Who We Are?
Leonard Education Organization (LE.O) is a US 501(c)(3) registered charity whose mission is to support underserved Palestinian students from the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Jordan and beyond. We help them reach universities they otherwise couldn’t access. We do this by matching them with existing scholarships at institutions worldwide, covering critical financial gaps, and giving each student personal, steady guidance and mentorship from the moment they apply until long after they graduate.
What this really means: students who grew up with almost no opportunities suddenly find themselves studying engineering, medicine, policy, AI, law, and other fields at leading universities around the world. Many become mentors, leaders, and community builders for the next generation.
Why We Exist?
Students in our regions of focus face war, occupation, displacement, legal restrictions, and deep financial barriers. Talent isn’t the issue, access is. LE.O steps in to even the playing field. We help students not just get into university but succeed there.
How We Select our Students?
Our applicants come from various avenues including direct applications, referrals from alumni, current students or partner organizations. The applicant fills our application form which asks them about their qualifications including grades, extracurriculars, family background, financial need… Then we vet these applicants utilizing our extensive connections in each country as well as run them and their immediate family through the OFAC list. If the student fulfils our criteria, we invite them for interviews with senior alumni and our executive director.
How We Support Students?
Scholarships and gap funding
– Full or partial tuition support (home countries, MENA region)
– Matching with existing scholarships at international universities and filling funding gaps when needed
– Living expenses, health insurance, visa fees, travel, laptops, books, and housing
– Matching donor funds whenever possible to stretch support further
Personalized guidance
– University application mentorship, essay support, interview prep
– Academic advising and emotional support
– 24/7 care for emergencies, transitions, and major life moments
Community and lifelong mentorship
– A global network of LE.O alumni, volunteers, board advisors, host families, and partner institutions
– Cultural orientation, webinars, career coaching, job placement support