We are excited to introduce the Evanston Learning, Empowerment, and Advancement Program (ELEAP) powered by our EL3 platform. This initiative aims to enhance outcomes for Evanston students by providing scholarships that expand access to summer and out-of-school time programming and incentivizes students to explore existing resources that contribute to college and career readiness.

ELEAP will begin at the start of the 2024 school year and conclude after the summer of 2026. We will utilize EL3’s parent portal and extend its functionality to display scholarship amounts, disburse payments directly to selected programs, and track incentive programming and rewards.

‍

Eligibility Criteria

ELEAP targets Evanston students from 5th to 12th grade who face structural barriers due to race and socioeconomic status. Eligibility will be determined based on targeted areas in Evanston that have historically suffered from redlining and disinvestment, as well as students eligible for free and reduced lunch. Students in 5th-8th grade will be eligible for scholarships to subsidize their after-school and summer program involvement during the first year of the initiative. We offer incentive programming for 9th - 12th grade students to encourage college and career preparedness.

‍

Key benefits of ELEAP

• Scholarships for access: By removing a financial barrier, we are ensuring that students from underserved communities can participate in enriching after-school and summer programs.
• Incentives for Engagement: We are encouraging high school students to prepare for college and careers through targeted activities. Based on their engagement, there are incentives such as team-building trips, college tours, and other rewards.
• Community Collaboration: We are partnering with local organizations to create a network of out-of-school support and opportunity for our students.

‍

As we prepare for ELEAP's launch, we are looking for additional community partners. If your organization is within Evanston's city limits and would like to be listed in our ELEAP catalog of available programs, please contact Deanna at deanna.howlett@northwestern.edu. Stay tuned for more updates on how ELEAP is creating a more connected and equitable learning landscape for Evanston’s youth.