Rare Students. Top Colleges. High Impact.

When excellence is supported by opportunity, everyone benefits. This is the belief and the beginning of Leaven.

A simple fact.

High-achieving, low-income students who graduate from top-tier colleges bring talent, drive and productivity into the world. “High-achieving” is key. “Low-income” is resolvable.

THE APPROACH

A tough reality.

Only 8 percent of the low-income students academically qualified for a top-tier education actually apply. The few who do and gain scholarships still face multiple challenges. Leaven is changing that.

THE IMPACT

Bridging the distance.

We provide more than admissions guidance or access to financial aid. We offer targeted resources that help low-income students navigate, thrive and graduate.

THE PROGRAM

Income is not outcome.

Meet a few of our proof positives.

Amy

Harvard University

“Leaven taught me the most important lesson of the proverbial social ladder: It is a ladder, and you can climb it.”

Daniel

Haverford College

“I see life’s challenges as an opportunity to find a solution, or simply a path forward. With Leaven by my side, I can do just that.”

Melissa

Northwestern University

“I am a canvas of juxtaposition – low income, but rich in potential. Cuban, but also American. First-generation, yet blessed with the privilege of attending Northwestern University.”

Jade

MIT

“In twenty years, whether exploring the surface of an exoplanet or teaching a group of undergraduates, I know that Leaven helped fuel my journey there.”

Suzanne

Yale University

“With hard work and Leaven’s guidance, my life’s next chapter is written by an opportunity unavailable to those before me.”

Viktoria

Washington Univ. in St. Louis

“With Leaven’s assistance, my tools for success will be forged through education. My labors will be intellectual.”

Beau

Boston University

“I have two sides – my quantitative side and my creative side. Both sides don’t simply co-exist, they harmonize.”

Maria

Williams College

“I am not underprivileged. I am not impoverished. I am low-income. I am powerful.”

Generating Results

100%

Student acceptance rate to highly selective schools offering rigorous academics and generous financial aid.

$300K+

Average value of the four-year financial aid package awarded per Leaven Scholar entering college.

$0

Average cumulative debt each Leaven Scholar is expected to bear following graduation.

100%

Every Leaven Scholar has either graduated or is on track to graduate, on time and prepared for work or graduate school in their chosen field.