La Salle’s Early Achievement Program – LEAP

Who are LEAP students? They are rising juniors and seniors attending one of our LEAP partner high schools. Check with your guidance counselor to see if your high school is a LEAP partner.

What is the LEAP difference? Taught by La Salle professors, LEAP students take up to 5 courses, over 4 semesters, earning up to 15 credits within a themed track, before becoming a full-time college student.

Students learn from La Salle faculty both in-person/on-campus during the summer. Each fall and spring La Salle faculty teach remotely/online as students attend during their school day in a high school classroom.

Earn up to 15 credits prior to starting college!

Summer @ La SalleFall OnlineSpring OnlineSummer
 @ La Salle
Junior/Senior Year6 credits (2 courses)3 credits (1 course)3 credits (1 course)3 credits (1 course)

Three themed tracks offered:

  • Exploratory Studies
  • Health and Human Services
  • Leadership and Cultural Perspectives

Each track has three core courses (below) and two themed courses:

  • a college success course
  • a presentation skills course
  • an innovation and entrepreneurship course

LEAP students will receive support from an academic advisor and peer mentors.

LEAP students have access to:

  • the Center for Academic Achievement – tutors and writing center
  • college and career readiness workshops
  • La Salle events

What is the cost of the program? LEAP students, or their high school, pay a special discounted tuition rate. There is no charge for textbooks.

How many classes can I take? Qualified students take two prescribed courses the first summer semesters, one prescribed course each in both the fall and spring semester, and one prescribed course in the final summer semester. LEAP students may take up to 5 courses over 4 semesters.

What are the requirements for the program? LEAP students are required to have a minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.0 scale, or 3.7 on a 6.0 scale. Applicants may not have any disciplinary violations at any educational institution attended from the 9th grade (or the international equivalent) forward, whether related to academic misconduct or behavioral misconduct, that resulted in disciplinary action.

What are dual credits?
When students take a college course, while enrolled in high school, they are in a dual enrollment program. La Salle dual enrollment courses, credits, and grades are recorded on the student’s La Salle University transcript. When the student’s high school allows the college course to fulfill a high school requirement, the student earns “dual credit.” Students should contact their high school guidance counselor to learn if their school awards dual credit.

How do I apply for LEAP?

  • Interested students should contact their high school guidance counselor to learn about the selection process.
  • Qualified students will receive a link to submit their contact information, high school transcript, and permission certification form to La Salle.