Neighborhood Philanthropy: Leap Frog
Oxford is home to some amazing non-profits, and Leap Frog is one of our favorites! Leap Frog is an after-school literacy and enrichment program for first through third graders, providing Tier 2 reading support in Oxford and Lafayette County schools.
The idea for the Leap Frog program began in 1989 when then–St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Rector Duncan Gray III had a vision. He and other members of St. Peter’s visited a tutoring program in Clarksdale, Miss., and brought the idea of starting a similar program back to church leaders. As a result, the program launched in the fall of 1990 with the hiring of its first executive director. Though initially supported by local churches, the program is not faith-based.
Leap Frog prepares students for the future by utilizing resources in the Lafayette-Oxford-University (LOU) community to offer diverse learning opportunities in reading. The goal is to help early elementary students become confident, lifelong learners.
Whitney Sweeney, the Executive Director, joined the Leap Frog Program in August 2021. She is responsible for managing the program and overseeing its day-to-day operations.
Who Does Leap Frog Serve?
Leap Frog serves up to 60 students each week thanks to generous community support. Volunteers, teachers, school administrators, bus drivers, and parents/caregivers all help ensure that students can participate. Since its beginning as a church mission project over 30 years ago, Leap Frog has remained completely free for participants.
How Does Leap Frog Serve Students?
Students who commit to Leap Frog attend four days per week.
Each day, they spend 75 minutes working one-on-one with a volunteer tutor. The curriculum—developed by Really Great Reading—is supported by a tutor guide created by retired teachers Dr. Ruth O’Dell and Cassie Dabbs, who generously donate their time. The Phonics Boost curriculum is leveled by grade and complements classroom instruction. Tutors and students progress through the material at their own pace, allowing for personalized learning.
After tutoring, homework, and reading time, students can either enjoy free play or participate in enrichment activities. Some of these opportunities include yoga, art programming, and wellness activities.
How Can You and the Oxford-Lafayette Community Help?
Leap Frog thrives with help from community partners, allowing them to continue offering programming free of charge. Their annual budget is $117,000, which covers all resources that benefit students and support volunteers.
Leap Frog is hosting its 4th Annual Truckapalooza fundraiser on Saturday, May 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Mississippi National Guard parking lot off Sisk Avenue. Truckapalooza features local businesses showcasing trucks, construction vehicles, tractors, buses, and more—giving children and families a chance to enjoy a fun, family-friendly event and explore vehicles up close. Last year’s event welcomed over 2,000 attendees. Neighborhood Realty is proud to sponsor this event!
If you or a business you know would like to sponsor Truckapalooza, contact Whitney at leapfrogdirector@gmail.com for more information.
Want to get involved in other ways? Visit www.theleapfrogprogram.org or follow them on social media to stay updated on events and needs.
