Climate Leadership and Energy Awareness Program

Climate Leadership and Energy Awareness Program (Climate LEAP) Overview

About Climate LEAP

The UNC Institute for the Environment and the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center (MPSC) launched in 2009 a new science enrichment program, with support from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. The Climate Leadership and Energy Awareness Program (Climate LEAP) seeks rising 9th-12th grade students in Chapel Hill and Carrboro to participate in interdisciplinary, hands-on and minds-on science and mathematics activities and develop science communication and leadership skills.

Program Goals

The goals of Climate LEAP are to:

• increase students' knowledge and understanding of climate change science and the solutions proposed to address climate change;
• nurture student enthusiasm for science and mathematics;
• increase student interest in science careers; and
• provide an opportunity for students to communicate their knowledge to others.

Through Climate LEAP, 48 students will participate in a free one-week, non-residential Summer Institute on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill and at least three out of four half-day Saturday Academies during the school year. In addition, students will conduct a climate change outreach project and receive service learning hours towards their high school graduation requirement. Students may choose to conduct activities with participants in the MPSC Afterschool Program (MAP) or will receive support for outreach in alternate settings. Climate LEAP participants will also have the opportunity to assist in future Summer Institutes, Saturday Academies, or the MAP.

Summer Institute

During the Summer Institute, students meet daily, Monday - Friday, from 9:00AM to 5:00PM, with snacks and lunch provided. Students may arrive as early as 8:30AM and must depart at 5PM. Students will receive a $250 stipend upon completion of the summer institute. The dates for the 2010 Summer Sessions will be announced in January 2010.

Saturday Academies

Four, follow-up Saturday Academies will be offered during the academic year and Climate LEAP participants are asked to come to at least three. Students will receive one $250 stipend upon completion of fall and spring follow-up activities.

Upcoming 2009-2010 Saturday Academies:

* Saturday November 21st
   9AM - 12PM
   Chapel Hill Public Library

Spring 2010 - Mark your calendar!

* Saturday January 30th
   Time and Location TBA

* Saturday March 13th
   1 - 5PM
   NC Botanical Garden

Application Information

The application deadline for Climate LEAP 2009 has passed and applications are no longer being accepted. Application information for the 2010 Climate LEAP Program will be made available in January 2010.

For information about this program, please contact:

Dana Haine, Program Director
CB#1105, 114 Miller Hall
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
(919) 843-5735
climateleap@unc.edu