Rhonda Thomas, third from right, LEAP Forward Inc. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) participants.
Prince Frederick, MD – Rhonda Thomas will never forget the encounter she had with Calvert High School (CHS) Vocational Guidance Counselor Wallace Lorenzo Leeper just weeks before she was scheduled to graduate. According to Thomas, Leeper asked her about her plans for her future. Thomas told the counselor she would be going to college to study journalism and become a teacher. However, Leeper convinced her that science and math would provide Thomas with a better career path.
Leeper, who started his teaching career at Calvert’s Brooks High School, helped Thomas apply for the Pax-Tenn Program, a cooperative education program providing minority students with college funding and employment at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Thomas would be one of over 20 Calvert County students who went on to earn degrees and hold a career in the engineering field thanks to Pax-Tenn and Leeper’s guiding hand.
Wallace Leeper only lived into his early 40s. His picture is on the CHS wall as part of the school’s Hall of Fame. It was nearly 20 years ago—20 years after Leeper’s death–that Thomas began a nonprofit organization that has expanded the guidance counselor’s legacy.
Thomas—who holds a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Tennessee State University, a master of science (MS) in system management from the University of Southern California and a MS in systems engineering from the University of Pennsylvania—started Launching Educational Assistance Programs (LEAP) Forward Inc. in 1998. The 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization encourages and exposes youth to careers involving science and math with an emphasis on engineering. “I think that’s where the jobs are,” Thomas told TheBayNet.com.
In a synopsis posted on LEAP Forward Inc.’s web site, the organization works to provide educational and financial assistance to economically disadvantaged youth. “Our kids come from the community,” said Thomas, who explained LEAP Forward has a tutor/mentoring program for youth, which is set up at Carroll Western United Methodist Church in Prince Frederick. “Sometimes, parents whose child needs some help call me.”
Thomas explained that LEAP Forward belongs to the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), which is comprised of students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, college students and professionals. The local NSBE chapter currently has about 50 members. “We meet monthly,” said Thomas. “I expose them to other speakers in the field. The presenters do ‘hands-on’ demonstrations.”
Recently, Calvert resident Chris Stephens of the National Safety Transportation Board (NSTB) addressed the NSBE chapter and conducted a drone design competition as part of his hands-on demonstration. Another recent presenter was the Federal Aviation Administration’s Al Jefferson, a former air traffic controller, who spoke about the science of aviation and all the moving parts of an airport. Jefferson did a runway simulation for the group. In November Thomas said the group will receive a presentation from a biomedical engineer.
Money raised by the organization “pays for transportation, hands-on activities, out-of-town conferences, the purchase of reference books, to help pay for travel costs to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) competitions and the awarding of 16 scholarships annually.” The grants range from $500 to $1,000.
As for how LEAP Forward raises money, Thomas stated, “I beg a lot.” She explained that last year 60 percent of LEAP Forward’s funds came from donors. “They are small donations but they all add up,” said Thomas. Grants are also awarded to the organization. One of the larger grants last year—$10,000—was given by Dominion.
The students involved in LEAP Forward also get involved with fundraising—organizing car washes, promotions at local restaurants such as Applebee’s and the sale of popcorn. Thomas said the students are talking about possibly organizing a 5 kilometer race in the future.
While the engineering field is highly competitive, Thomas stated that LEAP Forward has seen several success stories, with at least one Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate among the previous program participants and others who have found careers in such flourishing fields as information technology. Thomas said LEAP Forward aids students in finding internships and jobs, and reviews resumes.
Thomas explained LEAP Forward has a small board and she works fulltime in addition to running the organization she founded.
“I want people to live up to their potential,” she said. “I believe people have a purpose with God.”
To learn more about LEAP Forward Inc., visit their web site.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com