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Guiding exceptional talent towards exceptional impact

Leaf helps brilliant young people use their abilities for good, preparing them not just for top universities, but for leading lives of purpose and meaning.

We provide:

  • Online, flexible five-week courses available across UK and US time zones; donation-based and free-if-needed so all students can participate; entirely merit-based admissions.

  • Oxbridge/Ivy-style learning experiences, mentorship from facilitators at top schools; guidance and feedback from our college university specialist.

  • Guided discussions and Q&As with students and alumni from top universities and from field experts already putting their talents to good work.

  • Dedicated safeguarding and mental health support; trained staff monitoring and supporting wellbeing in a safe, respectful online learning space.

  • A robust network of hundreds of Leaf alumni, referrals to prestigious follow-up programs and fellowships, and mentorship and funding for student ideas and projects.

Leaf’s Donation Model

Leaf is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so we operate in part via a tiered donation model. To keep our courses, community, and ongoing support accessible while remaining sustainable, we invite parents or guardians of accepted students to contribute at one of four levels:

🌍 Supporter — $600

  • For families able to help us provide free places to others who need it.

  • We celebrate supporters as key partners in keeping Leaf accessible worldwide!

🎓 Standard — $300

  • Our suggested donation; Roughly reflects the cost per student to design and deliver our curriculum, discussion calls, mentoring, university and application support, safeguarding, competitions, and ongoing alumni opportunities.

💡 Subsidized — $150

  • For families for whom the full cost would be prohibitive, but who are able to contribute something.

  • Covers part of the actual cost per student; helps us stretch our support to more students.

🌱 Free — $0

  • This ensures free places are available to those who need them most!

  • For students eligible for free-or-reduced lunches, fee waivers, or financial aid at their school.

  • Requires submitting brief evidence or an email from school, but no tax returns or further documentation.

You can learn more about Leaf at our FAQ page, by watching the webinar below, or by emailing info@leaf.courses with any questions or concerns.

What Parents Say about Leaf

“Leaf was even better than anticipated. It was great that my daughter had the opportunity to delve deep, explore, discuss, broaden knowledge and perspectives.”

— Amber, parent of a Leaf participant

“Leaf offered an invaluable opportunity to my son through the Mathematics course. Working with students of similar mindset, the tasks, competitions, and regular calls kept him engaged and motivated. He was thrilled to be able to meet fellow participants. His mentor has been a guiding star, providing exceptional support to him. Leaf offers continuity, with staff always available via email to answer questions and provide direction. Seeing young minds like my son’s being nurtured to think at a global level and learn how they can make an impact is truly inspiring; this has profoundly impacted my son. Thank you, Leaf, for guiding and inspiring them. My son is eagerly waiting for the next course.”

— Joshina, parent of a Leaf participant

“My daughter thoroughly enjoyed the Leaf programme; it will have a lasting impact on her. I didn't have much knowledge of Leaf beforehand but am very impressed. Thank you to the fantastic team behind it.”

— Claire, parent of a Leaf participant

“My son was thrilled with the experience, especially the relationships established with ambitious young people outside his usual circles. The ability to remain in contact and tap into their experiences will be useful going forward.“

— Emma, parent of a Leaf participant

Parent Webinar

You can watch our latest webinar from the summer 2025 cohort where you can learn more about Leaf’s mission and funding (2:33), a week-in-the life from a former participant and current staff member (6:43), university and next-steps support from an Oxford admissions officer (11:38), and additional frequently-asked questions from parents, like how we cultivate a safe and supportive online community (21:01).