Project LEAP UP Overview

Project LEAP UP supports in-service teachers (K–12, including Special Education) by providing ESL and Bilingual professional development, including:

• Graduate coursework
• Workshops
• Test preparation
• Tutoring

Funding:

• The grant covers tuition for the 4 graduate courses required for the ESL or Bilingual Education certificate (Structured Coursework pathway)
• Books and state exam fees are also included
• Courses may also count toward a master’s degree for teachers wishing to continue their education

Note: The grant covers only the 4 courses required for certification.

Pathways for Participation

Pre-Application Meeting:

• Prospective participants can meet with us before submitting their application
• Options: in-person, Zoom, or phone call
• Provides a detailed program explanation and answers questions

Application Timeline:

• Applications are for the Summer 2026 semester
• Must be received by April 30th to begin in the summer semester

Eligibility:

• Open to all in-service teachers, including those with a waiver

Application Process:

• Submit through the UTEP Graduate School website
• $45 application fee (reimbursable once accepted)
• Required documents:
  • Resume
  • Written statement of purpose describing personal and professional goals
  • Transcripts from all previous colleges/universities

After Submission:

• Applications are reviewed
• Accepted participants complete consent forms

Program Structure:

• Participants take four courses (2 per semester)
• Tuition, books, and state exam fees are covered

Test Preparation Workshops

• Offered monthly (one session per month)
• Includes test preparation materials
• Covers state exam and certification fees

This structure allows teachers to either pursue the Structured Coursework pathway toward a certificate/master’s degree or participate in workshops for test preparation.

Currently, five school districts are participating in Project LEAP UP: El Paso, Ysleta, Socorro, Fabens, and Canutillo. Over the past three years, 150 teachers have been certified in either Bilingual Education or ESL through our grant.