Learning through Engaging and Authentic Practices (LEAP)
Launch Your Pre-Health STEM Journey with LEAP!
Designed specifically for first-generation Pre-Health Biology and Chemistry majors, LEAP is a completely free program that provides academic and social support throughout your first year. Navigating college and a pre-health track can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone! As a LEAP scholar, you’ll join a tight-knit community dedicated to your success.
Our goal is to provide you with the necessary skills, resources, and a network of support needed to be successful during your time at UNC and prepare you to apply to professional schools. Join us for early move-in and research during a Summer Bridge, cohort classes, peer mentoring, clinical shadowing, and weekly success workshops and de-stress events (plus free snacks!)- all while making connections!
Ready to kickstart your pre-health journey at UNC?Apply to LEAP today to secure your spot in our incoming cohort and gain access to early move-in, hands-on research, academic support, clinical connections, and dedicated mentorship! |
Join us for the free LEAP Summer Bridge program on campus August 14–17, 2027!
Featuring an early move-in, research experience, and community building.
How LEAP Supports Your Academic Success:
How LEAP Supports Your Academic Success:
- Summer Bridge Head Start: Early move-in, hands-on research, college prep workshops and campus tours, and early connections with the cohort and faculty
- Demystifying College Life: Workshops that cover study skills and test prep, time management, leadership, and how to be successful in college
- Science Course Support: Cohort format for introductory science classes, study sessions, and tutoring
- Academic Advising: Personalized and ongoing academic advising helping keep you on track to achieve your college and career goals
- Faculty Connections and Research: Access to research opportunities and faculty connections within Biology and Chemistry
How LEAP Prepares You for Professional School:
- Targeted Career Advising: Pre-health advising on requirements for admittance into professional schools
- Clinical Shadowing & Resources: Connections with practicing health care professionals to help you fulfill shadowing and clinical hours, and provide guidance from their personal journey through professional school and into healthcare careers
- Test Prep & Application Guidance: Mapping your timeline for professional school admissions, course requirements, and test prep with workshops, group tutoring, and panel discussions
- Volunteer opportunities: Organized service and community outreach hours specifically for your cohort
- Professionalism & Networking: Workshops on leadership and professionalism, and opportunities to build connections with faculty and mentors to help with future letters of recommendation
How LEAP Supports You Socially:
- Peer Mentors: Support from past LEAP Scholars who successfully navigated their first year
- Cohort Community Building: Fun, social gatherings, destress events, and team bonding with fellow LEAP Scholars
- Navigating College & Life Balance: Personalized, ongoing financial and life advising, plus workshops to help through college and balancing school/life obligations
- Campus and Cultural Resources: Connections with campus organizations including McNair Scholars, the Honors Program, UNC Cultural Centers, and student groups/clubs
- Community Engagement: Group events to explore the local area, alongside cohort volunteer projects and events that give back to the local community
Want to learn more about the LEAP Summer Bridge?
Get a head start on your college experience with early move-in, hands-on research, and built-in community before fall classes even start.
Have questions or want to connect?
Meet the LEAP staff and browse frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the scholar experience.
Ready to join LEAP?
Take the first step toward your pre-health goals at UNC! Submit your application to secure your spot in our incoming cohort.