With a grant from Strive to Thrive Lincoln, Lead Up has been building their 360 Career Series tailored towards activities promoting science, technology, engineering and math. Lead Up completed their first activity, called "Author! Author!" This consisted of students working in teams to compose their very own children's books. Professional authors, illustrators and graphic designers coached the students and provided insight about their work. The student authors pitched their books to a local publisher and bookstore owner, introducing the students to the marketing aspect of literature. The books will be available online in May 2019.
Additionally, Lead Up set up their Teach and Learn activity where they actively recruit experts to introduce their student leaders to careers in fields such as astronomy, education, astrophysics and engineering. They are hosting an event called the Space Fair on July 20, 2019, at the Nebraska History Museum. They expect 25-30 of their student leaders to participate and engage with over 100 elementary school students in informal science activities they design. Lead Up feels honored to put their passion to work with the help of the grant from the Strive to Thrive Lincoln class.