LEAP is an academic and social enrichment program for children and youth in New Haven. The LEAP mission is to develop the strengths and talents of young leaders who create and implement year-round, community-based programming designed to achieve positive academic and social outcomes for children living in high-poverty urban neighborhoods. LEAP was founded in 1992 by a group of New Haven educators, students, social workers, and community activists who shared a collective outrage at the profound level of poverty in Connecticut versus its incredible wealth. These visionaries instinctively recognized the value of education and of sustained, wholesome attachments in empowering young people; thus, they committed themselves to action on behalf of the city’s most indigent children. LEAP operates year-round programs for approximately 660 children and youth: the Children’s Program for ages 6-12 and the Youth Development Program for ages 13-23. The main objective for the Children’s Program is to develop children who are well rounded in academics, culture and athletics; active readers; socially aware and active; and successful in school. The main objective for the Youth Development Program is to provide positive outcomes in civic engagement, leadership, effective teaching, mentorship, and responsible decision making.
