LEAP Year Event 31 Years & Counting See you at this 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 Julie Wilson Joann Thompson & Robert Alvine Leader The Scillia Family Stacey & Hap Perkins with Mentors Jacqueline Koral Dr. Marcus McFerren & Educator Cynthia Mann, MD Marna Borgstrom & Eric Borgstrom Diane Ariker Athlete Jody Ellant with Ruby Melton & Gail McAvay Ellen Shuman & Doug Rae Beverly & John Hodgson Celeste Suggs & Joel Zackin Elizabeth & Miles Lasater Kaaren Janssen & Robert Jaeger Partners Alison Bonds & Larry Levine John S. Nussbaum Allie Perry & Charles Pillsbury Friends Lisa Stanger & Greg Colodner Kathryn Hill & Gerald Kahn Ellen & Robert Scalettar Lynne & Mark Schpero Neighbors Apex Security Systems, LLC 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 Zehra Patwa Fallon Thomas

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 Tickets Will Be Available On Monday, January 26th 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. Registration for our Spring Component is now Open! Give your child an incredible spring at LEAP! Our free after-school program provides elementary and middle school students with a safe, supportive space to learn, play, and grow. Through near-peer mentorship from local high school and college counselors, kids enjoy homework help, athletics, creative activities, and leadership development—all in their own neighborhood. Our spring component runs 1/26/26 - 5/7/26. Spots are filling up fast at our seven New Haven sites! Register your child today by clicking here! 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

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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. Register for our Children's Summer Camp Program! APPLY L eadership E ducation & A thletics in P artnership Teach children how to learn LEAP provides children with a welcoming environment to explore, grow, and develop key skills. Train young adults how to lead Teens and young adults are empowered to find their voice and serve as role models and leaders. Founded in 1992 It was created by educators, students, and community activists to combat the historic disinvestment in young people of color. 2 community centers and 7 neighborhood-based sites These spaces serve as safe, enriching environments for children and youth in New Haven. College and high school students counselors They lead younger students in literacy, the arts, and athletics, building both academic and interpersonal skills. 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 Dive into Summer Fun with LEAP's FREE Program - Starts June 23rd! Get ready for an exciting summer with LEAP's FREE Summer Program, running from June 23rd to August 1st ! We offer a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn, grow, and have tons of fun right here in New Haven. Imagine overnight camping trips , exploring new horizons with field trips in and around the city , and engaging in enriching activities led by our amazing facilitators. Every child in our program also gets to enjoy swimming! All completely free! APPLY HERE 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

Check out photos of LEAP kids and counselors through the years. Photo Archive 1992 1992 Describe your image 1992 1/24

Leaders In Training (LITs) Application Form *Application does not automatically save; if you refresh or leave this page, any entered information will be lost.* Para completar la aplicación en español, cambie el botón de traducción a español en la parte superior derecha del formulario a continuación.

Connecticut and New Haven-based Social and Racial Justice Groups CT CORE - Organize Now! “A radical justice organization dedicated to building communities of racial justice freedom fighters to dismantle systemic and structural racism in Connecticut.” Black Lives Matter — New Haven “A human-rights movement with chapters across the globe, including New Haven, dedicated to campaigns against violence and systemic racism towards black people.” Life in My Days “A youth-led non-profit based in Waterbury, CT dedicated to racial justice, peer support, disability justice, divestment from capitalism and patriarchy, indigenous people justice, and LGBTQ+ justice.” ACLU of Connecticut “A nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to the protection of civil liberties in the U.S.” Love Fed New Haven “A black-led and owned food sovereignty and urban farming community organization based in New Haven.” Citywide Youth Coalition “A New Haven youth-focused organization; their work includes running Undoing Racism training and supporting summer camps for black and POC LGBTQ+ young people.” Students for Educational Justice “SEJ is a youth-led, intergenerational organizing body that drives efforts for racial and educational justice in Connecticut. SEJ hosts members in weekly meetings consisting of political education trainings about institutional racism, adultism, anti-Blackness, and other oppressive systems, as well as organizing-related trainings on practices such as one-on-one meetings.” Unidad Latina en Acción “Unidad Latina en Accion (ULA) is a grassroots organization that defends the human rights of immigrants and workers in the greater New Haven area. Unidad Latina en Accion es una agrupación multiétnica que defiende los derechos humanos de los inmigrantes y los trabajadores de New Haven, Connecticut y las comunidades alrededor.” FaithActs for Education “FaithActs for Education is a grassroots community organizing nonprofit based in Bridgeport, Connecticut. We are people of faith building power to get our children the education they deserve. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to graduate from college, take care of their family, and fulfill their God-given potential. We build relationships, we build leaders, and we build power through community organizing and civic engagement.” Ice the Beef Youth “Ice the Beef Youth supports each other Education, Dreams, Goals, and Talent by meeting, sharing stories, laughing, joking, and expressing feelings!” Sunrise Movement - New Haven “We're the New Haven hub of the Sunrise Movement , building people power for a Green New Deal to stop the climate crisis & create millions of good jobs.” New Haven Climate Movement “The New Haven Climate Movement is an inter-generational grassroots organization of New Haven area residents. Together, we push for strong action on climate change in New Haven by mobilizing community residents and local organizations to learn about and act on the climate emergency. We fight for government policies and investments that will restore a safe climate and create a just future for all.” The Greater New Haven NAACP "The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination." Bregamos Community Theater "Bregamos Community Theater’s mission is to create community based theater from the diverse stories and lives of New Haven residents, while providing theatrical workshops and participating in other artistic and cultural community events."

Learn about and complete an application for LEAP's Leaders In Training Program for 13 to 15 year olds. Leaders in Training (LITs) Leaders In Training (LITs) support senior and junior counselors by volunteering with younger children. They also get their own unique age-appropriate programming which includes academic support, health education, community service, and job exploration. what who LEAP's LIT program (afterschool and summer) program is available for teens ages 13 to 15. Unlike the children's program, LITs can come from any New Haven neighborhood. LITs receive a small stipend and many advance into other positions at LEAP, including Junior Counselors and Swim Instructors. The after-school program operates Monday-Thursday from 3 pm - 6:30pm and Fridays 3-5 pm. The summer program is Monday-Friday. when The LIT Program will re-start again during the Spring Component! Spring Program 2026 To apply for the LIT program, you must be between the ages of 13 and 15. The hours of operation will be Monday through Thursday from 3 p m to 7 pm. We operate out of one location: LEAP COMMUNITY CENTER: 31 Jefferson Street, New Haven CT 06511 Dates Progra mming: February 2nd to May 9th 2026 Parent Meeting: Parent meeting will be held on (TBD) and is held for ACCEPTED LITs only. We will communicate the dates and location when your child is formally accepted into our spring programming. We will let you know then what documentation will be needed from you. Required Documents: Full completed application including essay Physical Health Documentation & Action plan - signed by a doctor and a legal guardian (action plan is only needed if LIT had asthma with inhaler or allergies with Epipen) Disclaimer Notice : Submission of your application does not mean your child has been fully accepted. Acceptance will be confirmed via phone call by our Youth Development Leadership Team within 72hrs of submission. Please note that you will not be fully enrolled into the program until you submit the physical and Insurance ID documents. If you would like to complete an application for the program, please scroll down to the bottom of the page. You will be contacted by a member of our staff once we have received your application. Thank you! Watch this video to learn more about LEAP's LIT program! Leaders in Training: Where You Discover What Makes You Powerful PURPOSE: Own Your Path: This is your space. A place where you figure out who you are, what you're good at, how to use your voice, and the way to turn your ideas into reality. Whether you're into sports, arts, music, or just figuring things out. This program gives you the freedom to explore what matters to YOU while building the skills to lead your own path forward.  What makes us different?  Real talk, real support: Daily small groups with counselors who actually listen and have your back  Your choice matters: Fridays are 100% yours, pick your vibe from cooking to crafts to open gym to outdoor adventures  Level up your future: Get ready for high school, explore careers, visit colleges, and snag real internships  Create & be heard: Use podcasting, art, social media, and performance to tell your story and make change  Move your body, clear your mind: Daily athletics and wellness to keep you strong inside and out  Discover your strengths. Use your voice. Lead your way.  Ver en español

LEAP is a great place to work! Here you can find all the resource guides and forms you will need to fill out prior to beginning work. New Hire Information Welcome to LEAP! We are so excited you're joining us! Please see the following resources below for new hire required trainings and forms to complete prior to beginning your work with LEAP. Forms Instructions: Please fill out the Federal W-4 Form, I-9 form, and the CT W-4 form to let us know how to handle your taxes and to show the federal government that you can work in the United States. Please sign and print out these completed three forms and bring them with you to LEAP on your first day. If you do not have access to a printer, you can print these forms at LEAP and fill them out on your first day. You can also email signed and completed pdfs of the forms to payroll@leapforkids.org. Please DO NOT send your tax forms to the counselor development team. 1 Direct Depo sit Form LEAP pays everyone by direct deposit, so you will need a bank account and we need your account information. If you do not have a bank account, please open one. If you do not know how to do so, we are happy to explain. Please email the finance office at payroll@leapforkids.org or the counselor development office at froman@leapforkids.org with any questions. You will need to set up a direct deposit through your bank account or set up a bank account if you do not already have one. Please note, that we do not ac cept Cash App or any online banking apps. ADP only recognizes actual banks. We need an electronic routing number. A routing number is a nine-digit code used by banks to identify other financial institutions. You can find your electronic routing number and your account number by logging into your online banking or by calling your bank. You r account number is not the same as your card number. You have the option to split your direct deposit between yo ur checking and savings account. It can be split 50/50, 70/30, or 20/80; however, you want but it must add up to 100%. 2 Federal W -4 Form The federal W-4 form is used to compute federal income tax. Please find the federal W-4 form here . 3 I-9 The federal government requires that you provide certain documents to prove you can work. On page 3 of the I-9 form is a list of required documents. Due to the rules of the I-9 Form, the Finance Department is required to physically inspect ID's. Please come with your ID's to the office. Please review this list and bring the required documents with you on the first day. Please find the I-9 form here . 4 CT W-4 Form The CT W-4 form is used to compute state income tax. Please find the CT W-4 form here. Questions? Please contact the finance department at payroll@leapforkids.org or the counselor development team at mulloa@leapforkids.org with any questions or concerns. Trainings Sexual Harassment and Mandated Reporter Training We are required to provide staff and interns with Sexual Harassment and Mandated Reporting Trainings in accordance with Connecticut. The state has imposed inclusive mandatory training. Since COVID, these resources are now available online from the state of Connecticut in the form of videos and questions and answers developed by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. In total, both courses are about 3 hours to complete. At the end, you will be emailed a certificate of completing the Sexual Harassment. Please have this email to the Finance Department at payroll@leapforkids.org . If you are experiencing any trouble or have any questions, feel free to email payroll@leapforkids.org . If you are unable to access your certificates, please take a clear screenshot of the final page including your name & date, and email it to payroll@leapforkids.org . Please click here to find the link to the sexual harassment training. Please click here to find the link to the mandated reporter training. Click here for instructions on creating your profile. Guides Click on the image on the left to download the full onboarding guide. This document is meant to help you fill out the necessary new hire forms. Onboarding Guide ADP Registration Guide What is ADP? ADP is a payroll software that LEAP uses. Click on the image on the left to download the full registration guide. ADP Walk Through Here is an instructional video on how to use ADP. Filling Out ADP Timesheets Here is a brief instructional video on how to fill out your ADP timesheet. 2025 Payroll Pay Schedule Click on the image to the left to view the fiscal year pay schedules.

Are you a teen trying to get into college -- or do you know one? Learn more here about the college application process, financial aid, and skill building resources. LEAP College Lifesavers Welcome to LEAP College Lifesavers! LEAP aims to support all of our counselors in their post-secondary goals and has created a series of resources for counselors to use to help in that process. Please review, download and use the resources made available below as you prepare for the college application process, figure out financial aid and develop your skills for entering the professional world. College Application Process View Financial Aid, Scholarships, & Loans View Professional Skills Resources View

LEAP is a great place to work, with unique opportunities. If you are a college or high school student looking for counselor positions or someone interested in a full time position in youth development, check LEAP out. Work for LEAP LEAP is structured so that children are surrounded by strong role models — college and high school students trained by LEAP to be mentors, instructors, and counselors. Following our mentorship model, many children who participate in LEAP grow up to become counselors themselves, or even full-time program staff. Many LEAP counselors have gone on to become teachers, principals, elected officials and community leaders — maintaining their commitment to children from low income neighborhoods. LEAP is committed to finding highly motivated counselors who work hard and believe in our kids. Thus, in addition to the application, a rigorous in-person interview is required. If this sounds like you, please apply! Our Positions LEAP Junior Counselors must be New Haven high school students 16 years old or older. Junior Counselors LEAP Senior Counselors must be college or graduate students in good standing at a 2- or 4-year college or university. Senior Counselors LEAP Swim Instructors and Lifeguards are high school or college students. Swim Staff Full time staff support LEAP’s work. Full-Time Positions Newly hired staff can access required materials here. New Hire Information There are many opportunities to help out at LEAP. Volunteer Want to enroll in a program instead? Afterschool Children's Program Summer Children's Program Leaders in Training Aquatics Check out our Programs Here!

LEAP staff members are committed to children, experienced in youth programming, and diverse. Meet our Staff Executive Leadership Henry Fernandez Executive Director hfernandez@leapforkids.org Children's & Youth Development Programs Team Yakeita Robinson VP & Chief of Staff yrobinson@leapforkids.org Stefanie Vargas Director of Programs svargas@leapforkids.org Tina Sapiente Director of Operations tsapiente@leapforkids.org Chantalle Martin Clinical Programs Manager cmartin@leapforkids.org Tamia Scott Dwight-Kensington Site Coordinator tscott@leapforkids.org Jahvon Soto Fair Haven South Site Coordinator jsoto@leapforkids.org Nikilia Reid VP of Programs nreid@leapforkids.org Darcus Henry Dixwell Site Coordinator dhenry@leapforkids.org Emiya Pearse Hill South Site Coordinator epearse@leapforkids.org Alyssa Parrott Quinnipiac Meadows Site Coordinator aparrott@leapforkids.org Elvert Eden Aquatics Manager eeden@leapforkids.org Leadership & Learning Team Summer Choate-Lewis VP of Leadership & Learning schoate@leapforkids.org Kayla Penza Learning Manager kpenza@leapforkids.org Counselor Leadership Team Maithé Ulloa Counselor Leadership Manager mulloa@leapforkids.org Jadah Smith Counselor Development Coordinator jsmith@leapforkids.org Alexis Christy Academic Success Coordinator achristy@leapforkids.org Development & Communications Team Rachel Kline Brown VP of Development & Communications rklinebrown@leapforkids.org Jubetsy Minaya-Pérez Director of Development & Communications jminaya@leapforkids.org Ruofan Chen Donor Database Analyst & Prospect Researcher rchen@leapforkids.org Eliana Arroyo Donor Relations & Events Manager earroyo@leapforkids.org Tristin Reeder Communications Coordinator Treeder@leapforkids.org Finance & Business Affairs Team Shadine Alveranga VP of Finance & Business Affairs salveranga@leapforkids.org DJenny Pope Payroll Coordinator dpope@leapforkids.org Q House Team Yakeita Robinson VP & Chief of Staff yrobinson@leapforkids.org Crystal Fernández Manager of the Dixwell Community Q House cfernandez@leapforkids.org Kaussar Rahman Executive Advisor and Assistant for the Dixwell Community Q House Advisory Board and LEAP Grants Manager krahman@leapforkids.org Office Operations Team Marvin Parker Building Management Coordinator mparker@leapforkids.org Robin Williams Reception Coordinator rwilliams@leapforkids.org