Thinking about making a donation to LEAP, or maybe you already are a donor? Either way, this page is for you. You can make a donation and learn about a range of ways to give now and in the future. Information for Donors Give to LEAP LEAP is a non-profit organization and all of our programs are free of charge. We rely on donors like you to carry out our mission. Every dollar you give to LEAP creates new and amazing opportunities for a child or teen. Donations are 100% secure and tax-deductible. To view LEAP's financial documents and learn more about our funding challenges, see our Financial Information page. To learn more about why donating to LEAP matters now more than ever, see our Reasons to Donate to LEAP page. To learn more about ways to make a planned gift to LEAP and how to join the LEAP Legacy Society, see our Planned Giving Options page. Other questions? Contact Rachel at rklinebrown@leapforkids.org Donate Today Make a secure, online donation to support academic and social enrichment for New Haven youth. We hope you will add the 2.3% processing fee to your gift so LEAP receives your full donation. You can donate by credit card or PayPal. Become a Sustaining Donor Monthly recurring gifts provide steady, reliable support. Simply check the "Make this a monthly donation" box when you donate. Make an Honorary Donation Dedicate your donation to a friend or relative to show your appreciation or honor their memory. Please send an email with their name and address with "Honorary Donation" in the subject line to rklinebrown@leapforkids.org, and we will let them know about your donation. Donate by Mail Send your check to LEAP, 31 Jefferson Street, New Haven, CT 06511 . Donations can be made payable to "LEAP." Give Appreciated Stock Support LEAP through the gift of an appreciated asset. Please notify Rachel Kline Brown (rklinebrown@leapforkids.org ) what is being transferred including the number of shares and who the donor is. Donations go to Firm Name: Fidelity Investments DTC: 0226 Account #: 657-221430 Account Name: LDRSHP, EDU, & ATH IN PRTNRSHP Make a Planned Gift & Join LEAP's Legacy Society Remember LEAP in your estate plan for a specific dollar amount or percentage. By doing so, you will become a member of the LEAP legacy society. Click here for more information. Give Through a Donor Advised Fund If you have a donor advised fund, DAF Direct enables you to r ecommend grants to LEAP, directly from your DAF (sponsoring organizations are Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, or BNY Mellon ). Simply click here go to our personalized Donor Advised Fund page. Once there, you can select the institution, the designation (how the funds should be used) and the amount of the gift. When you click the “Next” button, you will be taken directly to your donor advised fund provider. If your donor-advised fund provider is not listed, contact your provider directly with a request to make a grant to LEAP. LEAP's Tax ID Number: 22-2906574 Donate Donate Donate Donor Privacy Policy: LEAP does not share, sell or trade our donors' names or other personal information with any other entity, nor do we contact our donors on behalf of other organizations.

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."

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 Spring 2025 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 Year Event 30 Years & Counting Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we raised over $500,000 for LEAP's free youth programs! 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 next year's LEAP Year Event! Note: This page reflects information from the 2025 LEAP Year Event. LEAP Year Event '25 Photos LEAP Year Event is our annual fundraiser when the community comes together to make LEAP's free after-school and summer programs for youth from underserved New Haven neighborhoods possible. This year, we are excited to honor Ann Baker Pepe and Ed Cleary , Co-Board Chairs, with the LEAP Community Leadership Award! The event will be on Thursday, February 27, 2025, with additional conversations on Thursday, February 20th & Saturday, March 1st. The evening will begin with a reception at the Dixwell Community Center (Q House) that will include complimentary drinks & hors d'oeuvres, live music, a welcome from Henry Fernandez, LEAP's Executive Director, and an opportunity to hear from LEAP counselors. Guests will then go to the dinners with their choice of topic and Guests of Honor. LEAP Year Event is LEAP's most important fundraiser with over 500 philanthropic donors, business professionals, and community leaders from the Greater New Haven area attending. In 2024, you helped us raise over $450,000 to make LEAP's free programs possible. Please email Alison Bonds at abonds@leapforkids.org if you are interested in supporting the event this year as a sponsor or have questions about registering. With your partnership, we will continue to Create a New Haven for Our Children. 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 restuarant, 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 . Thank You to Our LEAP Year Event 2025 Sponsors Superhero Champion The Scillia Family Roz & Jerry Meyer Hero Roger Ibbotson Julie Wilson Stacey & Hap Perkins with Leader Carol Sirot Mentor Jacqueline Koral Lindy Lee Gold Celeste Myers Joann Thompson & Robert Alvine Educator Dr. Marcus McFerren with Cynthia Mann, MD Marna Borgstrom & Eric Borgstrom Athlete Celeste Suggs & Joel Zackin Ruby Melton & Gail McAvay Ellen Shuman & Doug Rae Partner Jody Ellant with Alison Bonds & Larry Levine John S. Nussbaum Barb & George Germano Allie Perry & Charlie Pillsbury Lisa Stanger & Greg Colodner Terry & Carl Porto Andrea & Jeremy Asnes Friend Wayne Card with Sue McDonald & Corey Stone Mark & Lynn Schpero Kathryn Hill & Gerald Kahn Kaaren Jansen & Robert Jaeger Jen & Rob Bayer Marian Chertow & Matthew Nemerson Deb & Ron Nudel Lynne & Mark Schpero Joseph & Myra Zelson Neighbor Mary Jane Burt Reception Sponsors Accomodation Sponsor 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

Maithé Ulloa Counselor Development Coordinator mulloa@leapforkids.org Maithé (she/her/hers) I joined LEAP in 2019 as a Senior Counselor. LEAP has allowed me to work with a diverse group of children and families who come from different paths of life. I love learning about the cultures and backgrounds of those who I work with. I received my bachelors degrees in Bilingual Elementary Education and Interdisciplinary Studies. I am currently working on my masters degree in School Counseling at Southern Connecticut State University. I am Ecuadorian and originally from East Hartford, CT, but currently reside in West Haven. During my free time, I enjoy listening to music, going on walks, and I also love to travel!

Internet Needs Access to the Internet So much of what we do now requires access to the internet. This is even more true when kids have to stay home because of COVID-19. If you do not have wifi access at home, and if you receive public benefits (SNAP, Section 8, public housing, free school lunch, etc.) you can now get internet in your home for free. The city has set up 13 Internet hotspots at various New Haven Public schools. These are free, publicly-accessible, school-powered WIFI hubs that extend WIFI to a two-block radius from the school building. Career, Lincoln-Bassett Community School, Fair Haven School, the former Christopher Columbus Academy, John S. Martinez School, King-Robinson, Roberto Clemente, Hill-Central, John C. Daniels, Riverside, Betsy Ross, Truman, and the former Strong School on Orchard Street. Comcast is offering Internet Essentials (which is decently fast wifi for your home for free) for 2 months for new wifi customers during the pandemic and then $9.99 per mo nth. You can also call them at 1-855-8-INTERNET (1-855-846-8376). Comcast is also making all of its Xfinity wifi hotspots free for everyone. Enable wifi on your device and then choose xfinitywifi. Here is a map of Xfinity hotspots. Internet Needs Talking to Kids about COVID-19 Medical Needs COVID-19 Updates Food & Unemployment Free Online Books At Home Activities LEAP Activity Videos

Planned Giving & LEAP Legacy Society Planned Giving Options Become a member of the LEAP Legacy Society by including LEAP in your estate plans. Here are a few ways to do so: Bequest: Remember LEAP in your will One of the simplest and most meaningful planned gifts is to remember LEAP in your will, where you can designate either a specific dollar amount or percentage of your estate to LEAP. Countless young LEAPers will benefit from your foresight to include LEAP in your will, and your generous gesture serves as an example of the values you hold dear. Sample Language: “I give and bequeath to Leadership, Education, and Athletics in Partnership, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, with principal offices presently located at 31 Jefferson Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, the sum of _____ (or _______% of my estate), to be used for the accomplishment of its general purpose.” Retirement Plans: Name LEAP as a beneficiary, or transfer directly Naming LEAP as a beneficiary of your 401k, IRA, or other retirement accounts is incredibly impactful for your heirs and for LEAP. Retirement accounts that have grown tax-free over time are generally the most desirable assets for charitable giving, as they are taxable to heirs when inherited. Additionally, with an IRA, you can donate up to $100,000 of your required minimum distribution (RMD) annually for those over 72 years old and retired directly to LEAP through a Qualified Charitable Distribution, reducing your adjusted gross income for tax and Medicare payment calculations. Life Insurance: Transfer ownership of a policy or make LEAP a beneficiary Often overlooked as a method of planned giving, there are many ways for a life insurance policy to benefit LEAP. Adding LEAP as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy, transferring ownership of a paid-up life insurance policy to LEAP, or taking out a policy and making LEAP the owner and beneficiary will greatly benefit LEAP and the children we serve. Charitable Trust: Create income for yourself and transfer assets to LEAP later A charitable trust arrangement will allow you to use your assets to create a stream of income for yourself or your beneficiaries. You can transfer the principal assets to LEAP once the trust has terminated, or you can name LEAP as a beneficiary of the generated income, and return the assets to your family after a specified number of years. Questions: Contact us for more information For more information or to talk further about a planned gift, please contact LEAP’s Director of Development, Rachel Kline Brown, at (203) 773-0770 or rklinebrown@leapforkids.org . Please also consult your financial or legal advisor who understands your specific situation before making a planned gift. If you have already included LEAP in a bequest or other planned gift, we thank you and hope you will let us know by contacting Rachel. Legac Society LEAP Legacy Society Those who make planned gifts to LEAP will receive membership in the LEAP Legacy Society, a community of like-minded individuals who love New Haven and truly care about New Haven's youth. In addition to the satisfaction of making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of children, admission into the LEAP Legacy Society offers the following benefits: An Annual Lunch at LEAP with select Counselors, Program Staff, Board Members, and Executive Director, Henry Fernandez The opportunity, if you agree, to be publicly recognized as a LEAP Legacy Society Member in LEAP publications Recognition at our Annual LEAP Year Event Reception in printed materials and during the program, if you choose A Legacy Society Pin given only to those supporters who have remembered LEAP in their will or estate plan “LEAP’s values align with mine, so I donate to make their work with young people possible now. I plan to keep supporting them when I am gone because I want my legacy to continue to reflect these same values. That is why I am here on earth - to provide for my family and support organizations with missions that align with my values - now and in the future.” If you have included LEAP in your estate plans and wish to be a part of the LEAP Legacy Society, we thank you and hope you will let us know by contacting Rachel at rklinebrown@leapforkids.org . Bob Alvine LEAP Legacy Society Member

Frankie Roman Counselor Development Manager froman@leapforkids.org Frankie (he/him/his) Hello everyone! My name is Frankie and I am the Counselor Development Manager here at LEAP. My role at LEAP is to oversee the work our department does around hiring, recruiting, and advising our counselor staff. This means I oversee and manage over 170+ counselors and track their personal and academic progress while employed with us! I joined LEAP in June of 2019 as the Site Coordinator for Fair Haven South. I transitioned into the Counselor Development Department as a Coordinator in September of 2020 and then was promoted into my current role in April of 2021! Outside of LEAP I am the National Intake Officer of my fraternity, Latino America Unida, Lambda Alpha Upsilon, Inc.—where I oversee our new member process and manage the members coming into our organization nationally. I graduated from the University of New Haven back in 2017 with a bachelors in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Investigation Services and a minor in Juvenile Justice! I am originally from Hartford, CT, but now reside in Fair Haven. I love LEAP because I love that my work has such an impact on young people's lives, and that I can help youth accomplish their goals that come from the same communities and ethnic backgrounds like myself. Another reason I love LEAP is because we are so welcoming to everyone and treat everyone like a family. .

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 | 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 The Arts Paper | 10.31.23 Young New Haveners LEAP Into Halloween New Haven Independent | 10.24.23 Halloween Spooktacular Coming To The Q House Fox61 | 8.17.23 Teacher Appreciation Day at Ikea for back-to-school shopping Patch | 8.15.23 $150K Mental Health Services Funding For New Haven LEAP, Squash Haven WTNH | 8.8.23 What’s Right With Schools: LEAP helps students exercise body, mind New Haven Independent | 7.18.23 Phonics Returns to Summer Classroom New Haven Independent | 7.14.23 Students Hit the Gym, With Books, at LEAP Read-In WTNH | 7.14.23 'LEAP Read-In volunteers read to New Haven youth WNPR | 5.11.23 'Aquatic activism': The fight for inclusion at pool clubs and beaches *LEAP starts at minute 39 New Haven Register | 5.1.23 Century-Old New Haven youth center that houses LEAP gets major renovations WTNH | 5.1.23 New Haven's LEAP receives nearly $2 million in federal funding for major building repairs New Haven Independent | 4.28.23 41 High-Schoolers LEAP Into College New Haven Independent | 4.21.23 Alders Advance Q House-LEAP Contract New Haven Independent | 3.6.23 28th LEAP Year Dinner Raises $350K Yale Daily News | 2.10.23 "Community and Connection": LEAP leaps to provide free services to children New Haven Independent | 1.30.23 Youth Nonprofit Gets Ready for 28th Annual LEAP Year Dinner New Haven Independent | 1.26.23 Q House- LEAP Contract Renewal Advances New Haven Independent | 1.2.23 Feds' $1.7 Trillion Budget Includes Bucks for Cross, DESK, LEAP, and Fair Haven Health Newsletters Fall/Winter 2025 Spring 2024 Summer 2023 Summer 2024 Fall/Winter 2024 Spring 2023 Want to dive deeper into LEAP's history? Check out our Newsletter, Press and Photo Archives! Newsletter Archive Press Archive Photo Archive

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

Scholastic at Home Watch and Learn BookFlix Khan Academy ELA (English Language Arts) Reading Comprehension Reading Rockets - Includes Special Education and ELA https://www.readingrockets.org/literacyapps https://www.readingrockets.org/article/reading-adventure-pack-where-wild-things-are https://www.readingrockets.org/content/pdfs/literacybags/wildthings_09.pdf https://www.readingrockets.org/article/reading-adventure-pack-food https://www.readingrockets.org/content/pdfs/literacybags/food_08.pdf https://www.readingrockets.org/article/reading-adventure-pack-whats-next-very-hungry-caterpillar https://www.readingrockets.org/content/pdfs/literacybags/Caterpillar_English.pdf https://www.readingrockets.org/article/25-activities-reading-and-writing-fun#grade https://www.readingrockets.org/article/six-games-reading Read Write Think Newsela Unite For Literacy - more than 30 languages. Includes Special Education and ELA Children’s books read aloud Happy Cultivated ( a Youtube Channell that focuses on literacy) Where the wild things are Where are the night animals Where does food come from The very hungry caterpillar I am a Caterpillar

Financial Aid, Scholarships, & Loans Paying for College Presentation View This presentation covers the different ways that you will be able to cover the cost of college so that you can plan ahead. We suggest looking over this presentation with your family so you all have an understanding of how to prepare for the expenses of a college education! Financial Aid Resources Handout View This handout accompanies the "Paying for College" presentation and provides a list of helpful resources in understanding and preparing for the college financial aid process. Scholarship Tracking Worksheet View This spreadsheet is part of the "Paying for College" materials that should help you keep track of any scholarships that you apply to when trying to fund your college education. College Loan Tracker View If you will need loans to attend college, this tracker will help you stay aware of loan requirements and deadlines so you can eventually pay them off as quickly and correctly as possible. College Loan Tracker Walkthrough Video View No sure where to start with the Student Loan Tracker? LEAP's former Counselor Development Intern Durel Crosby explains how to use it in this brief video!