Alumni Spotlight: James Leap

As a 2025 graduate of CIS of Eastern PA (CIS), James Leap is building a career centered on serving others.

Today, James is a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and serves with Macungie Ambulance. He is also a volunteer firefighter with the Lower Macungie Fire Department. In addition, he is pursuing a nursing degree at Lehigh Carbon Community College with the goal of becoming a Pre-Hospital Registered Nurse (PHRN) and eventually working on a medical evacuation helicopter team.

James says he never imagined he would reach this point.

"I never thought I would get to this level," he says. "I had a lot of doubts along the way."

When James first became involved with CIS, he was balancing school, work, and personal challenges while trying to navigate relationships and manage stress. Like many students, he needed someone who would listen without judgment.

"I remember being really stressed before my first meeting with CIS," James recalls. "Afterward, I felt relieved because there was finally someone there to listen."

That support became an important part of his high school experience. James credits CIS staff members at Lehigh Career and Technical Institute (LCTI) and Emmaus High School with encouraging him while also helping him set realistic expectations for his future.

"They always supported my goals, but they were realistic too," he says. "They helped me work through challenges and gave me advice when I needed it."

As he pursued his EMT certification, James relied on the perseverance and coping strategies he had developed over the years. Clinical ride-alongs and hands-on training gave him the technical experience he needed, while stress management skills helped him navigate the demands of the program and build confidence in his abilities.

His connection to CIS continues today. Earlier this year, James was elected to serve on the Communities In Schools National Alumni Advisory Council. Working alongside our CIS of Eastern PA Alumni Coordinator and alumni from across the country, he provides feedback on programs and advocates for students nationwide. This fall, he will attend his first in-person council meeting in Memphis.

"I'm extremely passionate about helping with something that helped me so much," James says. "I want to help shape the future of CIS, provide feedback on what helped me, and make sure it's available for students who need it across the country."

For James, serving on the Alumni Advisory Council is another way to give back to the organization that supported him during a pivotal time in his life.

James understands firsthand how meaningful that in-school supports can be. He hopes others will have the same opportunity to succeed because of the people who choose to invest in students. 

"Providing support and funding for students who are struggling is really important because you're investing in future generations," he says. "It's important to help students grow and become productive adults."

From a student looking for someone to talk to, to an EMT, firefighter, nursing student, and national alumni leader, James's story reflects what can happen when young people have consistent support and encouragement. Today, he is not only serving his community—he is helping ensure that future students have the same opportunities to succeed.