Puerto Rico’s enduring challenges with resource access and equitable distribution are deeply rooted in its colonial history as a U.S. territory. Federal policies and systemic inequities have left the island under-resourced and impoverished, with significant disparities in education and public health outcomes. Public schools, already struggling with inadequate funding, face ongoing challenges in meeting the diverse needs of their communities. This case study examines how innovative, place-based educational models can foster community resilience and collaboration in addressing systemic inequities. Specifically, it highlights the LEAP Social Enterprise model, a charter school system in Puerto Rico that re-imagines schools as community hubs. By integrating educational services with broader programs addressing social determinants of health, LEAP provides a holistic approach of support for students and their families. Programs include access to health and nutrition resources, extra-curricular opportunities, workforce development opportunities, and other place- and community-based solutions to enhance the educational outcomes of students as well as the well-being of students, their families, and the surrounding community. Through qualitative methods, this research explores how place-based collaboration within the LEAP model enables knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and collective impact. It demonstrates how geographically situated institutions such as schools can act as corridors of regional prosperity by addressing interconnected social challenges and fostering community development. This study offers insights into the potential of education systems to drive sustainable, collaborative pathways toward equity and resilience.
