Henry Fernandez is a fundraiser for
Leadership Education and Athletics in Partnership

Donate
123%
$920
Raised
$750
Goal
6
Donors

Join me in supporting LEAP with a donation via the Great Give!

As the Executive Director and a co-founder of LEAP, my belief in the young people of New Haven runs deep. Since launching LEAP in 1992, and returning to lead it again a decade ago, my focus has always been on creating pathways for opportunity and growth for our city's youth.  LEAP's model of empowering young leaders to mentor and uplift younger children is something I believe in wholeheartedly. Seeing new generations of dedicated young people take up the charge to make our city more just is incredibly inspiring.

LEAP reminds me of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of the Beloved Community -- a place we build together that uplifts us all.

The Great Give is a vital opportunity to support LEAP's impact, ensuring we can continue to provide free, high-quality programs for the over 1,600 youth we serve annually. Join me in supporting LEAP and investing in the future of New Haven!

Our Story

Help us reach our goal of $60,000! 

MAKE LEAP’S FREE SUMMER CAMP POSSIBLE!!

In the six neighborhoods that LEAP serves, up to 40% of households live in poverty, creating barriers to accessing high-quality education programs and childcare.

In 2025, we have been strengthening our programs, providing greater college access resources to our counselors, and expanding our phonics pilot program to combat the low literacy rates of too many New Haven children.

With your help, LEAP can reach over 800 children and teens from historically underserved neighborhoods through our free summer camp. The LEAP summer camp is more than just a place to go during the day. At LEAP this summer, young people ages 7 to 15 will:

  • Improve their reading fluency and comprehension through a phonics-based literacy curriculum that features books and characters of color by authors of color. Each student will take home books to build their home libraries. 
  • Participate in dozens of physical exercise activities each week, including dance, yoga, swimming, basketball, and more!
  • Learn new skills and see new places through field trips to local museums and a camping trip.
  • Be part of a caring community of peers and mentors - one that lasts for life.

As one of the largest youth agencies in the city and the largest youth employer, LEAP is a safe haven for New Haven’s young people – a place where they explore and experience our rich community, their own cultures, and transformational life opportunities. Join us in supporting our next generation of leaders by making a donation today.

Hundreds of New Haven families depend on LEAP’s free summer program, and we depend on donors like you to do what we do best.

Thank you for helping us Create a New Haven for our Children.


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