Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP)
FACT SHEET
What is the Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) Program?
It is a program that establishes a federal-state partnership to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to students who have demonstrated financial need. Federal funds are provided to match appropriated state funds supplied by the states on a dollar for dollar basis. Each participating institution, public, or private provides institutional matching funds which are equal to the amount of funds provided by the State for the LEAP Program. Funds are dependent upon Federal approval and may not be available for certain award years.
Which institutions are eligible to participate?
Only public and private postsecondary institutions that are properly licensed in Arizona and accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency (which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education) are eligible.
Who is eligible to receive LEAP awards?
Arizona residents who are attending a participating eligible Arizona postsecondary education institution as either a full-time or half-time undergraduate or graduate level student and who can demonstrate financial need are eligible for LEAP awards.
How do students apply for the LEAP program?
Students apply for LEAP awards at their institution's financial aid office. All LEAP awards must be approved by the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education.
How large are Arizona LEAP awards and must they be repaid?
The maximum LEAP award is $2,500 and minimum is $100 per academic year. LEAP awards are grants and do not have to be repaid.
