North Shore Bank recently met with representatives from LEAP for Education to present them with a $10,000 donation. The bank's contribution was for their Presenting Sponsorship of LEAP's annual Great Expectations fundraising event taking place virtually on April 8th. LEAP for Education empowers underserved youth on the North Shore to achieve economic and social mobility by cultivating personal, educational and career growth.
Kevin M. Tierney, Sr., North Shore Bank’s Chief Executive Officer said of LEAP:
We’re proud to once again be the Presenting Sponsor of this this Great Expectations event, which celebrates amazing students and raises funds to keep programs free for many young students who will fill the jobs of tomorrow.” He continued, “LEAP for Education works every day to enhance education and career opportunities for underserved children on The North Shore. When our youth succeed, our whole community succeeds.
Linda Saris, Executive Director of LEAP for Education, said of the bank’s donation:
North Shore Bank was LEAP's first corporate donor in 2004 and the bank and its employees have supported LEAP and its students every year since then. In addition to gifts, bank staff have mentored and even hired our students and alumni.” She added, “Furthermore, NSB is LEAP's banker which was particularly important this pandemic year as they helped us navigate the often changing and confusing guidelines for the Federal COVID relief loans.
In 2020, LEAP for Education empowered over 400 students in Salem, Peabody, and Gloucester from middle school through post-secondary graduation. Many of the students live with a single parent in a home where English is not spoken. 80% of the children come from low-income homes; 33% are English language learners; 70% are students of color; and 75% will be the first in their family to attend graduate.
This year the organization will be raising funds for their Teacher-Hero fund which recognizes the passion and dedication of so many teachers during this pandemic year.
For those interested in attending the Great Expectations event or learning more about the Teacher-Hero Fund, please visit
www.leap4ed-greatexpectations.org.
About LEAP for Education
LEAP for Education serves as a powerful, non-traditional force in education on the North Shore, improving student academic performance in middle school and high school, and helping to build the life skills students need to set their sights on college, career and a better life. The organization stives for a 100% high school graduation rate and 95% post-secondary enrollment rate for our youth. For more information, visit
www.leap4ed.org.