J-LEAP (Japanese Language Education Assistant Program) 2019-21 Cycle
J-LEAP places native Japanese Assistant Teachers in U.S. K-12 schools for two years to enhance Japanese language education and promote cultural exchange.
Funder: Japan Foundation of Los Angeles
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026: Lead Teacher Part 1 application deadline (projected) | December 2026: Administrative approval form submission deadline (projected)
Funding Amounts: Assistant Teacher’s full compensation (salary, relocation, housing, transportation, health insurance) plus $1,000 grant for teaching materials (per host site); two-year placement.
Summary: Provides U.S. K-12 schools with a native Japanese Assistant Teacher and funding to enhance Japanese language programs and cultural exchange.
Key Information: No cost to host schools; lead teachers must have taught Japanese at their current school for at least one academic year.
Description
The Japanese Language Education Assistant Program (J-LEAP) places young, native Japanese Assistant Teachers (ATs) in U.S. K-12 schools for up to two years to strengthen Japanese language programs. ATs work alongside a designated Lead Teacher (LT), providing authentic language and cultural experiences, team-teaching support, and serving as cultural ambassadors in the school community. The program is jointly administered by the Japan Foundation of Los Angeles and the Laurasian Institution, aiming to foster cross-cultural understanding, professional development for educators, and the growth of Japanese language education in the United States.
