The HSC Foundation operates two awards programs—one designed to enrich the lives of youth and young adults with disabilities and chronic illnesses in the expanded Washington, DC metropolitan area, and one that recognizes a young person who has distinguished themselves through their professional or personal contributions in the area of disability.

LEAP

The purpose of the Life Enrichment Awards Program or LEAP is to enrich the lives of youth and young adults with disabilities and chronic illnesses in the expanded Washington, DC metropolitan area by providing goods and services that are directly linked to youth transitions through a network of community partners. LEAP is a program of the HSC Health Care System and is administered by The HSC Foundation. LEAP is part of the Foundation's Youth Transition Initiative.

2008 LEAP Awards

The following are a few stories (not all) of the 2008 LEAP Awardees

• Nicole Lynn Martin
• Darchelle Watson
• James Jones
• Adam Toobin
• John Mascaro
• Lawrence Collins

Overview of LEAP/DOK awards in previous years

Advocates in Disability Awards (ADA)

The Advocates in Disability Award is part of The HSC Foundation’s Youth Transitions Initiative.

The purpose of the ADA program is to award and encourage a young individual with a disability between the ages of 14 and 26, who has dedicated him/herself to positively affecting the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

The Advocates in Disability Award is a program of the HSC Foundation, funded in part by the Sarah Beth Coyote Foundation. The selected recipient is awarded a total of $10,000 in recognition of his/her past disability advocacy and a proposed program focused on empowering individuals with disabilities. Of the $10,000 award, $7,000 must go directly to support the recipient’s proposed program.

The program seeks a deserving young person who has distinguished him/herself through contributions in the area of disability. Some examples of qualified applicants could include (but are not limited to): a student who is advocating for equal access to quality education, a young professional educating an employer about workplace accommodations, or a young person advocating for better policies and legislation for people with disabilities. This person does not have to be a “professional” advocate, but should be effectively working to make a difference. The ADA seeks to recognize and award individuals who are advocates through their deep belief and commitment to the inclusion and empowerment of all people with disabilities.

Applicants must reside in the Washington, DC metropolitan area at the time of application submission and recipient selection. Students who are attending school or who are interning in the area are eligible to apply.

Overview of awards in previous years

Grantees

Support to community-based organizations that distribute goods and services through the LEAP Awards to their clients who are transitioning youth.

Abilities Network
Community Bridges
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center
Pediatric AIDS/HIV Care, Inc.
Prince George's Tennis & Education Foundation, Inc.
Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic Of Metropolitan Washington
The Arc of Southern Maryland
The Center for Adoption Support and Education, Inc.
The Coordinating Center
The National Center for Children and Families - Adolescent Services Division
The National Center for Children and Families - Community Based Services Division
The SEED Public Charter School of Washington, DC
TransCen, Inc.
The Washington Center