Mannie L. Jackson Illinois Academic Enrichment and Leadership Program

Fighting Illini legend Mannie Jackson and family have donated $2 million to create the Mannie L. Jackson Illinois Academic Enrichment and Leadership Program (I-LEAP) in the College of Applied Health Sciences on the Urbana-Champaign campus.

The Mannie L. Jackson Illinois Academic Enrichment and Leadership Program will assist students from enrollment to graduation, equipping students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become successful in their chosen career field and for graduate school admission. I-LEAP serves all students, including student athletes, students that receive awards from the President Awards Program (PAP), Educational Opportunities Program (EOP), and the Illinois Promise, while focusing on first-generation students and those from underrepresented groups. The I-LEAP program seeks to provide an environment that encourages excellence, supports success, and fosters involvement. The Mannie L. Jackson Illinois Academic Enrichment and Leadership Program strives to become a model program for students throughout the University of Illinois.

Mission

The Mannie L. Jackson Illinois Academic Enrichment and Leadership Program (I-LEAP) is committed to providing a support and information base that validates the student experience and fosters a sense of belonging, engagement, and empowerment. Through bi-weekly one-on-one counseling, mentorship, tutoring, workshops, academic skills development, leadership training, and referrals to campus and community resources, we endeavor to maximize student success at the University of Illinois and within the campus community.

Program Highlights

First- year students will enroll in a specially designed course to prepare them for their remaining academic experience at Illinois. An Academic Skills Specialist will provide expertise in critical skills such as:

Program Specs:

• resume writing
• time management
• business etiquette
• campus and community networking

Workshops

As students progress, they will have access to leadership and professional development workshops provided at no charge.

MINDSET© Workshops

Students can attend a seven-part series to help them identify obstacles that might impede their academic progress. Skills discussed in the series include motivation, initiative, navigation, direction, study skills, expectation, and time management. Based on self assessments, students compose individual contracts to achieve academic success. Series sessions can be one-on-one or within a group.

AHS/DIA Tutoring

The College of AHS, in partnership with the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) has recruited AHS high-achieving students to tutor undergraduates within departmental courses. "Drop-In" hours are available: 7:00PM–10:00PM, every Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday in room 114, Huff Hall. Please see flier for details on courses available for tutoring.

Outreach

Students are invited to various college and cross-campus events including the alumni speaker series, social events, and presentations in the areas of career and professional development and graduate schools.

Class ILLINI

Students learn skills for independent living on the University of Illinois campus by attending Class ILLINI seminars. With assistance from an Academic Skill Specialist, students will select seminars according to personal interests. Some topics are:

List of Topics

• Dealing with roommate conflicts
• Creating a college budget
• Diversifying college activities
• Minors vs. double majors
• To be or not to be "pre-"

Mannie L. Jackson

• Bio (PDF)
• History (5MB PDF)
• Press Release
• Convocation Announcement

"With the help from the Mannie L. Jackson Illinois Academic Enrichment Leadership Program and the academic skill specialists, students do not feel like the little fish in the big ocean anymore, but rather a big fish making their way to the top."
--Christa Jalali, sophomore, Speech and Hearing Science

"My meetings with my academic skills specialist helped me acclimate to my new environment in college. She was someone I was comfortable talking to if I had questions or concerns regarding my classes or anything here at Illinois."
--Melissa Pedraza, sophomore, Kinesiology

Questions?
Email Sheri Shaw (217-333-4964), Director
Email Kirkshinta Turnipseed (217-333-0861), Academic Skill Specialist

The Mannie L. Jackson Illinois Academic Enrichment and Leadership Program offers assistance, information and referrals on: Tutoring, Study Abroad, Study Groups, Research, Careers, Volunteering, Student Organizations, Majors, Minors, Scholarships, Resumes, Internships.