J-LEAP (Japanese Language Education Assistant Program) 2012-14 Cycle
J-LEAP places native Japanese assistant teachers in U.S. K-12 schools to team-teach, enhance Japanese language education, and promote cultural exchange through classroom and community engagement.
Funder: Japan Foundation of Los Angeles
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Lead Teacher application first deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Assistant Teacher’s airfare, living/housing stipend, vehicle/insurance support, and health insurance fully covered; host school receives educational materials funding.
Summary: Supports U.S. K-12 Japanese language programs by dispatching native Japanese assistant teachers to team-teach and promote cultural exchange.
Key Information: This is a forecasted grant; all dates are projected and subject to change.
Description
The Japanese Language Education Assistant Program (J-LEAP) is designed to strengthen Japanese language education in K-12 U.S. schools by providing native Japanese Assistant Teachers (ATs) to team-teach alongside local Lead Teachers (LTs). The program aims to enhance classroom instruction, foster authentic cultural exchange, and nurture the next generation of Japanese language educators. J-LEAP is administered by the Japan Foundation Los Angeles in partnership with The Laurasian Institution, and provides extensive support and professional development for both ATs and LTs throughout the two-year placement.
