LEAP for Nurses

Southeastern’s Louisiana Educational Advancement Program (LEAP) for Nurses addresses Louisiana’s nursing shortage with a bold, community-driven approach. Led by the School of Nursing, LEAP is designed to expand and diversify the nursing workforce by supporting students along multiple academic pathways, including LPN to RN, LPN to BSN, RN to BSN, and MSN in Nursing Education.

Since its launch in 2023, the program has served over 70 nursing students, many of whom are first-generation college students or working adults balancing school, jobs, and families. LEAP’s success is grounded in its comprehensive support model, which provides academic coaching, leadership development, and financial assistance to help students thrive in rigorous healthcare programs.

What sets LEAP apart is its strong foundation in community collaboration. The program is made possible through dynamic partnerships with local healthcare providers, educational institutions, and workforce development organizations. These alliances ensure that LEAP is aligned with regional healthcare needs, enhances clinical training opportunities, and supports job placement for graduates in high-need areas. Community partners also contribute through guest lectures, clinical preceptorships, internship sites, and collaborative grant efforts, deepening the program’s impact beyond the university.

With additional philanthropic investment, Southeastern aims to expand the reach of LEAP for Nurses by strengthening community partnerships, increasing student scholarships, and broadening access to evidence-based academic coaching. Supporting LEAP is more than a gift to education; it’s a commitment to building a resilient, compassionate, and community-rooted nursing workforce for Louisiana.