

UFS
LEAP: Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet
A Compassionate Alternative to Traditional Animal Agriculture Programs
The 2023-2024 Unity Farm Sanctuary LEAP program will run from September-May. Classes and workshops will be mostly held the third Saturday of each month 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (except for September and April): 9/23, 10/21, 11/18, 12/16, 1/20, 2/17, 3/16, 4/13, 5/18. Plant-based lunch is included. Service opportunities at the sanctuary will be available daily, to best fit with LEAP participants' schedules.
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Unity Farm Sanctuary is located (just south of Natick MA) at 17 Unity Lane, Sherborn MA 01770. MAP
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The application window is closed for 2023. To think about Fall 2024, visit the LEAP website Travel financial aid may also be available, if needed to offset the cost of transportation to the sanctuary. Make sure to follow Unity Farm Sanctuary in our email news, free UFS App, or on social media to learn more details. We are excited about the inaugural UFS class of LEAP!

Things to Know
Timeline 2023-2024
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August 1, 2023: Application submissions opened
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September 8, 2023: Application deadline was midnight
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September 23, 2023 – May 18, 2024: Duration of LEAP Program
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Applications & Waivers will be available here and on the LEAP website August 2024
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Plan ahead for the August 2024 application period opening up for LEAP 2024-2025, keep connected via our email news, our App, or social media
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Focus Areas
LEAP provides education and experiences for
high school students in areas including:
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Hands-on, compassionate animal care
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Food and agricultural systems
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Leadership development
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Wildlife and ocean conservation
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Farmed animal welfare
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Human health supported by a vegan diet
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The intersection of human and animal rights
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Climate change solutions
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Social emotional learning
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Food deserts and food insecurity
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Domestic animal care
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Vegan cooking
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Effective advocacy
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Rewilding the land
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Veganic gardening
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Community outreach

Jennifer D’Angelo, Humane Education Director, CHES
Our LEAP Program Director would love to answer your questions!
Unity Farm Sanctuary is excited to announce that we were selected to be part of the new nationwide LEAP program starting this 2023-2024 school year! We are also delighted to share that we had an amazing reposnse to our program, with 22 students accepted. Twenty five sanctuaries across the US will expand the 2022-2023 pilot created by three Northern California sanctuaries (Jameson Humane, Rancho Compasion and Blackberry Creek).
LEAP (Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet) is a revolutionary humane education program providing high school students across the nation with a compassionate alternative to traditional agriculture programs like 4H and FFA. A comprehensive four-year program taught by participating farm animal sanctuaries, LEAP combines interactive curriculum modules with hands-on learning activities, leadership training, and real-world skill development. LEAP aims to prepare the next generation of Changemakers to tackle the challenges of animal cruelty, climate change, food deserts, and habitat loss, and encourages them to devise solutions for a more compassionate, sustainable food system.
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Candidates for the LEAP program understand the social responsibility they have as the next generation of leaders, and want to make a difference in their communities. They are ready and eager for leadership training and have a desire to change the current system for animals, human health, and the planet.
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Participants will earn a certificate of completion, qualify for letters of recommendation, and be connected with a vast network of nonprofits and mentors. At the end of the completed year with the LEAP program, participants will have the ability to apply for competitive scholarships of $250 to $1000 to go toward college or career training. These scholarships are offered to encourage initiative, leadership, hard work, and we believe it is imperative that we show our Changemakers they can earn money for education by helping animals, differing from traditional agricultural programs.
