About Us

Tap In Leadership Academy (Tap In) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit academic enrichment organization founded in 2010 by Sally K. Carter, MBA.

Tap In is a child-centered, intentional learning community for elementary through high school students that began as a Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) located at McKinley Foundation on the University of Illinois campus. Since then, Tap In has expanded services to include an Afterschool Enrichment Program (AEP) and Family Enrichment Program (FEP) throughout Central Illinois and Chicago.

The mission of Tap In is to enhance educational achievement, leadership development, and cultural awareness for underrepresented scholars.

By providing scholars with an equitable opportunity for intellectual, social, and emotional growth, it is Tap In’s long-term goal that all of its scholars are college and career ready upon high school graduation.

Our vision is that we use the Tap In Way® to educate, equip, and empower scholars to become the next generation of leaders. 

Learn more about our team and partnerships.

The Tap In Way®

Think BIG!

• Never limit your dreams
• See yourself where you want to be

Achieve what you believe

• Be open to new experiences
• Embrace opportunities for leadership development

Prepare yourself for greatness

• Do your research
• Be on time, productive, and positive

Inspire others

• Live life as a role model
• Act with kindness

Nurture your spirit

• Find something to be grateful for everyday
• Surround yourself with people who build you up

Who We Serve

Scholars are enrolled based on their academic performance and leadership skills. Scholars should not be failing core classes. Because all enrolled scholars are performing well academically, they can better benefit from the additional academic assistance and encouragement that we provide.

Examples of age-consistent leadership skills include:

• Excellent school attendance
• Turning in homework with regularity
• Asking questions in class
• Influencing others
• Helping others
• Being attentive in school
• Being open to exploring new things

What We Do

• Provide one-to-one tutoring and mentoring with trained volunteers from the University of Illinois
• Offer Summer Enrichment Programs 
• Provide daily healthy snacks
• Build positive, caring relationships between scholars and their peers, as well as adults
• Encourage scholars to work hard in school and excel in academics
• Build upon and nurture leadership skills
• Offer trainings and workshops to our scholars’ families
• Provide occasional weekend enrichment opportunities

Tap In Leadership ACademy is a proud partner of 21st Century Community LEarning Centers and the Champaign unit 4 school district