Teen Humane Education Program: Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet (LEAP), Launches Nationwide Expansion

Teen Humane Education Program: Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet (LEAP), Launches Nationwide Expansion

We are thrilled to take LEAP—the organization we co-founded—to the next level by hosting this program in 25 animal sanctuaries across the US! the program starts this Fall and applications are now open! read on for more information.

Napa, CA (July 31, 2023) - Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet (LEAP) is a hands-on, youth education program for teens designed to offer a first-of-its-kind compassionate alternative to traditional agriculture programs such as 4H and FFA (Future Farmers of America). Founded in 2022 by Miyoko Schinner, vegan chef, entrepreneur, and founder of Miyoko’s Creamery and Rancho Compasión Sanctuary in Marin County; Monica Stevens, co-founder of Jameson Humane in Napa County; and Danielle Hanosh, a former public-school educator and co-founder of Blackberry Creek Farm Animal Sanctuary in Placer County. LEAP was formed to provide high school students interested in animal welfare, veterinary medicine, plant-based advocacy, climate solutions, sustainability, and feeding their communities, an alternative, vegan program. It launched last year at six Northern California sanctuaries and is launching nationally in August with select sanctuary partners across the country.

Fundraising Efforts Begin to Offer Free Access to Students in National Expansion

“Our greatest need as an organization right now is funding to be able to give as many students access to this program as possible. We hope community leaders will be even more excited and motivated to donate to this worthy cause than they have been to support ag students in the past through bidding on their animals at livestock auctions,” says, Danielle Hanosh, Executive Director, LEAP.

At the end of 2022, an anonymous funder pledged $150k in matching funds to kickstart efforts for national expansion. Additional funders are needed to hire key staff members, provide student scholarships, vegan meal and material stipends for LEAPers, and curriculum development. Donations to fund the program can be made here.

Program Overview

LEAP empowers students to be compassionate catalysts for change, by addressing four main points: the ethics of using animals for industry, responsibly and compassionately caring for rescued farmed animals, preserving wild spaces for wild species, and what we can do to curb the climate crisis. LEAP students will receive many of the same opportunities that other agricultural programs offer – collaboration with peers from around the region, participating in local events, learning from experts and mentors, receiving financial compensation for their work, and spending time with the animals – but without the financial and emotional burden of raising and showing a slaughter-bound animal. Anti-speciesism and compassion are taught as well as plant-based alternatives for helping eradicate food deserts and bring healthy food choices to more people.

LEAPers will be trained in entrepreneurial skills, leadership, climate change solutions through diet and lifestyle changes, and public speaking to effectively advocate for animals, the rewilding of natural habitats, human rights and food security, and the impacts of animal agriculture on farm workers.

Students will become adept at: 

  • public interface & networking

  • group leadership & personal leadership: leading by example, and leading a life aligned with their ethics

  • problem solving 

  • practical hands-on skills, whether on a sanctuary or in the office

  • social-emotional learning and empathy 

Upon completion of the program, students will have the opportunity to complete independent projects and enter a competition to earn scholarship money. They will also have the chance to receive letters of recommendation and mentorship and connect with a vast network of nonprofits and leaders in the fields of animal rights and climate change.

The 2023-2024 program will follow the school year and specific dates will be decided by each participating sanctuary. The list of sanctuaries hosting the LEAP program this year includes:

  • Animal Place - Grass Valley, CA

  • Austin Farm Sanctuary - Paige, TX

  • Ballydidean Farm Sanctuary - Clinton, WA

  • Catskill - Saugerties, NY 

  • Farm Animal Refuge - Campo, CA

  • Foreverland Farm - Amelia, OH 

  • Goatlandia - Santa Rosa, CA

  • Harvest Home - Stockton, CA

  • Herd and Flock - Vacaville, CA 

  • Indraloka - Dalton, PA

  • Iowa Farm Sanctuary - Oxford, IA

  • Jameson Humane - Napa, CA

  • Lilly’s Animal Sanctuary - Arroyo Grande, CA 

  • Marley Meadows Sanctuary - Leesburg, NJ 

  • Oliver and Friends - Luther, OK 

  • Only Sunshine Sanctuary - Elverta, CA

  • Pasado’s Safe Haven - Sultan, WA

  • Rancho Compasión & Blackberry Creek - Nicasio, CA

  • Tamerlaine Sanctuary - Montague, NJ

  • Unity Farm Sanctuary - Sherborn, MA

  • Veganville - Seaside, OR 

  • Vine Sanctuary - Springfield, VT

  • Wildwood - Newberg, OR 

  • Woodstock - High Falls, NY

Sanctuaries will be taking applications starting in August or September, depending on their local school districts’ start times. Apply to LEAP

Hanosh adds, “LEAP encourages students that empathy for others is a strength, not a weakness. With humanity at a major crossroads, there’s no better time for our youth to leap forward into a more compassionate and forward-thinking society.” 

For more information about what makes a great LEAP student, eligibility requirements, and the application process, visit www.leapforanimals.org, or contact Danielle Hanosh danielle@leapforanimals.org .

Camellia Schinner