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! The Read-in Was A Hit! This year’s Annual LEAP Read-In on the New Haven Green was an absolute hit! On a beautiful summer day, the Green transformed into a giant, open-air library as hundreds of LEAP campers gathered under the trees alongside 70 dedicated volunteer readers. From local leaders and public officials to neighborhood allies, volunteers sat in small circles across the grass to share favorite stories, spark imaginations, and tackle summer learning loss head-on. Thanks to the incredible energy of our campers, staff, and community partners, the event was an inspiring, joyful celebration of youth literacy and New Haven’s shared commitment to its young leaders. 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! 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. 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. SUPPORT

Learn about LEAP's swimming programs and complete an application for a child or adult lesson. L eadership, E ducation & A thletics in P artnership Decemebr 23, 2025 the leap pool is closed tody Decemebr 23, 2025 the leap pool is closed tody Decemebr 23, 2025 the leap pool is closed tody Decemebr 23, 2025 the leap pool is closed tody Next Registration Period: June 16th, 2025 Next Session START Date: June 30th, 2025 Next Session END Date: August 1st, 2025 Pool Temperature: 75- 80 ° August 3 – September 4 The LEAP Pool is exclusively reserved for registered Community Swim Lesson participants. Community Swim Schedule Orientations are held at 31 Jefferson Street, New Haven, CT 06511, at 6 PM Please note: Limited Parking on Jefferson Street Please follow the registration instructions carefully; incorrect entries may not register. Community Swim Fall Session 1: Session Dates: September 21 – October 26, 2026 Registration Period: September 7, 2026 - September 18, 2026 Orientation: September 17, 2026 Community Swim Fall Session 2: Session Dates: November 9 – December 18, 2026 Registration Period: October 26, 2026 - November 6, 2026 Orientation: November 5, 2026 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER LEAP offers swim lessons for children, teens, and adults at all skill levels—whether you’re just starting out or already know the basics and want to build confidence, refine technique, and improve your swimming skills in a supportive, inclusive environment. what Classes run in 5-week sessions, twice weekly for 45 mins. Youth L1 & L3 Mon/Wed; L2 & L4 Tue/Thu (5–5:45 & 6–6:45 pm). Teens/adults L1–2 Mon/Wed; L3+ Tue/Thu (7–7:45 pm). Seniors Fri 5 pm; Toddlers 6 pm; at LEAP, 31 Jefferson St., New Haven. when & where who LEAP Aquatics is an inclusive, community swim program offering classes for toddlers, youth, teens, and adults. Rooted in equity, we provide safe, welcoming access to water skills, confidence, and belonging for all. Cost The 5-week program (10 classes) costs $45 for toddlers, $50 for seniors, $80 for youth, $100 for adults/teens, paid online in advance. No refunds; credit can be applied to future lessons. If LEAP closes, make-up classes will be scheduled. Thank you to our Aquatics Program Grantors! LEAP is a proud grantee of USA Swimming Foundation's Learn to Swim program. C lick on their logo to learn more.

Staff Only Leap 2020

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Staff Only Leap 2020

Programa de Verano Para Niños Que El programa de verano de LEAP incluye alfabetización, athleticos, artes, ciencias de la computación, cocina,y jardinería. Los niños también realizan excursiones alrededor de New Haven y viajes de campamento. Todos los programas son supervisados por un coordinador experimentado con pares de consejeros entrenados provenientes de colegios locales y escuelas secundarias. El programa de verano de LEAP es gratuito para los participantes. Quien El programa de verano para niños de LEAP está disponible para niños de 7 a 12 años que viven en uno de nuestros siete vecindarios (lo que importa es donde vive el niño, no donde él o ella va a la escuela): Dixwell Newhallville Fair Haven North Fair Haven South Hill South Dwight-Kensington (including West River) Quinnipiac Meadows cuándo y dónde El programa opera de lunes a jueves de 8:00 am - 4 pm, viernes de 8:00 am - 1 pm. LEAP opera en siete barrios en estas escuelas locales: Fair Haven School Troupe School Clinton Avenue School King-Robinson Magnet School Roberto Clemente Elementary School Q House (and Wexler-Grant) Ross Woodward Formulario de Aplicación * 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.

Reasons to Donate to LEAP COSTS RISING... LEAP is one of the largest youth employers in New Haven. We train and hire over 200 young people as counselors every year, and their salaries are our largest cost, making up a third of our annual expenses. Starting in Oct. 2019, Connecticut's new minimum wage law requires counselor pay to increase an additional $1/hour each year for five years. LEAP supports the new law because it will make a big difference for many of our families. But we will have to raise an additional $1 million over the next five years to ensure that we do not need to make program cuts. ...FUNDS FALLING LEAP has relied on support from the Connecticut State Department of Education since we were founded 27 years ago. However, the government has been decreasing its funding for LEAP over the last five years due to general state budget cuts. Since 2015, our state funding has decreased 63%; state funding went from 40% of our total budget in 2015 to 14% of our budget in 2019. We must continue to diversify our funding sources and rely less on state funding in order to ensure LEAP's future financial stability. $375,000 $300,000 $225,000 $150,000 $75,000 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Additional Costs Due to Min. Wage Increase $281,000 $312,000 $462,000 $620,000 $750,000 $312,000 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 State Funding for LEAP Despite these challenges, LEAP is still growing and improving our programs for young people! LIT PROGRAM Our Leaders in Training (LIT) Program fills a gap in services for young teens by providing 13-15 year olds a safe, enriching environment when they are not in school. Since 2018, LEAP has been growing the LIT Program; we plan to add additional LITs each summer. 50 100 LITs in summer 2018 LITs in summer 2021 COLLEGE ACCESS 100% of LEAP high school seniors graduate and are accepted to college; however, as guidance counselors are cut from the public school system budget, LEAP is expanding our college access support to help students ultimately attain an affordable degree, not just get into college. Our services will include: Scholarship opportunities Financial aid counseling PSAT/SAT prep Essay workshops Week-long college tour CHILDREN'S PROGRAM Aquatics: LEAP will continue to teach boys and girls how to swim. We also will expand our swimming curriculum so our own swim staff are Red-Cross certified to train lifeguards. Literacy: LEAP's summer literacy program is a big part of how we make sure students stay on track in school. LEAP plans to hire an experienced educator as a new full-time staff member to improve our literacy curriculum and counselor training. LEAP Computer Learning Center: LEAP kids build robots, code apps, edit videos, and more. We are starting a free Saturday Code Camp for kids who want to learn even more. Resources: From gardening, to cooking, to dancing⁠—LEAP kids get to have fun and explore. Camping: learning natural science by exploring nature Summer Journeys: expanded from 1-day to 3-day out of state trips Kids discover museums, libraries, universities, and more!

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."

Medical Needs Getting Medical Assistance If you are not able to reach your doctor (or your child's doctor) and a family member is showing symptoms, call the Yale New Haven Hospital COVID-19 Call Center: (203) 688-1700. If you do not have health insurance and need medical assistance, including if you are an undocumented immigrant, call Fair Haven Community Health Center which is not charging people without insurance during the crisis (this can also be helpful to immigrants concerned about the "Public Charge" rule). Their number is (203) 777-7411. Both Fair Haven Community Health Center (203) 777-7411 and Cornell Scott - Hill Health Center (203) 503-3000 have tele-health (video with medical staff) and have many options to make their services affordable or even free. Do not avoid health care because of cost! Do not rely on social media or friends for information, go to our Covid-19 Updates page for reliable sources. Getting Tested Several COVID-19 locations are now available in New Haven in multiple neighborhoods, these include sites run by Fair Haven Health Clinic, Cornell Scott Hill Health Center, CVS and Yale New Haven Hospital. They all have slightly different approaches so visit the City of New Haven's testing map tool to find a location that works for you . Mental Health Services Clifford Beers provides mental health services for children and teens. They are providing tele-health (phone and video conference) services for young people in need. Contact them at (203) 772-1270. For emergency/crisis mental health needs for people of all ages, call 211. Need Support & Not Sure Who To Call? Clifford Beers is also operating a Warm Line. You can call it if you just need someone to talk to (in English or Spanish), if you need food and don't know who to turn to, are in need of child/infant supplies (notebooks, diapers, clothes, etc.), need connections to mental health resources, or have questions about volunteer aid, COVID-19 info, or other help. Just call (203) 287-2460. Internet Needs Talking to Kids about COVID-19 Medical Needs COVID-19 Updates Food & Unemployment Free Online Books At Home Activities LEAP Activity Videos

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.

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 Arts Paper 8.3.26 LEAP Dances Through Summer Learning Fox News 6.10.26 2026 Read-In on the Green draws kids from across the city to participate New Haven Independent 6.10.26 Hundreds Read On The Green News 8 6.10.26 Read-In on the New Haven Green supports summer literacy The Patch| 6.10.26 Friday, Mayor, Governor, State, Local, Congressional Leaders Join 1,300 Kids For LEAP's Read-In on the Green New Haven Arts Paper| 6.13.26 LEAP Reads In On The Green New Haven Independent| 3.9.26 31st LEAP Year Raises $600K+ Yale Daily News | 3.4.26 New Havens volunteer negoitatior Sits in the middle of town and gown New Haven Independent | 1.26.26 Get Ready For Another LEAP Year 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 Fall 2026 Spring 2025 Fall/Winter 2025 Summer 2024 Spring 2024 Want to dive deeper into LEAP's history? Check out our Newsletter, Press and Photo Archives! Newsletter Archive Press Archive Photo Archive