The Leander Educational Excellence Foundation (LEEF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to enriching the educational experience for Leander Independent School District students and staff by expanding opportunities, cultivating success and building community. LEEF is working toward a future where the needs of all LISD students and staff are met.
LEEF was founded in 2007 by a group of volunteers who anticipated the district’s growth and understood that state funding was not enough to meet the needs of our students and staff. They recognized that additional resources would be critical to support innovation, enrichment and equity in pursuit of academic excellence throughout the district.
LEEF currently has a staff of four employees and a Board of Directors made up of 16 individuals who work with Leander ISD and community organizations to help achieve district-aligned goals and objectives. What began as a $17,000 foundation is now a $784,000 foundation with a vision to become a $1,000,000 foundation by 2025.
Leander ISD employees make up the largest group of LEEF’s monthly givers, giving back over $54,000 to LEEF during the 2023-24 school year.
LEEF funds a variety of district programs and student services, including:
- Innovative, Collaborative and Professional Development Grants for LISD staff
- Student assistance for Advanced Placement (AP) exams and dual credit textbooks
- STEM programs, including INCubator
- College and Career coaches dedicated to helping students at every high school campus navigate the college enrollment process or life after high school
- Literacy initiatives that prioritize students reading at a 3rd grade level by 3rd grade
- Mental health services, including full-time mental health specialists serving across LISD’s high school campuses
- Support for special education programs, fine arts, entrepreneurial programs and more
In addition to participating in many district and community events, LEEF hosts three events during the year: The Leander ISD State of the District (in conjunction with the Leander Chamber of Commerce and Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce), the LEEF Gala and the STAR Awards Banquet.
