Live Extended Education Program (LEEP)
Funding Amount
$1,600 (2-week); $2,900 (4-week)
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Grant Type
foundation
Overview
Live Extended Education Program (LEEP)
Status: Currently on hold. Subscribe for updates on website.
Overview: LEEP is an immersive, multi-week residential program combining rigorous coursework, community service, and transformational experience. Participants spend 2-4 weeks at Esalen engaging in thematic study, service to the community, and personal growth work.
- Duration: 2-week or 4-week options
- Format: Residential; participants live on campus in dorm-style housing
- Housing: 4 LEEP students per room, gender-inclusive
Program Structure
Key Pillars
1. Study: Thematic, rigorous course of study led by world-class faculty 2. Service: Required service hours each week in operational departments 3. Transformation: Through direct experience and community living 4. Connection: Living and learning in cohort-based community- Daily deep dives led by world-class faculty
- Areas of study: Gestalt practices, massage, somatics, yoga, leadership, and more
- Structured thematic curriculum
Study Component
- Required service hours each week
- Assignments to core operational departments
- Projects focused on campus beautification and maintenance across 120 acres
- Possible work areas: kitchen, housekeeping/CABinS (Conscious Aware Beings in Service), grounds
- Physical activity expected; campus is rugged
Service Component
- Open to individuals seeking personal and professional growth
- Ideal for those in life transitions, between jobs, post-retirement
- Target audiences: Those going through breakups/divorce, seeking career changes, wanting seasonal experiences
- Ages 18+
Eligibility
- 2-week program: $1,600 total
- 4-week program: $2,900 total
- Non-refundable application fee: $20 (applied to deposit if accepted)
- Deposit (2-week): $480 non-refundable
- Deposit (4-week): $870 non-refundable
- Includes: Housing, meals, full access to property (hot springs baths), workshop
Tuition & Fees
- Scholarships available for those demonstrating financial need
Financial Aid
- Based in Big Sur, CA (120 acres on central California coast)
- Rural, rugged environment
- No nearby shopping or services; closest major town is Monterey (~1 hour)
Geographic Scope
- Dorm-style housing
- All meals
- Full access to campus facilities including hot springs baths
- Faculty-led workshops and coursework
- Community living experience
What's Included
- Phone: US: 1-831-667-3000
- Email: info@esalen.org
- Address: Esalen Institute, 55000 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Contact Information
- Program on hold; check website for updates
- Physical accommodations vary; some involve climbing multiple flights of stairs
- Designed for personal transformation and skill development
- Community-driven, cohort-based model
Additional Notes
How to Apply
Application Process
1. Click "Apply Now" on LEEP program page
2. Submit Application Materials:
- Pay $20 non-refundable application fee
- Complete application form
3. Upon Acceptance:
- Submit non-refundable deposit ($480 for 2-week; $870 for 4-week)
- Deposit holds your space in the program
4. Processing: Allow time for review
- Demonstration of interest in personal growth and transformation
- Ability to commit to full program duration
- Willingness to engage in service work
- Physical capability for physically demanding work in rural environment
Application Requirements
- $20 application fee (non-refundable)
- Deposit (non-refundable)
- Full tuition payment
- Scholarship applications available for those with financial need
Financial Obligations
- Currently on hold; subscribe for notification when applications reopen
- Applications must be received within specified deadlines prior to program start
Additional Notes
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