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

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 | 11.26.25 LEAP, Peabody Team Up For “Night At The Museum” New Haven Register | 11.21.25 New Haven's 'Golden Swimmers' embracing swim, water aerobics after age 55 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

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 Julie Wilson Joann Thompson & Robert Alvine Leader The Scillia Family Stacey & Hap Perkins with Mentors Jacqueline Koral Educator Cynthia Mann, MD Marna Borgstrom & Eric Borgstrom Athlete Jody Ellant with Ruby Melton & Gail McAvay Ellen Shuman & Doug Rae Beverly & John Hodgson Partners Alison Bonds & Larry Levine John S. Nussbaum Allie Perry & Charles Pillsbury Friends Lisa Stanger & Greg Colodner Kathryn Hill and Gerald Kahn 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 Thea Moritz Michaela Seales Fallon Thomas

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 Daikichi Washington Fair Haven West Site Coordinator dwashington@leapforkids.org Nikilia Reid VP of Programs nreid@leapforkids.org Darcus Henry Dixwell Site Coordinator dhenry@leapforkids.org Jahvon Soto Fair Haven South Site Coordinator jsoto@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 Eliana Arroyo Donor Relations & Events Manager earroyo@leapforkids.org Jubetsy Minaya-Pérez Director of Development & Communications jminaya@leapforkids.org Melissa Liriano Communications Coordinator mliriano@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

Learn about and apply for the afterschool program for kids ages 7 to 12. Afterschool Children's Program LEAP's afterschool program combines homework assistance with extra reading and activities, including athletics, arts, computer science, cooking, and gardening. All programs are overseen by an experienced site coordinator with trained counselor pairs drawn from local colleges and high schools. LEAP's afterschool program is free for participants. what who LEAP's afterschool program is available for children ages 7 to 12 who live in one of our five neighborhoods (what matters is where the child lives, not where he or she goes to school): Dixwell Fair Haven The Hill Dwight-Kensington (including West River) Quinnipiac Meadows The program operates after school Monday-Thursday from 3 pm - 6 pm. LEAP operates in five neighborhoods at these local sites (find more info below): Dixwell Fair Haven North Fair Haven South Hill South Dwight-Kensington Quinnipiac Meadows when & where Apply for our Spring 2026 Program Here! Application in English Aplicación en Español 2026 Spring Component Information Our in-person programs will include: LEAP groups will meet in schools and community spaces to complete homework, engage in literacy activities, and have fun projects including arts, sports, dance, computer learning, and community walks. Start Date and Times: The program will begin Monday, January 26th, and will end Thursday, May 7th. It will run from 3pm to 6pm Mondays through Thursdays. If your child is not feeling well or someone in your house has COVID-19 symptoms, please keep your child home. If there is someone who is vulnerable to COVID-19 in your household (for instance a senior citizen or someone whose immune system is compromised), then it may not make sense for your child to participate in our in-person program. If you wish to apply to LEAP's afterschool at King Robinson School, please click here. Important LEAP Dates and Closures for Children’s Programming Spring 2026 ●January 26th- First Day of Spring Leap Programming ● February 4th - No LEAP (Report Card Night) ● February 16th and 17th - NO LEAP (February Recess) ● February 26th- No LEAP (LEAP Fundraiser) ● March 18th - No LEAP (Early Dismissal) ● April 13th-16th- No LEAP (April Recess) ● May 7th - Last Day of Spring LEAP Programming Dixwell Site Coordinator: Darcus Henry Jr. School Operating Site: Wexler-Grant School Fair Haven North Site Coordinator: Daikichi Washington School Operating Site: Clinton Avenue School Fair Haven South Site Coordinator: Jahvon Soto School Operating Site: Family Academy of Multilingual Exploration Hill South Site Coordinator: Emiya Pearse School Operating Site: Roberto Clemente Leadership Academy Dwight-Kensington Site Coordinator: Tamia Scott School Operating: Augusta -Lewis Troup School Quinnipiac Meadows Site Coordinator: Alyssa Parrott School Operating Site: Ross Woodward School Site Information Check out our some of our other programs!

Children's Afterschool Program Application (ages 7 to 12) Please note that when you are done filling out the application, you must click Submit Form at the end of the application. You cannot save the form and return to it. LEAP is opening a new After-School at King Robinson School (Newhallville) starting on December 8th and ending on May 26th. Please click on the orange button below if you wish to apply to the Newhallville After-School! Afterschool Program Application Spring 2026 (includes Dwight, Fair Haven North and South, The Hill, Quinnipiac Meadows and Dixwell - DOES NOT include Newhallville!) Dates: January 26th to May 7th ( This schedule does not include Newhallville!) *Application does not automatically save. When you complete the form, you must press SUBMIT FORM at the end. If you refresh or leave this page, any entered information will be lost.* Newhallville After-School

Formulario de Aplicación Programa de año académico (de 7 a 12 años) * La aplicación no se guarda automáticamente; Si actualiza o abandona esta página, se perderá cualquier información ingresada. * Para completar la aplicación en español, cambie el botón de traducción a español en la parte superior derecha del formulario a continuación.

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 hires and trains high school students to serve as Junior Counselors, responsible for mentoring and turtoring younger children. Learn more and find an application here. Junior Counselors Our Junior Counselors (JCs) are high school students who are paid members of the LEAP staff, and each works under the supervision of a Senior Counselor who guides and mentors them. LEAP Junior Counselors must be New Haven high school students 16 years old or older. LEAP employs approximately 100 JCs each year, full-time during the summer and part-time during the school year. Our JCs also receive resources such as professional development, financial literacy workshops, and academic coaching. Our goal is to prepare our young adults for successful futures, and part of this is ensuring that they can pursue higher education. Apply for our Program Here! Junior Counselor General Application About the Position LEAP Junior Counselors must be New Haven high school students 16 years old or older. In addition to working with children, you are required to participate in your own development including college access opportunities and tutoring when needed. The application for this position is at the bottom of this page. Our college access programming includes writing workshops focused on college essays, career fairs, college advising, a week-long out-of-state college tour, and financial aid training for parents. On our free college tour, JCs visit colleges along the East Coast, touring at least ten different colleges each year. LEAP also awards $13,000 worth of scholarships to our JCs entering college, rewarding them for their dedication and service to our LEAP community. *Application does not automatically save; if you refresh or leave the page, any entered information will be lost.* Younger than 16? Apply to be a LIT! Apply Here!

LEAP is a great place to work. Here you can find the full time positions that we are currently hiring. Full-Time Positions Click here to view our open positions! Looking to volunteer instead? See Opportunities

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