Caltech’s LEAP Initiative Helps Bridge Educational Equity Gap in Underfunded Schools – Pasadena Now

Caltech making strides in educational equity and sustainability through its Lab Equipment Access Program (LEAP), a Caltech Y initiative. The program, which is currently accepting donations of used lab equipment such as hot plates, micropipettes, and pH meters, aims to address resource gaps in underfunded schools1.

LEAP’s mission is to provide students from underfunded schools with the same learning opportunities as their more economically advantaged peers. 

The program was established by biology graduate student Peiwei Chen after a discussion with bioengineering undergraduate Suchitra Dara1. Dara, a standout science student in middle and high school, experienced firsthand the limitations of a school with a restricted budget.

The program’s efforts have already seen significant success. In early 2022, LEAP received 302 pieces of lab equipment, computer monitors, and keyboards, which were then donated to Dara’s alma mater1. Subsequent equipment drives have supported high schools and community colleges in California’s Central Valley.

This term’s equipment drive will support Van Nuys and SOAR high schools, Title 1 institutions that serve low-income communities. Van Nuys science teacher Dana Hung hopes to add a biotechnology class to the school’s science, technology, and mathematics magnet program with the help of donations from LEAP.

Chen emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning in science education and expresses concern about the disparity in access to science equipment across school districts1. “How many future scientists are we missing because of this?” Chen asks1.

The local community has shown strong support for LEAP. In addition to equipment donations, the Caltech Y and LEAP are also accepting cash donations from campus community members and local businesses1. The LEAP Project is partially supported by the Harris-Bacor Family Foundation.