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Leadership
Education &
Athletics in
Partnership

CREATING A NEW HAVEN FOR OUR CHILDREN

We teach children how to learn and young adults how to lead. LEAP was founded in 1992 by educators, students, and community activists to address the historic disinvestment in young people of color in our city. In our two community centers and seven neighborhood-based sites, we provide children with a welcoming place to learn, explore and grow, while offering teens and young adults a platform to find their voice and become leaders and role models. College and high school student counselors teach younger students in literacy, the arts, and athletics.

Check Out Our Programs!

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After-School Program

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Summer

Program

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Leaders in Training

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Swimming

Program

LEAP Bulletin Board

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Sign up for FREE Classes at the Q House!

Enhance your creativity, physical health, and skill development at the Q House! They offer a range of FREE classes and workshops, from ceramics and art to music production and yoga; there's something for everyone! Unleash your artistic side, harmonize your tunes, or find your zen – all without any cost. Explore, learn, and thrive at the Dixwell Q House’s inclusive and enriching environment. Click here to sign up today!

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Julia's Run 2026 Recap

The 27th Annual Julia’s Run for Children, held on April 26, 2026, brought the New Haven community together to celebrate the legacy of Julia Rusinek and support LEAP’s mission of empowering local youth. This milestone event successfully raised critical funds that directly fuel our free literacy and athletics programs, providing essential mentorship and safe spaces for children across the city. The energy from the race serves as the perfect springboard into The Great Give from May 1st to May 7th, where we aim to reach a $70,000 goal to sustain our summer programming without federal funding. Thank you to every runner, volunteer, and donor who helped make this year’s run a success and for continuing to invest in the next generation of New Haven leaders.

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Sign up for FREE Classes at the Q House!

Enhance your creativity, physical health, and skill development at the Q House! They offer a range of FREE classes and workshops, from ceramics and art to music production and yoga; there's something for everyone! Unleash your artistic side, harmonize your tunes, or find your zen – all without any cost. Explore, learn, and thrive at the Dixwell Q House’s inclusive and enriching environment. Click here to sign up today!

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LEAP Year Event Recap

The 2026 LEAP Year Event was a resounding success, bringing together community members, local leaders, and supporters for an inspiring series of conversations and dinners that raised critical funds for LEAP’s youth programs. The evening seamlessly blended insightful dialogue with vibrant social connection. Between the curated group discussions and the warm hospitality of the dinner gatherings, the event beautifully showcased the collective dedication to empowering New Haven’s youth through near-peer mentorship and neighborhood-based enrichment. Click here to see more about this wonderful evening. 

Featured Videos

All About LEAP

LEAP Alumni

Support our programs!

We are thankful for all of the support that help us keep LEAP running and serve New Haven's youth.

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