Get in touch with LEAP! Contact Us Get in Touch 31 Jefferson St, New Haven, CT 06511 203-773-0770 To send an email to a member of the LEAP staff, their address is the first letter of their first name + their last name at leapforkids.org. Ex: John Smith would be jsmith@leapforkids.org . For programming-related inquiries, please contact the following: Children's Program Deputy Director of Programs, Stefanie Vargas - svargas@leapforkids.org Leaders in Training Program Director of Programs, Nikilia Reid - nreid@leapforkids.org Aquatics Program Aquatics Manager, Elvert Eden - eeden@leapforkids.org For press-related inquiries , please contact our Communications Coordinator, Melissa Liriano, at mliriano@leapforkids.org . You can also email us with any questions by filling out this form. If you want us to be able to call you back, please be sure to include your phone number. Enter Your Name* Enter Your Number Enter Your Email* Subject* Type Your Message Here* Send Thanks for submitting! Locate Us! We Need Your Support Today! By Mail Make checks out to "LEAP" and send to: 31 Jefferson Street New Haven, CT 06511 Online Make a tax deductible donation‏. Click to Give Over the Phone It's easy to donate offline too. Tel: 203-773-0770 Make a Gift Today! DONATE

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 Chief of Staff yrobinson@leapforkids.org Stefanie Vargas Deputy Director of Programs svargas@leapforkids.org Justin Short Interim Dwight-Kensington Site Coordinator jshorts@leapforkids.org Emiya Pearse Newhallville Site Coordinator epearse@leapforkids.org Tina Sapiente Deputy Chief of Staff tsapiente@leapforkids.org Chantalle Martin Clinical Coordinator cmartin@leapforkids.org Daikichi Washington Fair Haven West Site Coordinator dwashington@leapforkids.org Alyssa Parrott Quinnipiac Meadows Site Coordinator aparrott@leapforkids.org Nikilia Reid Director of Programs nreid@leapforkids.org Darcus Henry Dixwell Site Coordinator dhenry@leapforkids.org Jahvon Soto Fair Haven South Site Coordinator jsoto@leapforkids.org Paris Jones Youth Development Coordinator pjones@leapforkids.org Elvert Eden Aquatics Manager eeden@leapforkids.org Curriculum & Training Team Summer Choate-Lewis Director of Curriculum & Training schoate@leapforkids.org Jesse Delia Director of Community Initiatives jdelia@leapforkids.org Kayla Penza Curriculum & Training Coordinator kpenza@leapforkids.org Counselor Development Team Maithé Ulloa Counselor Development Manager mulloa@leapforkids.org Aysia Reese Counselor Development Coordinator areese@leapforkids.org Jadah Smith Counselor Development Coordinator jsmith@leapforkids.org Alexis Christy Academic Success Coordinator achristy@leapforkids.org Development & Communications Team Rachel Kline Brown Director of Development & Communications rklinebrown@leapforkids.org Jubetsy Minaya-Pérez Deputy Director of Development & Communications jminaya@leapforkids.org Ruofan Chen Database Analyst & Prospect Researcher rchen@leapforkids.org Eliana Arroyo Development Coordinator earroyo@leapforkids.org Melissa Liriano Communications Coordinator mliriano@leapforkids.org Finance Team Shadine Alveranga Managing Director of Finance salveranga@leapforkids.org Tamia Scott Finance Coordinator tscott@leapforkids.org DJenny Pope Payroll Coordinator dpope@leapforkids.org Q House Team Yakeita Robinson Director of the Dixwell Community Q House yrobinson@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 Maintenance Associate mparker@leapforkids.org Robin Williams Receptionist rwilliams@leapforkids.org

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. 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! 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

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 six neighborhoods (what matters is where the child lives, not where he or she goes to school): Dixwell Newhallville 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 six neighborhoods at these local sites (find more info below): Dixwell Newhallville Fair Haven West Fair Haven South Hill South Dwight-Kensington Quinnipiac Meadows when & where Apply for our Fall 2025 Program Here! Application in English Aplicación en Español 2025 Fall 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, September 29th, and will end Thursday, December 11th. 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. Important LEAP Dates and Closures for Children’s Programming Fall 2025 ●September 29th - First Day of Fall Leap Programming ● October 2nd - No LEAP (Yom Kippur) ● October 13th - NO LEAP (Indigenous People Day) ● October 22nd - No LEAP (Early Dismissal) ● November 4th - No LEAP (Election Day) ● November 11th- No LEAP (Veteran's Day) ● November 19th- No LEAP (Report Card Night K-8) ●November 26th-27th - No LEAP (Thanksgiving Recess) ● December 11th - Last Day of Spring LEAP Programming Dixwell Site Coordinator: Darcus Henry Jr. School Operating Site: Wexler-Grant School Newhallville Site Coordinator: Emiya Pearse School Operating Site: Lincoln-Bassett Community School Fair Haven West 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: TBA School Operating Site: Roberto Clemente Leadership Academy Dwight-Kensington Interim Site Coordinator: Justin Short Augusta -Lewis Troup School Quinnipiac Meadows Site Coordinator: Alyssa Parrott School Operating Site: Bishop Woods School Site Information Check out our some of our other programs!

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

LEAP hires and trains college students to serve as Senior Counselors, responsible for mentoring and turtoring children and teens. Learn more and find an application here. Senior Counselors LEAP Senior Counselors (SCs), partnered with their Junior Counselors, lead groups of children and teenagers as teachers, mentors, and positive role models to help our youth develop both academically and socially. SCs are college students who are paid members of the LEAP staff, and each works under the supervision of a Site Coordinator who guides and mentors them. LEAP employs approximately 100 SCs each year, full-time during the summer and part-time during the school year. Apply for our Spring 2025 Program Here! Senior Counselor General Application About the Position LEAP Senior Counselors must be college or graduate students in good academic standing at a 2- or 4-year college or university. We also accept applicants who are currently attending a trade school or who are in military training and have an open schedule to work during our program hours. LEAP counselors are at the center of the LEAP experience for our young people and they must demonstrate the highest level of commitment. They receive extensive training to prepare them for the tremendous responsibilities of teaching, inspiring, and caring for children as well as mentoring the Junior Counselors with whom they partner. Their preparation includes training in literacy education, CPR, conflict resolution, classroom management, trauma-informed education, and even how to take their kids camping. SCs also have the opportunity to take workshops to help them develop for any future career on topics such as resume writing, public speaking, and financial literacy. Through our unique model, SCs receive genuine leadership opportunities with support from their supervisors. During the summer program, LEAP provides SCs with free housing in the neighborhood in which they work. We do this so that counselors are accessible to children, can learn about the neighborhoods’ strengths and weaknesses, and children can have their college student role models as neighbors. *Application does not automatically save; if you refresh or leave the page, any entered information will be lost.* Still in high school? Apply to be a Junior Counselor! Apply Here!

Check out our recent LEAP newsletters. Newsletter Archive Summer 2021 Spring 2021 Fall 2021 Summer 2020 Summer 2019 Summer 2018 Summer 2017 Spring 2020 Spring 2019 Spring 2018 Spring 2017 Fall 2020 Fall 2019 Fall 2018 Fall 2017

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 Playing Field Construction Scope of Work PROJECT OVERVIEW Project Name: Playing Field Sinkholes Repair Project Location: 31 Jefferson Street, New Haven CT, 06511 Project Owner: Leadership Education and Athletics in Partnership Inc PROJECT DESCRIPTION LEAP is looking to fix two sinkholes located in the back field of the LEAP Community Center by June 2024. SCOPE OF WORK Excavation Process: Utilize an excavator to dig down into the sinkholes, ensuring safety protocols are followed throughout the operation. Cavity Identification and Remediation: Inspect the sinkholes for any cavities or voids. Any identified voids shall be filled with either flowable fill or clean stones, depending on the size and nature of the space, to provide stable support and prevent further subsidence. Backfilling: Following cavity remediation, backfill the excavated areas with suitable material, such as compactable soil or gravel, to restore the ground to its original level and ensure structural integrity. Compaction Protocol: Employ compaction machinery to compact the backfilled material layer by layer, with compaction occurring approximately every 6 inches throughout the filled area. This process ensures optimal soil density, enhancing stability and longevity of the repaired surface. Grading and Seeding: Once compaction is completed, carefully grade the repaired areas to achieve proper surface contouring and drainage. Following grading, seed the area with appropriate grass seeds to promote vegetation growth and restore the playing field's aesthetic. Quality Assurance and Site Cleanup: Throughout the project, conduct regular quality checks to verify adherence to specifications and standards. Upon completion, remove any excess material, debris, or equipment from the site, leaving the area clean, safe, and ready for use. Documentation and Reporting: Maintain comprehensive documentation of all work performed, including excavation depths, materials used, compaction specifications, and any other relevant details. Provide a final report summarizing the repair process and confirming compliance with project requirements. Post-Repair Monitoring and Maintenance: Monitor the repaired sinkhole areas annually following completion to ensure long-term stability and address any potential issues promptly. Implement a maintenance plan as necessary to preserve the integrity and functionality of the playing field over time. Monitoring will happen for a 24-month period. HOW TO APPLY Please submit a detailed proposal at application@leapforkids.org by April 27th. If you need more information, you can call our office, Monday through Friday, 10 am – 5 pm at 203-773-0770 and ask to speak to the Deputy Chief of Staff, Tina Sapiente. Leadership Education and Athletics in Partnership Inc is an Affirmative Action /Equal Opportunity Employer. This is not a city general funds project. WAGE RATES Prevailing wage rates apply.

Hear from the people most impacted by LEAP in these testimonials. Testimonials “These past years at LEAP taught me to be self-seeking, determined, and how to be a leader. My long term plan is to work with kids as a physician assistant, and LEAP taught me how to work with kids.” As a Junior Counselor at LEAP, Kimberly received the Stiefel Williams Family Scholarship and Jay Bovilsky Scholarship. She attends Johnson and Wales University. KIMBERLY ANIVEA “We do math games so we could go back to school and be smarter than we were the other year. When I was at school I used to get a lot of math questions wrong but now that we do math games, I know how to do them.” Anivea has participated in LEAP during both the summer and the school year, and is excited to become a Leader in Training. “The main things I took from LEAP were social interaction skills and then whatever topics my counselors were teaching us at the time. Being a Junior Counselor and Senior Counselor, I gained a lot of motivation and saw how much work is put into working with the kids. I was tasked with educating the kids and planning lessons and I realized how many things go into making a kid a kid and keeping them on the right track.” Darnell is majoring in Mechanical Engineering at Gateway Community College. He started LEAP at 7 years old, went through the Children's Program and was a Junior Counselor before becoming a Senior Counselor. DARNELL WILLIAM “LEAP changed me to be good. When I wasn’t in LEAP I used to mess around and get in trouble but now it's helping me not get in trouble and get As and Bs. When I was in [the Children's Program] my counselor and I had a really good relationship. We used to have fun a lot and we had some of the same issues and obstacles to face. He helped me because he would tell me that whenever I need a break I could just tell him and I could go walk around.” William has been a part of LEAP since he was 7 years old. His favorite activity is swimming and his favorite LEAP memory is of him and his friends dancing at Community Day. “My favorite part of LEAP is that we do a lot of fun trips and I can meet new friends and I can go here to feel like myself. LEAP has taught me to be respectful to others and treat people the way you want to be treated.” Tarique's favorite parts of LEAP have been Community Day, the camping trip and his visits to the art gallery. He wants to be an inventor when he grows up. TARIQUE KAYLA “LEAP taught me about my culture and to love myself for who I am. LEAP also taught me the importance of giving back to my community. Shout out to Ms. Keita – My site coordinator when I was a LEAP kid!” As a Junior Counselor at LEAP, Kayla received the Regina Winters Scholarship and the Jay Bovilsky Scholarship. She attends Howard University. “My favorite book I’ve read at LEAP is a history book about the Titanic and how it sunk. I liked it because it didn’t just say the Titanic sunk, it actually gave facts about what was on the Titanic, how many passengers were saved, how many passengers weren’t saved.” Jeremiah's favorite part of LEAP is doing community service. Jeremiah likes science, math and reading, and wants to be an artist when he grows up. JEREMIAH (left) DARIUS “Before LEAP I was very reserved, I was more of a follower, and I would let people dictate what I did. Now, as a counselor, I find myself being more vocal. People come to me with questions about anything, not just about the program, but about life in general. This growth is something I can attribute to LEAP and is what anyone who steps through these doors can expect to get.” Darius is a senior counselor at LEAP, and was previously a Junior Counselor and Leader in Training. He attends Central Connecticut State University and is studying Journalism. “I like science because I get to explore new things and I get to learn about different chemicals and stuff. LEAP teaches me how to share and just explore new things” Danasia's favorite part about LEAP was her trip to the Connecticut Science Museum in Hartford. She wants to be a doctor when she grows up. DANASIA In our 31 years, LEAP has worked with over 10,000 youth! Here's what some of our alumni had to say. “LEAP offered such a solid foundation for me as a social worker and manager in Chicago. The training and network of LEAP is amazing! LEAP offered me so much just as a counselor. I learned key values like being passionate, modeling, working tirelessly for a cause, and leadership skills that have aided me in every position since I worked for LEAP.” Christy Beighe-Byrne, Center Director at Chicago Youth Services and former LEAP Senior Counselor and Statewide Director of LCLC, involved from 1992-2002 “I was born and raised in a low-income situation. If it weren't for LEAP, I would not have been exposed to things that show that life expands beyond CT. I still have close friends that I met in ‘93 that were in my group. Being a counselor shaped my desire to become a part of the growth for our community and to teach others. There's so much credit that I can give to LEAP and what it's done to put me in the position that I'm in today. LEAP helped me with self-awareness and leadership skill-enhancement, giving me the ability to speak and work well with others at all levels." Mo Edwards, New Haven firefighter, former LEAP child, Junior Counselor, Senior Counselor, and Assistant Site Coordinator of Dwight-Kensington, involved from 1993-2008 “LEAP taught me how to interact with people, how to be a leader, listener, problem solver and teammate! It's still the best job I have ever held. Working in the community to bring children and families closer together developed a sense of pride that I take with me everywhere I travel. The whole time I thought I was doing something for the kids and it turned out that they did more for my development than I probably did for theirs. My old senior counselor is still one of my best friends! LEAP for life!” Anonymous, Former counselor and staff in New London from 1995-2000 "I learned a lot during my time at LEAP -- both during training and during work! Living at Church St. South was a special experience and I carry the memories of my girls and their families with me all the time!" Margot Anderson, Pediatric Hospitalist at Tulane Medical School and former LEAP Senior Counselor 1993-1994 "LEAP was a life changing experience for me. Before LEAP I was going to major in Anthropology. After LEAP I changed my major to psychology and started the path to becoming an educator, eventually receiving my Masters in Education from Harvard. LEAP taught me the importance of really being a part of the community that you serve. When I became a teacher in Brooklyn, I chose to live on the same block as my school. This was directly because of LEAP. I made life long friends at LEAP, and even met my husband there, when we were working as counselors the summer of 1995. I still stay in contact via Facebook with several of my LEAP kids. It's nice to see them doing well." Michele Stein, Head Start Program Manager and LEAP Senior Counselor 1995-1997

Free Online Books You can look for free children's books to read online on google books by going here and typing "free children's books" into the search bar. You can do the same for any kind of book, just put the word "free" first. Project Gutenberg offers 60,000 free e-books. Their website includes how to load these books onto your cell phone, kindle or other devices. Learn more here . People Get Ready is a community book space in New Haven located on Whalley Avenue. They are currently closed to the public, but the owners have been holding virtual, daily storytime sessions on Facebook Live and then saving those videos for families to watch on their page. Their Instagram account also provides daily helpful ideas for engaging with children in reading activities while they are at home or in their community during this period of social distancing. Click here for a list of seven websites that offer free eBooks for children to read. For families with library cards, the NHFPL has several free online resources such as eBooks, audiobooks and movies through apps/websites like Hoopla, Kanopy, and OverDrive. They also offer online skill classes in Microsoft Office, graphic design, arts & crafts, statistics and more through apps/websites like CREATIVEBUG and Lynda.com. There is a long list of kid/teen resources, research sites for students doing projects and free access to the New York Times, as well. See their list of electronic resources here. Internet Needs Talking to Kids about COVID-19 Medical Needs COVID-19 Updates Food & Unemployment Free Online Books At Home Activities LEAP Activity Videos