Leap

Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet

MISSION: To transform today’s youth into the humane leaders of tomorrow who advocate for and work towards an equitable future for all living beings and the planet.

Kids playing with baby animal - LEAP

GET INVOLVED

LEAP (Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet) is a revolutionary humane education program providing high school students across the nation with a compassionate alternative to traditional agriculture programs like 4H and FFA. A comprehensive four-year program taught by participating farm animal sanctuaries, LEAP combines interactive curriculum modules with hands-on learning activities, leadership training, and real-world skill development. 

Our mission is to transform today’s youth into the humane leaders of tomorrow who advocate for and work towards an equitable future for all living beings and the planet.

Join Other High School students

LEAP aims to prepare the next generation of changemakers to tackle the challenges of animal cruelty, climate change, food deserts, and habitat loss, and encourages them to devise solutions for a more compassionate, sustainable food system.

Girl Holding Baby Pig At Leap

Advocate For Animals

Teen Gardening at LEAP

Revolutionize the Food System

Student Leader at LEAP

Become A Leader for The Planet

We feel that there is no better time to introduce a program such as this.

As humanity enters a dangerous threshold for our viability on this planet, LEAP asks young leaders to critically examine the systems and traditions that have led to this point. We hope you are excited to share this rigorous yet rewarding program with your students.

LEAP provides students with hands-on farmed and domestic animal care experience, humane education, and the opportunity to earn a scholarship by volunteering at participating animal sanctuaries.

About Leap

Founded by three non-profit animal sanctuaries in Northern California – Jameson Humane, Blackberry Creek, and Rancho Compasión –  LEAP provides in-depth monthly curriculum, hands-on workshops at sanctuaries, and positive leadership training. LEAP will prepare the leaders of tomorrow to transform the food industry, advocate for animal welfare and human rights, tackle the challenges of food deserts and food insecurity, and lead the way in climate solutions. 

LEAP is currently up and running at six Northern California sanctuaries, and we are thrilled to announce that it is becoming its own non-profit in Spring of 2023 in order to be able to reach youth across the country! LEAP is proud to partner with Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) for non-profit formation.

Find a Participating LEAP HUB
Near You

LEAP is currently up and running at a variety of LEAP Hubs around the U.S. If you are interested in participating, see our list below.

Resources

Leap for Students

LEAP encourages students that empathy for others is a strength, not a weakness. With humanity at a major crossroads, there’s no better time for our youth to leap forward into a more compassionate and forward-thinking society.

If you are an existing or incoming student you can find all your information and resources by following the link below.

Leap for Sanctuaries

We thrilled to announce that LEAP became its own non-profit in spring of 2023. LEAP is proud to partner with Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) for non-profit formation.

If you are a partner sanctuary or would like to find more information about partnering with LEAP, you can learn more here.

Support Our Work

Founding donors are needed to support curriculum development, staffing, educational materials, and scholarships at our participating sanctuaries. LEAP has just been offered a $150k matching opportunity, so your contribution to this program will be DOUBLED! Donations to fund the program can be made via our GivingFuel link below.

Requirements

  • Must have reliable transportation to a participating chapter.
  • Must be available to meet monthly time commitments (see application for varying sanctuary dates/times).