L.E.O. Program™ (Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Opportunity)

L.E.O. Program™ Overview

Program Name: L.E.O. Program™ (Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Opportunity)

Geographic Scope: New Jersey high schools (currently at Don Bosco Prep, Mount Saint Dominic Academy, and West Side High School in Newark)

Program Focus: A transformative two-year business and entrepreneurship program for high school juniors and seniors designed to develop leadership skills, entrepreneurial mindset, and real-world business experience.

Core Pillars

• Leadership: Empowering students to inspire and make an impact
• Entrepreneurship: Encouraging innovation and using business as a force for good
• Opportunity: Connecting students with industry professionals and real-world experiences

Program Components

• Selective admission process (online application and questionnaire)
• Two-semester business-focused curriculum
• Mentor coach guidance and team-based learning
• Development of business models from ideation to investor pitch
• Summer Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.
• Site visits to companies of various sizes
• Shark Tank-style pitch competition (LionWorks/Riderworks)
• Scholarship awards for winning business ideas
• Internship opportunities available
• Networking with industry leaders and professionals

Eligibility

• High school juniors and seniors
• Demonstrated motivation and drive
• Rigorous selection process required
• Currently offered at partner schools: Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, NJ), Mount Saint Dominic Academy (West Essex, NJ), and West Side High School (Newark, NJ)

Award Details

• College Scholarships: Awarded to winners of the Shark Tank competition
• Internships: Available on case-by-case basis

Program History

• Dedicated to the memory of Leonidas "Leo" Vagias (Don Bosco Prep alumnus, passed away 2016)
• Created to honor Leo's legacy of leadership, entrepreneurship, and service
• 8th cohort at Don Bosco Prep (as of November 2024)
• 6th cohort at Mount Saint Dominic Academy (as of October 2024)
• Inaugural cohort at West Side High School (launched October 2024 with significant endowment)

Schools Offering L.E.O. Program

1. Don Bosco Preparatory High School (Ramsey, NJ) - 8th cohort as of 11/2024
2. Mount Saint Dominic Academy (West Essex, NJ) - First all-girls school selected, 6th cohort as of 10/2024
3. West Side High School (Newark, NJ) - Inaugural cohort launched 10/2024 with significant endowment

Contact Information

The Leonidas Foundation™

• Address: 450 Anderson Ave, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010
• Phone: 201-497-0080
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: leouniteus.org
• EIN: 81-3116420 (501(c)(3) non-profit)

What They Fund

• Extracurricular activities for students
• Leadership and entrepreneurship courses
• Retreats and conferences
• Mentorship programs
• Student internships
• Scholarships for competition winners
• Site visits and professional networking opportunities

Additional Notes

• Program emphasizes critical thinking, public speaking, and creative problem solving
• Teams typically include roles: CEO, CFO, CTO/CIO, CMO
• Students develop minimum viable products and business/marketing plans
• Program values Leo's spirit of goodness and caring for peers

How to Apply to the L.E.O. Program

Application Process:

1. Submit Online Application
   • Complete online application form available through your school
   • Answer questionnaire to demonstrate motivation and qualifications
   • Application deadlines typically in spring (for fall admission)
2. Selection Process
   • Highly selective program
   • Qualified and motivated students vetted based on application materials
   • Academic and personal qualities evaluated
   • Students develop valuable life skills throughout the selection process including critical thinking and public speaking
3. Induction Ceremony
   • Selected students are "pinned" in recognition of admission
   • Formal ceremony held at school
   • Students receive welcome and orientation from program leadership
4. Program Participation
   • Two-semester commitment
   • Team formation (typically 4 roles per team: CEO, CFO, CTO/CIO, CMO)
   • Complete business curriculum coursework
   • Attend mentor coaching sessions
   • Participate in required events and site visits

Required Materials

• Completed online application form
• Questionnaire responses
• Demonstration of motivation and leadership potential
• Academic standing at participating school

Application Timeline

• Typically opens in fall/early spring
• Deadline approximately spring (for next academic year cohort)
• Induction ceremonies held in fall of following year

Contact for More Information

Contact your school's L.E.O. Program coordinator or:

• The Leonidas Foundation
• Phone: 201-497-0080
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: leouniteus.org

Note: Application process and deadlines may vary by school. Contact your specific school's L.E.O. Program coordinator (e.g., Mr. John Esposito at Don Bosco Prep, Dr. Karen D'Avino at Mount Saint Dominic Academy, Mr. Jamal Smith at West Side High School) for school-specific application details.