CAREER & COLLEGE
PLANNING STARTS HERE
LEAF’s mission is to empower learners to plan for their future through career, education, and financial aid advisory services.
THE POSTSECONDARY OUTLOOK
ISSUES OUR STUDENTS FACE
The rising cost of college and changes in workforce demands have resulted in more and more students looking for alternatives to a four-year bachelor's degree.
Paying for college continues to be a burden for students and families, who are typically faced with the need to take out substantial loans to finance their education.
Students often miss opportunities for financial aid and scholarships due to misconceptions about eligibility and the complexities of the financial aid process.
OUR SOLUTIONS
HOW LEAF CAN HELP
At LEAF, we understand that figuring out your next steps after high school can be overwhelming. That’s why our advisors are prepared to guide students through all phases of postsecondary planning, from exploring careers and searching for the right postsecondary education or training program to navigating the ever-changing financial aid process.
LEAF has been partnering with local high schools to help students plan for their future for more than 30 years. With advisors in over 20 high schools across Northeast Ohio, we look forward to helping this next generation map out their pathway to success.
A STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE
WHAT SETS US APART
Our advisory team is LEAF’s greatest asset with backgrounds in education, counseling, and the non-profit sector working directly with students and families. Our advisors are committed to continuous training to stay up-to-date on the latest changes in college admission and financial aid and are well-versed in technical career pathways, military options, and workforce readiness for students seeking alternatives to a two- or four-year degree. LEAF is invested in the success of future generations and is eager to provide relevant, timely, caring service to help students set their career plans in motion.
TESTIMONIALS
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY ABOUT LEAF
“If my high school
didn’t have a LEAF Advisor, I would have been so lost
with college costs and the college journey, both before and after applying to schools.”
Emma Kerr, Mayfield High School
“My LEAF Advisor has been amazing in supporting me through my college journey, and I am very thankful my school offers this program.”
Ivana Cmeljesevic, Lake Catholic High School
“I'm glad that I talked to my advisor every step of the way, and I am thankful for how realistic she was when talking about college costs and ways to lessen them.”
Lily Waters,
Mentor High School
“My LEAF advisor was incredibly helpful. She guided me through the entire college process, answered any questions I had, and gave me scholarships opportunities. I’m beyond grateful for her and this program.”
Gabby Manzo,
Lake Catholic High School
Thank you to the Western Reserve Junior Service League for providing funding to help make the 2024 redesign of this website possible.
LEAF would also like to thank our 2026-27 University Partners for their continued support:
