SALEM — LEAP for Education will host its annual Great Expectations fundraiser on April 24 at Danversport in Danvers at 6 p.m. The theme of this year’s event is the Power of Partnerships. Cell Signaling Technology, New England Biolabs, and New England Biolabs Foundation will receive Distinguished Partner of the Year awards for their philanthropic contributions to science education and the environment. Dr. Sal Russello, CEO of New England Biolabs, will serve as the keynote speaker.

Cell Signaling Technology has partnered with LEAP since 2008, and New England Biolabs since 2018. Both have provided funding and participate in LEAP’s Business Partner Network, a local network committing to providing students with science workshops, career mentors, field trips, and career speakers.

“We are grateful for all our strong partners from schools, community, and business and wanted to use our fundraiser to honor their shared commitment to quality education,” said Linda Saris, executive director of LEAP for Education.

“LEAP for Education is our corporate partner because of their reputation on the North Shore for providing quality educational services to underserved youth,” Krystyna Hincman said. “We have seen firsthand the work they do in preparing students for college and career.”

“New England Biolabs is committed to building a more equitable society, and we believe advancing education and empowering employees to engage in their communities can help achieve it. To that end, we are proud to support LEAP for Education in their mission to make education more accessible to underserved communities,” Russello said.

100% of net proceeds from the event will support free after-school project-based learning and college success programs for underserved youth from middle school through post-secondary graduation in Salem, Lynn, and Peabody.

To purchase tickets or donate to this year’s Great Expectations fundraiser, visit https://leap4ed.org/news-events/great-expectations/.