

UFS
LEAP: Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet
A Compassionate Alternative to Traditional Animal Agriculture Programs
High School Changemakers Program
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 multi-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.
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. Participants are expected to complete 12 hours of service and can earn a certificate of completion, qualify for letters of recommendation and be connected with a vast network of nonprofits and mentors.
Our fourth LEAP year! The 2026-2027 Unity Farm Sanctuary LEAP (High School) program will run from September-May. Classes and workshops will be on Saturdays 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Plant-based lunch is included. Service opportunities will be made available at the sanctuary and offsite to help LEAPers reach their service goal.
Unity Farm Sanctuary is located (just south of Natick MA) at 17 Unity Lane, Sherborn MA 01770. MAP
The application window for 2026-2027 is open. Visit the LEAP website to apply. 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 2026-2027 UFS classes of LEAP!

Things to Know
Timeline 2026-2027
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June 2026: Applications are open
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August 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST: Application window closes. If your application is selected, you will be contacted to schedule an in-person or zoom interview with Humane Education Director Jennifer D'Angelo.
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September 4, 2026: Deadline to send notifications of application decisions
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Program dates: 9/19/26, 10/24/26, 11/14/26, 12/12/26, 1/16/27, 2/13/27, 3/13/27, 4/10/27 and 5/22/27
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In addition to the waivers to complete for LEAP as part of the application process, there will also be a waiver and emergency contact form to complete for UFS; which will be provided to you.
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Keep connected via our e-mail news, the Unity Farm Sanctuary app (free!) and our social media.
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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Organic gardening
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Community outreach
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Jennifer D’Angelo, Humane Education Director, CHES
Our LEAP Program Director would love to answer your questions!

