Founded by Executive Director, Johnnie Wallace, Jr., The Eastside CDC was commissioned by Promise Chapel Ministries in November of 1998 to address the economic, limited leisure time activity for young people, and housing concerns of residents on the east side and the Druid Hills Neighborhood of Charlotte. By June 2000, it became a North Carolina & IRS Non-profit Organization. On December 13, 2007,
the core services became officially known as LEAP-Learning, Enrichment and Achievement Programs. Since 2007, LEAP has provided unique summer business enrichment camp programs for urban students desiring exposure to rigorous career education experiences that are otherwise unavailable to them. The 200 plus participants in these camps have gone on to become high achievers in high school and many are now enrolled in college. LEAP “Prepares Today’s Youth for Tomorrow’s Careers” by providing year- round experiential programs for urban students. We connect well established business enterprises to middle school students in order to create career development experiences that enrich minds while promoting dreams and creating future opportunities. LEAP is a 501c3 organization and relies on private and corporate funding in order to sustain. Last year, donations helped sponsor deserving students, purchase new books for the business library collection, fund field trips, purchased meals, supported financial literacy programs and provided soft recreational activities. In-kind donations and service projects renovated camp site classrooms, and networked computers. Without the generosity and support of our sponsors none of this would be possible.
