Program Description
LEAD UP (Leadership, Education, Adolescent Development & Unlimited Potential) is a youth achievement program at the University of Kansas designed to prepare high school students to thrive in high school and college. LEAD UP connects high school students from underserved communities (Achievers) with KU college students (Guides) from the LEAD UP student organization, who provide academic tutoring, leadership development, college readiness support, mentoring, and structured academic check-ins. Through consistent coaching and academic support, LEAD UP helps students build skills, confidence, and a pathway toward college and career success. LEAD UP is affiliated with the KU Center for Community Health and Development, Department of Applied Behavioral Science, and the Office of Community Impact.
Program Locations
LEAD UP offers both virtual and in-person tutoring and coaching.
In-Person Sites
- Harmon High School
- Sumner Academy
- Carl Bruce Middle School
- Wyandotte High School
Virtual Sessions
- Online via Zoom
Session Times
- Tuesdays & Thursdays: 3:00 – 5:00 PM (Tutoring & Study Sessions)
- Wednesdays: 1:00 – 3:00 PM (Academic Check-Ins)
Volunteer Responsibilities
- Provide tutoring support in various academic subjects
- Assist with ACT/SAT preparation
- Support students with homework and study skills
- Conduct academic check-ins to monitor grades, assignments, attendance, and progress
- Offer college readiness coaching and goal-setting support
- Mentor students to build confidence and leadership skills
- Serve as a positive role model and representative of KU
Qualification
- Current University of Kansas student (preferred)
- Strong academic skills in one or more subject areas
- Interest in youth development, mentoring, education, or leadership
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Commitment to supporting underserved youth
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Time Commitment
- Minimum of one session per week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays)
- Wednesdays: 1:00 – 3:00 PM (Academic Check-Ins)
- Tuesdays & Thursdays: 3:00 – 5:00 PM (Tutoring)
- Commitment for at least one academic semester preferred
Interested? Email leadup@ku.edu to learn more or get started.
Our community partners rely on volunteers to facilitate and support their programs. Before signing up for a volunteer opportunity, please consider whether you have the time and capacity to serve. We understand that life happens, but please try your best to provide community partners at least a 48-hour notice if you need to cancel your volunteer shift.
If you plan to participate in long-term volunteering or service projects with our community partners, we highly recommend completing a Service Project Agreement to set clear expectations between you and the organization.
If you plan to use any service hours completed through our community partners for the Certificate in Service Learning service hour requirement, we recommend completing a Service Verification Form to ensure those hours can be verified by our team.
