Students from the 2024-25 LEAP Cohort pose in front of the Frame Gallery
at the end-of-year showcase!

The Leadership, Excellence, Access and Persistence Program (fondly referred to as the LEAP program) is an initiative between Carnegie Mellon’s Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences and College of Fine Arts, and City High. Started in 2022, the program is concluding its third year on a high note. 

The LEAP program is open to City High juniors and seniors, and is a year-round program that culminates in an end-of-year showcase. Students attend meetings throughout the year and work together to create an art project related to social justice and equality. 

The 2024-25 LEAP cohort had their end-of-year showcase at the Frame Gallery in Oakland on Carnegie Mellon’s campus on the evening of Saturday, May 31. The students’ artwork was showcased and available for viewing by the public. Topics for the artwork this year included a broad range, focusing on themes like gender identity, gun violence prevention, environmental justice, intersectionality, and systemic racism.

Congratulations to this year’s LEAP cohort for their hard work and dedication to the program and their projects, and for another successful showcase!