LEAP trains and employs college and high school students to provide academic and social enrichment and mentoring after school and during the summer for children and teens in New Haven neighborhoods. Kids access swimming, gardening, camping, computer science, dance, music, and so much more. Save the Date: LEAP Year Event 2026 - Thursday, February 26 Become a Sponsor Today SIGN UP L eadership E ducation & A thletics in P artnership 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! After-School Program LEARN MORE Summer Program LEARN MORE Leaders in Training LEARN MORE Swimming Program LEARN MORE LEAP Bulletin Board 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! Join Us As a Sponsor For the 2026 LEAP Year Event! Join us for LEAP Year Event on Thursday, February 26, 2026! This annual fundraiser brings together 500+ donors, business professionals, and community leaders for an evening of connection and impact. Last year, we raised over $500,000 to support LEAP's free after-school and summer programs. The evening features a lively reception at the Dixwell Community Center (Q House) with complimentary drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and live music, followed by intimate dinners with renowned guest speakers. Sponsorship opportunities are now available. Your support makes LEAP's programs possible for youth from underserved New Haven neighborhoods. Email Alison Bonds at abonds@leapforkids.org to learn more about sponsorship levels and benefits, or to register for the event. 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! Featured Videos All About LEAP Support our programs! We are thankful for all of the support that help us keep LEAP running and serve New Haven's youth. SUPPORT

LEAP Year Event 31 Years & Counting See you at next year's LEAP Year Event! Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026 Location: Dixwell Community Q House JOIN US AS A SPONSOR! There are many roles that make the LEAP Year Event possible each year. We would love for you to join in any capacity you feel comfortable. Sponsor: Looking to support a great cause while getting unmatched publicity with prominent business leaders and community members in the New Haven area? Become a Sponsor at one of the many levels available, from Neighbor (contributing $500) to Superhero (contributing $50,000). Your name and logo will be shared in multiple print and digital materials, which are distributed to our database of over 5,000 people. Click here for a more detailed description of the sponsor levels and benefits. Attendee: Join the event by purchasing tickets to the conversation of your choosing. Have a wonderful evening knowing that you are supporting an amazing cause. Dinner Host: If you're interested in hosting a conversation in your home or at a local restaurant, please contact Alison Bonds at abonds@leapforkids.org. Hosts generously cover the cost of food and drinks for approximately 20 guests as a contribution to LEAP. Interested in any of these roles? Contact Alison Bonds, LEAP Year Event Coordinator, at abonds@leapforkids.org or by phone at 203-767-7413. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we raised over $500,000 for LEAP's free youth programs last year! Your support will make a real difference in the lives of New Haven's young people, allowing LEAP to continue providing free, high-quality educational programs and opportunities. We are deeply grateful for your belief in LEAP's mission and your commitment to empowering New Haven youth. We hope to see you at this year's LEAP Year Event! LEAP Year Event '25 Photos LEAP Year Event is our annual fundraiser bringing together the Greater New Haven community to support LEAP's free after-school and summer programs for youth from underserved neighborhoods. Join us on Thursday, February 26, 2026 , with additional dates to be announced. The evening begins with a vibrant reception at the Dixwell Community Center (Q House), featuring complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres, live music, and an opportunity to connect with fellow community members . You'll hear welcoming remarks from Henry Fernandez, LEAP's Executive Director, and inspiring stories directly from LEAP counselors. Following the reception, guests will attend an intimate dinner of their choice, each featuring a renowned guest speaker and meaningful conversation. LEAP Year Event is our most important fundraiser, drawing over 500 philanthropic donors, business professionals, and community leaders. In 2025, you helped us raise over $500,000 to make LEAP's free programs possible. We hope you'll join us again for an evening of community, connection, and shared commitment to creating opportunities for young people. Interested in supporting the event as a sponsor or have questions about registering? Please email Alison Bonds at abonds@leapforkids.org . With your partnership, we will continue to Create a New Haven for Our Children. Thank you to our 2026 LEAP Year Event Sponsors Superhero Champions with David Moulton Roger Ibbotson Heroes Roz & Jerry Meyer Leader The Scillia Family Mentors Jacqueline Koral Athlete Partners Friends Thank you to our LEAP Year Event Planning Committee Eliana Arroyo Ann Baker Pepe Alison L. Bonds Rachel Kline Brown Ruofan Chen Jack Ciccolo Judy Clark Susan Kerley Jacqueline Koral Melissa Liriano Cynthia Mann Thea Moritz Michaela Seales Fallon Thomas

Select the correct swim level for the participant LEVEL 2 ADULTS & TEENS BABY AND TODDLER LEVEL 4 LEVEL 3 LEVEL 1

Check out LEAP's newsletters and recent news pieces on our work with young people and the community. The Latest LEAP News Newsletter Archive Press Archive Photo Archive In the Press New Haven Independent | 3.1.21 LEAP Celebrates with First-Ever Virtual Fundraiser New Haven Independent | 1.29.21 LEAP's Famous Fundraiser Goes Virtual Comcast Newsmakers | 12.14.20 Academic and Social Enrichment with Henry Fernandez of LEAP for Kids WTNH | 9.15.20 New Haven LEAP program continues helping at-risk kids with schooling during pandemic Arts Council of NH | 7.23.20 LEAPers Reimagine Dixwell Avenue Newsletters Summer 2020 Fall/Winter 2020 Spring 2020 Summer 2019 In the Press New Haven Independent | 11.17.25 Rose & Blanca Learn To Swim The Arts Paper | 10.27.25 Braving Federal Funding Cuts, LEAP Leaps Into Halloween New Haven Independent | 10.22.25 City To Grow Swim Program For Seniors NBC CT | 9.22.25 New Haven's Barack Obama Magnet school to receive state funding for afterschool WTNH News8 | 7.30.25 About 900 New Haven-area kids learn to swim with LEAP New Haven Register | 7.28.25 New Haven hopes to buy old UI 'English Station' island, build 'Mill River Park' New Haven Independent | 7.28.25 City Eyes English Station Transformation New Haven Independent | 7.28.25 Tutors & Tutees Celebrate Progress WTNH News8 | 7.25.25 New Haven Tutoring Initiative celebrates success of summer camp programs Fox61 | 7.25.25 New Haven Tutoring Initiatives hosts field day to celebrate its success Yale Peabody Museum | 7.24.25 Healing outdoors Over 900 New Haven youths have a special summer experience at Camp Cedarcrest New Haven Independent | 7.14.25 Teen Helps LEAP Secure Elevator Approval WTNH News8 | 7.11.25 Read-In on the Green supports summer literacy, community The Arts Paper | 7.11.25 Future Bookworms LEAP Into The Power Of Kindness New Haven Independent | 7.9.25 Kids LEAP Into Pool, In Fair Haven New Haven Independent | 7.3.25 Kids LEAP Into Pools New Haven Independent | 5.20.25 Now Hiring: Lifeguards, Swim Instructors New Haven Independent | 5.7.25 181 Run, Walk For A Cause Thru Edgewood Park New Haven Independent | 4.25.25 Julia’s Run Returns To Edgewood Park New Haven Independent | 3.7.25 LEAP Year Raises $500K Nyberg on WTNH News8 | 2.14.25 Nyberg: LEAP New Haven celebrates 30th anniversary LoveBabz LoveTalk with Babz Rawls-Ivy 103.5 WNHH | 2.7.25 LEAP, Henry Fernandez (The 30th Annual LEAP Year Event) WSFB Channel 3 | 1.29.25 Hello Connecticut chats with LEAP! New Haven Independent | 1.29.25 LEAP Year Turns 30 The Arts Paper | 11.27.24 LEAP Takes A Pause To Be Thankful WTNH News8 | 11.16.24 The New Haven Tutoring Initiative takes learning from the classroom to the community Yale Daily News | 11.08.24 LEAP wins $2 million grant from MacKenzie Scott New Haven Independent | 10.31.24 Spooooky Fun At Q House Halloween Fest New Haven Independent | 7.29.24 Campers Dribble, Shoot, Score! At The Q WTNH News 8 | 7.19.24 LEAP’s Read-In on the Green connects kids and community leaders The Arts Paper | 7.19.24 Young Readers Rejoice With A Book Or Two Of Joy New Haven Independent | 7.19.24 Hundreds Fill The Green … To Read! New Haven Independent | 6.28.24 LEAP’s Pool To Open This Summer, Too WNPR - CT Public Radio | 6.26.24 Diving into the state of swim access in CT WFSB Channel 3 | 4.23.24 After school counselors help New Haven students reach highest potential New Haven Independent | 4.18.24 LEAP Students Hit The Road Yale News | 4.09.24 Awards celebrate those strengthening bonds between Yale and city New Haven Independent | 3.21.24 Billionaire Gives LEAP $2M Fox61 | 3.20.24 4 Connecticut non-profits each get $2M in latest round of donations from MacKenzie Scott WFSB Channel 3 | 3.20.24 New Haven based non-profit gets recognized for its work with kids WTNH News 8 | 3.20.24 MacKenzie Scott donates $2M to Leadership, Education and Athletics in Partnership, Inc. in New Haven WTNH News 8 | 3.19.24 MacKenzie Scott donates $2M each to 4 Connecticut nonprofits WTNH News 8 | 3.19.24 Nyberg: New Haven organization offers help to youth The Arts Paper | 3.19.24 Deltas Recognize Five For Their 'Lighthouse Effect' New Haven Independent | 3.12.24 LEAP Raises $450k For Underserved Kids LoveBabz LoveTalk with Babz Rawls-Ivy 103.5 WNHH | 2.23.24 LEAP (29th Annual Leap Year Event) New Haven Independent | 1.30.24 29th Annual LEAP Year Event Approaches The Arts Paper | 11.22.23 A Night of Gratitude: Celebrating the LEAP Community With Thankful Dinners WFSB | 11.4.23 Book giveaway held to improve literacy skills in New Haven Newsletters Summer 2025 Spring 2025 Fall/Winter 2025 Summer 2024 Spring 2024 Fall/Winter 2024 Want to dive deeper into LEAP's history? Check out our Newsletter, Press and Photo Archives! Newsletter Archive Press Archive Photo Archive

Check out our most recent annual reports. Annual Reports Annual Report 2024-2025 Annual Report 2023-2024 Annual Report 2022-2023

Staff Only Leap 2020

Staff Only Leap 2020

Staff Only Leap 2020

Independent Reading-Resources 7 Independent reading activities to increase literacy Scholastic-teaching content Reading Rockets- 103 things to do during or after reading Epic- Log in DEAR Time/Literacy Ideas Ways to access books Google LEAP Website (virtual books) NHFPL www.freechildrenstories.com Audiobooks Youtube National Geographic Website Counselor record themselves reading books for kids EPIC New Haven Reads you can tape yourself on screencastify so students can have bedtime stories or whenever they choose to hear stories Fun ways to ensure they are reading Read the same book (Reciprocal teaching strategies) Questioning (favorite part, characters) Draw out their favorite part of the story and share Popcorn Reading Vocab Word Games Vocab Activities based on text Book Talk- Share their book (Persuade other kids to read the book) Make a flipgrid about your book Write about book - Make real world connections Literature Circles Bookclubs Write an alternative ending to the book Comparing and contrasting books and movies Counselors read too!!! Breakout rooms

Scholastic at Home Watch and Learn BookFlix Khan Academy ELA (English Language Arts) Reading Comprehension Reading Rockets - Includes Special Education and ELA https://www.readingrockets.org/literacyapps https://www.readingrockets.org/article/reading-adventure-pack-where-wild-things-are https://www.readingrockets.org/content/pdfs/literacybags/wildthings_09.pdf https://www.readingrockets.org/article/reading-adventure-pack-food https://www.readingrockets.org/content/pdfs/literacybags/food_08.pdf https://www.readingrockets.org/article/reading-adventure-pack-whats-next-very-hungry-caterpillar https://www.readingrockets.org/content/pdfs/literacybags/Caterpillar_English.pdf https://www.readingrockets.org/article/25-activities-reading-and-writing-fun#grade https://www.readingrockets.org/article/six-games-reading Read Write Think Newsela Unite For Literacy - more than 30 languages. Includes Special Education and ELA Children’s books read aloud Happy Cultivated ( a Youtube Channell that focuses on literacy) Where the wild things are Where are the night animals Where does food come from The very hungry caterpillar I am a Caterpillar

Staff Only Leap 2020