit interviews - optional

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What are the application criteria?

• Primarily geared towards juniors• Sophomores and seniors will be considered if 1) the project is

developmentally appropriate; and 2) they can make a compelling case as to how the project relates to their future goals

• Previous LEEP Pioneers are not eligible• Cannot be on social or academic probation

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Special Considerations

• Studying abroad• Are eligible for LEEP Project funding; plans for training will be determined• Interviewing may be difficult – it is important that you check Clark email!

• International students• International students who are working off campus will need to get

academic credit and obtain work permission from OIA• Completing projects abroad• Applications to complete a project in a country on the State Department

watch list will receive additional scrutiny• Applying for other sources of funding and/or paid projects• Eligible to receive up to $2500 from Clark• Receipt of outside funds may lessen or negate Clark funding

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How do I start?Existing Projects

• Decide which project(s) is right for you• Attend a LEEP Project advising session; required for all applicants• Sessions held weekly in the LEEP Center; starts week of November 18

• Log on to Clark Recruiter to view existing projects• Available week of November 18

• Get your resume and cover letter reviewed by Career Services• Monday-Friday, 12-4 pm – no appointment required!

• Apply for a position(s)• Attend an Interviewing 101 workshop• Connect with a faculty mentor and submit LEEP Fellow

application once position is secured

How do I start?Self-Designed Projects

• Decide which project(s) is right for you• Attend a LEEP Project advising session; required for all applicants• Sessions held weekly in the LEEP Center; starts week of November 18

• Get your resume reviewed by Career Services• Monday-Friday, 12-4 pm – no appointment required!

• Connect with a faculty mentor• Attend a Writing Your Proposal workshop• Submit LEEP Fellow application→ All self-designed project applications will be reviewed by, and

funding decided upon by, a faculty committee

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Deadlines

Application deadlines• LEEP Fellows application

opens January 17• Please note that some

deadlines may be earlier!

• Deadline is March 14 for self-designed projects• Deadline is April 18 for

existing projects

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Stipend disbursement schedule• Funds will be distributed evenly

at two points: 1) upon completion of the LEEP class or boot camp (June) 2) upon receipt of the final reflection (September)

• Students may petition for release of additional funds at an earlier date