With this fund, LEAF will eliminate all extracurricular activity fees for middle school students in District 742 for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school year. We need to raise a total of $100,000. By removing financial barriers, we seek to significantly increase participation in a wide range of activities—including sports, arts, music, and robotics. This initiative enhances students’ sense of belonging and engagement within the school community, while also preparing them for future success in education and the workplace. It also fosters critical skills such as teamwork, leadership, and community involvement.

Numerous studies indicate that students involved in extracurricular activities have higher GPAs, better attendance, lower dropout rates, and fewer disciplinary issues. They also experience lower rates of drug use and teen pregnancy. These benefits are particularly pronounced for disadvantaged students. A study in the Harvard Educational Review highlights that participation in extracurriculars can significantly benefit disadvantaged students, sometimes even more than their more advantaged peers.

In District 742, many students face challenges:

• 10% experience homelessness
• 66% are on free or reduced lunch, with some schools as high as 96%
• 25% speak English as a second language
• 35% receive special education services

By eliminating the $80 per-activity fee, we will remove a substantial barrier to participation for all students. While students qualifying for free or reduced lunch currently pay reduced fees, they still face costs of $20 or $40 per activity. This initiative will ensure that all students, regardless of their financial situation, can fully participate and thrive in their school community.