South Middlesex Times

Gloria Bonilla-Santiago was honored by Rutgers University for her significant contributions to the Camden community. As the founder of LEAP Academy University Charter School, she received the 2024 Clement A. Price Human Dignity Award during a recent ceremony. This award is the highest honor given by the university to individuals who advance the common good.

The awards event recognized over two dozen faculty, staff, students, and school organizations for their efforts in promoting equity and diversity at Rutgers. Joan Collier, assistant vice president for equity and inclusion, stated, "The CACP Awards is an opportunity to recognize demonstrated commitments to appreciating diversity, building inclusion, and substantive and sustained community engagement across Rutgers."

The Clement A. Price Human Dignity Awards are named after a distinguished professor who passed away in 2014. The award emphasizes recognizing accomplishments that reflect a lifetime achievement.

Bonilla-Santiago has been instrumental in transforming four blocks on Camden's Cooper Street into an educational corridor since founding LEAP in 1997. She has secured about $150 million for its development and established several centers of excellence supporting families in Camden.

LEAP graduates have consistently achieved high academic success with all graduates earning high school diplomas since 2005. Many go on to attend prominent universities with some receiving support from scholarships created by Bonilla-Santiago.

Her influence extends beyond Camden as she works on educational initiatives in Puerto Rico and Cuba. Additionally, she teaches future social changemakers through programs like Jump Start at Rutgers.

Other awards presented included Public Good Pinnacle Awards recognizing university-community collaborations; Torchbearer Awards honoring faculty and staff achievements; and Impact Awards acknowledging student accomplishments.