Mission: We link students to resources that open doors to higher education.

The Lake /Geauga Educational Assistance Foundation (LEAF) provides access information about post-secondary educational opportunities and supports workforce development in Lake and Geauga Counties through a broad range of financial aid and advisory programs. We encourage all individuals to meet their highest potential through education, thereby enhancing the quality of their lives and strengthening the regional economy. To fulfill this mission we work to increase:

• The number of students in Lake and Geauga Counties who receive one-on-one counseling regarding post-secondary opportunities
• The number of adult learners returning to school in northeast Ohio.

We provide college access services to Lake and Geauga residents interested in enrolling in four-year universities, community colleges, and vocational and technical programs. Our programs offer:

• Academic planning for higher education
• Financial aid advising and resources
• Last Dollar Grants
• College advising and resources
• Career advising and opportunities research
• Administration of community scholarships
• Resource Center

During the academic year 2004-2005, our advisors worked with students on-site at 18 schools: 10 Lake County public schools, 7 Geauga county public schools and 1 parochial high school. Our advisors also worked with adults and non-traditional students at our Resource Center. We advise non-traditional students, adults and college students throughout the year. The Resource Center is free and open by appointment.

Whom do we serve?

We serve Lake and Geauga residents of all ages. Each year we assist approximately:

• 4,800 high school students through our high school advisory program
• 150 non-traditional students and adults through our Adult Learner program and Resource Center
• 484 students and parents with the filing of electronic FAFSA forms

We have provided or assisted with:

• $14,237 in waivers to students in 2004-2005
• $14,300 in Last Dollar Grants in 2004-2005
• $10,500 awarded to students through administered Scholarships in 2004-2005
• $5,308 awarded to 15 Adult Learners through Adult Last Dollar Grants in 2003-2004

We were founded in 1989 after a group of concerned community leaders in Lake County discovered that the primary reason that many capable students were not continuing their education was that these young people and their families believed they could not afford the cost of college. In 2003, we were recognized as the Ohio College Access Network’s best-established program.

For more information on the Lake/Geauga Educational Assistance Foundation, write to:

Ms. Maryann Dwyer
Executive Director
Lake/Geauga Educational Assistance Foundation
8221 Auburn Road
Concord, OH 44077
Phone: (440) 358-8045
Fax: (440) 358-8022
E-mail: mdwyer@leaf-ohio.org
Web site: www.leaf-ohio.org

College Access Program Map