Leap Scholarship Initiative: Celebrating Student Voices in 2025
Leap is excited to reveal the winners of its annual Live and Learn Scholarship, a program aimed at supporting students from various housing communities. This initiative is part of Leap's commitment to enhancing affordable student living through financial assistance. In 2025, Leap awarded an impressive total of $50,000 in scholarships to those who articulated their perspectives on the significance of affordable student housing and the connection between housing and mental wellness.
Scholarship Overview and Topics
The Live and Learn Scholarship encouraged students to submit essays addressing one of two crucial themes:
Exploring Affordable Student Housing
Students were invited to explore the financial challenges that hinder access to affordable housing and propose innovative solutions.
Community Mental Well-being in Housing
This topic focused on examining how student housing can impact mental health and ways to create supportive environments.
Winners and Awards
This year, over 250 students submitted their essays for consideration. The top 25 entries were meticulously evaluated by the Leap Student Housing Advisory Board, composed of prominent figures in the student housing industry. The winners were chosen based on their creativity, insights, and real-life experiences.
2025 Scholarship Winners
$15,000 Grand Prize Winner: A student studying Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences at Auburn University, who resides at The Beacon, a Campus Advantage property.
$10,000 Scholarship Winner: A student pursuing Electrical and Computer Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, living in Kinetic, managed by The Cardinal Group.
$5,000 Scholarship Winners:
- An MBA (Finance) student at the University of Maryland, College Park, residing in Yugo College Park University Club, operated by Yugo.
- A Business Analytics graduate student at Trine University, living in The Village at Chandler Crossing, managed by Pierce Education Properties.
- An Epidemiology student at Texas A&M University, living in Woodlands Apartments, an Asset Living property.
$2,500 Scholarship Winners:
- A Criminal Justice student at Florida Atlantic University, residing in University Park, managed by Article Student Living.
- A Materials Science student at the University of Cincinnati, living in Yugo Cincinnati Deacon, operated by Yugo.
- An Epidemiology student at Georgia Southern University, residing in Market 100, managed by The Preiss Company.
- A Management Information Systems student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, living in The Degree, managed by The Cardinal Group.
Pushing for Better Housing Access
Leap's commitment to facilitating accessible student housing is evident through initiatives such as the Live and Learn Scholarship. By providing necessary financial support and uplifting student voices, Leap aims to influence discussions surrounding affordability and community engagement in student living environments.
Students’ experiences in housing go beyond mere accommodation; they play a crucial role in shaping academic success, mental health, and a sense of community. One of the recipients eloquently expressed how their housing situation has impacted their life journey:
"Reflecting on my own journey, I see student housing as more than just a place to live—it serves as a foundation for my academic and personal growth." — Grand Prize Winner of the Leap Live and Learn Scholarship
Partnership for Student Success
Through collaborative efforts with leading housing providers, Leap remains dedicated to helping students discover housing options that support their educational success.
"Safe and quality housing is essential for both academic performance and personal well-being," stated Rory O'Connell, CEO at Leap. "The experiences shared by our scholarship recipients will be vital in shaping future housing policies and best practices in the industry."
About Leap
Leap Insurance Agency, LLC. stands as a premier provider of innovative occupancy and risk management solutions tailored for the student housing, multifamily, and single-family rental markets. Our mission is to make renting straightforward and accessible. By fostering robust partnerships with landlords and property management systems, Leap streamlines the rental experience and expands its reach through embedded collaborations. Currently, Leap serves over 3,000,000 residences across the United States and the UK.
For inquiries regarding the Live and Learn Scholarship or Leap's initiatives in student housing, please reach out to James Zhong at james@leapeasy.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Live and Learn Scholarship?
The Live and Learn Scholarship aims to support students residing in certain housing communities by providing financial assistance and amplifying their voices regarding student housing issues.
Who judges the scholarship entries?
Entries are evaluated by the Leap Student Housing Advisory Board, which consists of industry leaders in the student housing sector.
How many submissions were received this year?
This year, over 250 students submitted their essays for consideration in the scholarship program.
What are the main topics students focused on for their essays?
Students focused on two main themes: affordable student housing and the impact of student housing on community and mental well-being.
How does Leap contribute to better student housing?
Leap invests in initiatives like scholarships that promote affordability and well-being, while also partnering with leading providers to improve housing solutions for students.
