What Are Learning that Extends Actual Performance (LEAP) Grants? Chad Price of MAKO Medical Laboratories Explains — Cultural Daily

Back in March 2022, Chad Price and MAKO Medical Laboratories donated a massive $10,000 to the Vance County Public School Foundation (VCPSF). The money given will go towards the annual Learning that Extends Actual Performance (LEAP) grants, which support educators all across the region. Within this article, Chad Price will take a look at what the funding means for schools and students, and how the process looks.

What is a LEAP Grant and Why Does It Matter?

Learning that Extends Actual Performance (LEAP) grants are funded by Vance County Public School Foundation (VCPSF) and MAKO Medical Laboratories, a leading testing and research company headed up by entrepreneur Chad Price. The foundation awards funding to deserving educators within the region. The money helps to provide a wealth of resources that help teachers to enrich the experiences within the classroom.

“Helping teachers in the classroom is a wonderful way to invest in your community”, said Josh Arant, Chief Operating Officer, MAKO Medical. “The past two years have been hard on students, teachers and their families. We want to help support our educators and inspire innovation in Vance County. I hope other individuals and companies will join us.”

The finance opens doors for both teachers and the students they are working with. By enhancing classroom opportunities, these esteemed educators have the opportunity to support the ongoing learning of young people. The application process for the funding is relatively straightforward and the foundation awards grants on an annual basis in August. All educators from Vance County Schools are welcome to apply for the yearly funding.

Armed with more resources and support, educators have more power over the experiences that they offer students. As the name of the grants suggests, the funding should go toward opportunities that propel young peoples’ performance. For that reason, the financing can help teachers across the county to revitalize their in-classroom setup.

LEAP Grants Awarded for the 2021–2022 Year

The LEAP grant application process is currently underway, with many educators from the region having put their names forward. While we won’t hear which have been successful until this coming August, we can reflect back on last year’s results. In 2021, the Vance County Public School Foundation (VCPSF) awarded grants to five lucky applicants. Each grant supported an innovative project to enhance the classroom experiences of students. Let’s take a look at the remarkable projects that were financed last year:

Operation Ukulele!

Enriching the learning of students at Aycock Elementary (K-5), ‘Operation Ukulele!’ saw a massive 25 ukuleles funded. These instruments provided a unique learning opportunity for young people and gave many their first experience of playing music. Teachers said that the project allowed students to improve their sight-reading and rhythm in a matter of weeks. Mr. Matt Moore of Aycock Elementary applied for the funding.

Fitness Drumming

Next up, the 2021 LEAP grant funded a non-traditional physical activity known as Fitness Drumming. The engaging sport became a whirlwind success for the students of Dabney Elementary when Mr. Dan Sandlin was granted funding. Combining a musical beat with a high-tempo activity helped students to improve their fitness levels and learn coordination.

Angelfish Bloggers

Students were able to flex their creative musicals in the Angelfish Bloggers project. The initiative saw writers use digital platforms to complete creative pieces and communicate clearly. While blogging was the primary publishing platform, the students also had a chance to use Google Docs, Google Slides, and emails. Mrs. Rachel Brown of Aycock Elementary applied for the LEAP grant to fund this important and vocational project.

Modern Spaces

Aiming to maximize student achievement, the Modern Spaces project researched the best practices and technological tools that could be used in the classroom. Supplied with the latest tech, students would have the chance to improve their English Language skills. Using instructional technology helps young people to prepare for the working world. Ms. Marsha Harvey of Vance County High School applied and was awarded the LEAP grant.

Modern Physical Learning Environment

The final project that was funded by the 2021 LEAP grants was entitled Modern Physical Learning Environment. The sole goal was to transform old-fashioned classrooms into a versatile and functional learning environment. The educators achieved this by replacing desks with tables and chairs, which could move around and connect to one another. Peter Hasselberg of Vance County High School put the application forward to the LEAP grant.

Looking Forward to the 2022–2023 Year

As we have covered, last year’s grants supported some remarkable projects that had a colossal impact on young people’s learning experiences. The successful applicants for the 2022–2023 school year have yet to be announced. Aside from donating the initial $10,000 to the Vance County Public School Foundation (VCPSF), MAKO Medical Laboratories has pledged to match all future 2022 donations from the community, up to another $10,000.

“We are so grateful for the financial support and the confidence that MAKO has in the work we are doing in Vance County Schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett. “Every dollar donated will support the experiences and engaging opportunities our teachers will design and share with our students. MAKO has again demonstrated their amazing support for this community!”

Chad Price and MAKO Medical Laboratories: Supporting the Region

Founded in 2014, MAKO Medical Laboratories is a leading testing and reference laboratory specializing in methodology development and pathological services. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare company has grown from around 300 staff members to an employee base of more than 1000. Chad Price is the founder and CEO of the company, overseeing the large-scale business as it rapidly expands.

Serving the greater community is a core value of MAKO Medical Laboratories. Since the company started, founder Chad Price has driven this ethos through every element of operation. From hiring veterans as delivery drivers to supporting local events, the business aims to support those who need it within the North Carolina region.

Chad Price is a natural-born entrepreneur who previously co-founded BrideGenie and founded Element Services Group Mechanical LLC. He was also involved in starting Cary Reconstruction, and is a board member for Trill A.I. The professional currently offers consulting services to companies embarking on new mergers or primed for growth.

Originally published at https://culturaldaily.com on June 24, 2022.