LEAP (The Life Science Early Awareness Program) is a living-learning community program for first-year students in the Seaver College of Science and Engineering. Students in the following majors are eligible to participate in LEAP:
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Health & Human Sciences
- Environmental Science
- Math
- Physics
- Science Undecided
- Statistics and Data Science
LEAP participants Enroll in a 1-unit seminar (SCEM 190) together and live on the same floor in Del Rey North with each other. These components, among other co-curricular experiences are designed to create a fully integrated learning experience and further the student's interest and success in pursuing careers in the sciences.
By living and taking classes together, the community members will have an opportunity to form bonds and friendships to tackle the challenging, yet rewarding coursework that lies ahead. All co-curricular activities related to LEAP will be subject to local health authority guidelines.
If you have any questions about participating in a living-learning community, contact the Center for Student Success at css@lmu.edu.
Elements of the LEAP Program
SCEM 190: Exploring the Natural Sciences
The SCEM 190 course offered in the fall will provide community members with the knowledge and skills essential to becoming successful students in the sciences at LMU. The class sessions are highly interactive and designed to help community members plot a path for success at LMU.
LEAP Residence Hall Community
All students enrolled in LEAP will live on the same floor of Del Rey North. LEAP participants will be able to move in early to their residences, one day before incoming first year students move into their dorms.
Los Angeles Experience
Past excursions included trips to some of Los Angeles' well-known nature science centers and areas of ecological interest including the Griffith Observatory, California Science Center, Ballona Wetlands, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the Aquarium of the Pacific. All co-curricular programs will be subject to local health authority guidelines.
"Coming to college can be stressful, but LEAP is there to support you through the transition! Being able to have a group that I was a part of before classes even started gave me a head start on navigating my way through new friendships. These experiences allowed me to have a better transition into college and opened up a variety of opportunities throughout my college career."
- Amenah Awawdeh
LEAP Participant
Health and Human Sciences Major
"Not only have I learned a lot of new academic information, but I’ve learned a lot about myself. LMU has come to feel much more like a home-away-from-home than I ever expected."
- Emmett Barnes
LEAP Participant
Biochemistry Major