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.
what is leap?
LEAP (Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet) and LEAP Kids are revolutionary humane education programs providing high school and middle school students with a compassionate alternative to traditional agriculture programs like 4H and FFA. A comprehensive curriculum and hands-on workshops taught by participating farm animal sanctuaries, LEAP combines interactive classroom curriculum modules with outdoor learning activities, leadership training, real-world skill development, and community involvement.
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 middle and High School students at us and canadian animal sanctuaries
LEAP aims to prepare the next generation of changemakers to tackle the challenges of animal cruelty, climate change, food deserts, and biodiversity loss, and encourages them to devise solutions for a more compassionate, sustainable food system. Find likeminded friends and mentors who love everything about animals and nature and learn how to make a tangible impact for causes you care about!
Advocate For Animals
Revolutionize the Food System
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 are excited to share this rigorous yet rewarding program with students at sanctuaries and schools.
Our programs provide students with hands-on farmed and domestic animal care experience, curriculum focused on leadership, wildlife conservation, animal rights, climate solutions, plant-based lifestyle benefits, and the opportunity to volunteer helping animals and environment in their local communities.
Origin story
,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 18 animal sanctuaries across the country and we are thrilled to be adding summer camps in 2025 and spearheading an expansion to Canada in the fall.
Find a Participating LEAP Sanctuary
Near You
LEAP is currently up and running at sanctuaries around the U.S and is coming to Canada in Fall 2025. If you are interested in participating, see our list below.
Resources
Leap for Students
LEAP provides a revolutionary type of hands-on program for young people interested in animal care, conservation, sustainability, animal law, leadership and the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.
If you are an existing or incoming student you can find all your information and resources by following the link below.
Leap for Sanctuaries
LEAP vets our sanctuary partners to ensure we align in ethics and the ability to implement curriculum and provide a safe, exciting, exemplary educational experience for students.
If you are a non-profit vegan animal sanctuary and would like to find more information about offering LEAP at you can learn more here.
Support Our Work
In an effort to keep LEAP is free and accessible for our partner sanctuaries and all students, we rely on donations from foundations, grantors, and the public. Please consider giving so that more students, families, and animals can be positively impacted.
Tax-deductible donations can made via our GivingFuel link below or via check sent to P.O. Box 191145 Sacramento, California, 95819. Our EIN is 92-0682399.
Student Requirements
- Must have reliable transportation to a participating LEAP chapter sanctuary.
- Must be available to meet monthly time commitments (see application for varying sanctuary dates/times).