The development of Strategic Action Plans is one mechanism through which Fellows integrate their learnings from the program and translate them into action.

LEAP is designed to catalyze initiatives through which Fellows put their learnings into practice and empower others. As part of their application, Fellows outline a project idea articulating an important need or opportunity they are motivated to tackle during—and beyond—LEAP. This idea becomes the foundation of their Strategic Action Plan. 

As the program progresses, Fellows have the following opportunities to evolve, discard or merge their plans
in response to the LEAP program curriculum and the insights of other Fellows, mentors, stakeholders and the
wider community. The process, depicted on the following page, includes several stages:

1. Fellows draft Strategic Action Plan proposals articulating key needs, stakeholders, and areas of uncertainty to guide their interactions during the Landscaping Workshop.
2. The proposals undergo a self-directed peer review process.
3. Fellows develop a draft Strategic Action Plan including options for implementation. The Leadership Workshop facilitates week-long rapid iteration of plans via daily presentations and feedback sessions, facilitated activities and a final presentation to a public audience. 
4. Fellows write up their plans in the form of “white” or “vision” papers intended as public documents for a broad public audience, as well as a personal implementation plan.
5. These papers undergo formal external review by 3–6 reviewers from the LEAP network who provide critical feedback and potential resources. Reviewers also recommend plans to receive Catalyst Grants.
6. Fellows develop a final Strategic Action Plan draft of their action plan in consultation with a professional editor.
7. The final collection of Strategic Action Plans is published online as living documents for wider community input. 
8. Catalyst Grants are awarded based on input from reviewers and the LEAP board.