Our Mission

Panther LEAP endeavors to create a learning community that fosters self-discovery, authenticity, and growth for all participants through a critical examination and expansion of their philosophy of leadership. Participants are engaged in a personal, purposeful, and collaborative learning process so that each LEAPer is able to impact positive social change for the creation of a socially just world.

Check Out Fall 2019’s Capstone Presentations

“We had over 400 applicants this semester, out of which 300 were selected to be part of Panther LEAP, of which only 215 graduated. So congratulations on reaching this milestone Fall 2020 graduates!”

-Prithak Chowdhury

 

Wondering If Panther LEAP Is For You?

There are many opportunities available for students who complete our program! Panther LEAP is a requirement for all students interested in applying for a Housing leadership role. The positions you can apply for after graduating from LEAP include:

  • Resident Assistant (RA)
  • Senior Resident Assistant (SRA)
  • Panther LEAP Mentor
  • Resident Hall Association e-board
  • Learning Community Assistant (LCA)

and many more!

Information On Community Engagement

The community engagement opportunity is designed to help expose participants to various issues and needs of the greater Atlanta community. The community engagement is intended to be a practical experiment where participants can learn what social change can look like.

Hey New Mentees!

Interested in learning about your mentors this semester? Click below to see more out about them.

 

Capstone Guide

Ready to start working on your capstone presentation? Check out our Capstone Project prompt and examples of presentations completed by some of our past mentees.

Click Here!

Hear From Our Graduates

We asked mentees at the end of the program, how was your Panther LEAP experience? Here is what they had to say →

“Panther LEAP really creates a judgement free environment where everyone can share their thoughts and perspectives equally. Everybody’s opinions and comments are heard and even the mentors are open to having dialogue and listening. It’s the only program that I think really focused on the connections in the group.”

– Indigo Charles | Dec. 8, 2019

“My experience in the program was amazing. I wouldn’t have been able to meet the people I have and become apart of this family if it hadn’t been for Panther LEAP. #TeamICY” 

-Colin Nicholas | December 8, 2019

One thing I believe the program provided me, is the opportunity of viewing different perspectives by integrating me with a group of diverse people, as well as a chance of learning how to become a more capable leader. My favorite part of the program was bonding with my cohort during moments such as icebreakers. In those moments we were more than a group of peers, we felt like a family.

– Anonymous | Dec. 8, 2019

“I thoroughly enjoyed the Panther LEAP program. The most memorable part of this program was the Friendsgiving we put together. My favorite part of the program was making different connections with each and every person in our cohort.” 

– Ryun Crawford | Dec. 8, 2019

“I truly enjoyed Panther LEAP. Nearly every session managed to be interesting or thought-provoking in some way, and the entire program helped me reconsider how I view aspects of life and society, mainly in terms of leadership.”

– Nazerete Belai | Dec. 8, 2019

“My favorite part of the program was volunteering with my cohort. The volunteering activity itself was so fun and amazing with the kids but being able to do it with people I had known for weeks and with knew people from different cohorts was fun. I loved meeting different people from Panther LEAP because we all managed to form a connection despite our differences.”

– Qubilah Montgomery | Dec. 8, 2019

“My favorite part about Panther LEAP was the bond that was created within my cohort. Starting from the first day, we all just became a family. The support that we give each other and the care that we show each other is unmatched. I am forever thankful for that.” 

– Mansi Dabas | Dec. 8, 2019

“Something that I got out of Panther LEAP was being able to step out of my comfort zone with public speaking and the ability to meet new people as well as having a voice. The program allowed me to speak my mind in a judge free environment as well as overcome my shyness of public speaking.”

– Maddie Bradford | Dec. 8, 2019

“I truly enjoyed Panther LEAP. Nearly every session managed to be interesting or thought-provoking in some way, and the entire program helped me reconsider how I view aspects of life and society, mainly in terms of leadership.”

– Nazerete Belai | Dec. 8, 2019

Something I got out of this experience was being more open and accepting of people. Normally I may not have actually had a chance to interact with many of the people in my cohort, but being in Panther Leap allowed me to understand people’s thought process from a variety of backgrounds.

– Morgan Ward | Dec. 8, 2019

My favorite part was the people. Not even just our cohort, but the mentors that we had as well. It was nice being able to interact with so many people of different backgrounds and different personalities. It allowed me to come out of my comfort zone a lot.

– Jenna Yelder | Dec. 8, 2019

“My favorite part of the program was meeting everyone in my cohort. I was very skeptical because I didn’t know anyone walking into it, but I met so many amazing people along the way and have built true and genuine bonds with my cohort leaders and everyone! I’m truly happy I decided to fall through with everything.”

– Chelsea Mbah | Dec. 8, 2019

“My favorite part of the program was being able to learn and understand what my definition of a leader is and how to use that in my day to day life.”

– Zaria Barnes | Dec. 8, 2019

“I absolutely loved my experience in Panther LEAP, a great way to become a true panther and highly recommend for all transfer students! Memorable because the moments I experienced are ones that can’t be replaced. My favorite part was the memories and the people I met that I’ll never forget throughout life. I got a safe space to deeply think and talk about topics that aren’t easy for may to speak on in our everyday lives.”

– Karl Vincent | Dec. 8, 2019

Overall, I did enjoy my experience with Panther LEAP, and the thing that made it the most memorable was meeting some like-minded people. My favorite part about this program was that I realized some of my strengths that had applications in leadership positions, and that I could put them to use in ways that I never thought of before. The thing that I got in LEAP that I don’t think I could have gotten elsewhere is the opportunity to possibly become an RA, and be in a leadership position in GSU in a process of learning in which I could have made this many friends

– O Ferguson | Dec. 8, 2019

My favorite part was being able to be in a community. Going into my freshman year, I thought I would not be able to connect with people. This program also allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and learn about leadership and working etiquettes.

– Michelle Tran | Dec. 8, 2019

“I enjoyed getting to know amazing people like the ones in my cohort. My cohort was like my family and they taught me how to accept other opinions, beliefs, and ideals that are unlike mine in order to understand where people are coming from; much better than I could before. They taught me that you can be opinionated, but you can also respect other’s beliefs, that there’s more than just one type of leader, and that it’s okay to be different and stand out. And that it’s okay to stand by who and what defines me as a person. Most importantly, this program has given me people I will love and care for a lifetime. “

– Persephone Austin | Dec. 8, 2019

“In University Housing, we strongly believe that all our residents are leaders! Building leadership skills is an integral part of your GSU experience and we are excited to bring this opportunity to YOU!”

Prithak Chowdhury

Assistant Director of Residential Community Development

University Housing

Graduate Assistant for Residential Leadership & Civic Engagement

University Housing