Connecticut

Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders
Grades: K–12
The Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders mission is to provide youth with diverse sports, educational and community awareness programs that foster physical, intellectual, and social development. In eight years BCYL has expanded the services offered to children in the Greater Bridgeport area to include sports, education, and community programs. Some of the services provided in the sports arena include baseball, fall baseball, basketball and baseball clinics, girls’ softball, basketball, and cheerleading. In the area of education, we have a Power Reading Program, as well as an academy which prepares high school students for their SAT’s. In 2008, a high school and college scholarship program was established, and fives scholarships have been awarded to date.

Carver Center
Grades: 6–12
The Carver Center builds lifetime achievers of children and youth with the support of more than 400 volunteers reaching more than 4,000 individuals each year through a spectrum of educational, recreational, summer camp, after-school, and enrichment programs, as well as spring and fall national college tours.

Charter Oak Cultural Center
All Ages
Our Youth Arts Institute serves over 1,000 of Hartford’s inner-city children with completely free before-school, during-school, after-school, weekend, and summer arts and literacy-based programming, as well as free nutritious meals and snacks. Our Youth Arts Institute classes offer a wide variety of experiences in the arts that allow students the opportunity to experiment and find a medium that speaks to them. Many of our class offerings blend one or more discipline in the arts, allowing the students to benefit from a hybrid of mediums and techniques. Our programs focus on how the arts relate to other subjects such as reading, writing, science, and math, which sharpens their skills in all of these subjects. By creating a positive association with learning through fun, creative activities, the students readily integrate what they learn into their daily lives.

COMPASS Youth Collaborative
Ages 10–17
COMPASS Youth Collaborative, Inc., offers positive youth development programs five days a week throughout the year to support, extend, and enhance students’ academic success in a seamless transition. We serve more than 600 youth between the ages of 10 and 17, and provide educational, cultural community service learning, and recreational programming at each site.

ConnCAT Youth Program
Grades: 6–11
Through its Youth Program, ConnCAT is working with the New Haven and Hamden Public schools to replicate the award-winning Youth Development programs of the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild model. ConnCAT after-school programs will be offered at no cost to public school students. Through the seven-week ConnCAT Summer Youth Arts Program, youth from the Greater New Haven area will be exposed to the artists, themes, social contexts, and political issues surrounding this defining era in American history. The purpose of this program is to saturate young people with arts in a manner that allows them to develop and express their ideas, concerns, and passions.

Connecticut Pre-Engineering Program (CPEP)
Grades: 6–12
Connecticut Pre-Engineering Program (CPEP) is an award-winning, not-for-profit organization founded in 1986 that has been recognized for education excellence with urban students. CPEP was designed and implemented to address the growing need to identify, inspire, and ignite the desire of under-represented youth to pursue careers in engineering. In 2003, CPEP received the Pre-College Program of the Year Golden Torch Award from the National Society of Black Engineers. In 2002, CPEP received the Presidential Award from the National Science Foundation for its Mentor Program with the New Haven Public Schools, Bayer Corporation, and Yale University. From our humble beginnings 25 years ago, operating from one school with 40 students, CPEP has grown to represent 11 school districts and 35 schools, directly touching the lives of over 900 students each year.

The Depot
Grades: 6–12
The Depot is the Darien Youth Center run by and for students. The Depot offers a welcoming, relaxed, judgment-free, and safe home away from home while providing opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and community outreach and connections

Domus Kids
All Ages
Since 1972, Domus has helped thousands of our region’s most vulnerable youth experience success. Our goal for the young people we serve is to create the conditions necessary for them to get on a path toward health and opportunity so they can engage and succeed in school and ultimately have satisfying and productive lives. In order to help our youth stay in school and catch up academically so they can achieve the important milestone of high school graduation, Domus focuses on three interventions: high-quality remedial academic instruction; effective out-of-school-time programming; and support in overcoming non-academic barriers to academic success.

Girls Incorporated of Southwestern Connecticut (GISWCT) – National
Grades: 6–18
Girls Incorporated of Southwestern Connecticut (GISWCT), whose mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold, was established in 1864 as the first Girls Club in the U.S. In 1945, it was one of the founding members of the Girls Clubs of America, and GISWCT is an affiliate of the national Girls Inc. organization. In 2006, the Girls Inc.’s of Greenwich and Greater Waterbury merged to form Girls Inc. of SWCT, which has a strong network of girls’ communities across Fairfield County and the Naugatuck Valley.

Hartford Youth Scholars Foundation *
Grades: 8–12
The Hartford Youth Scholars Foundation is dedicated to strengthening the city of Hartford by developing and implementing academic programs that increase college access for Hartford schoolchildren. HYSF's first initiative, The Steppingstone Academy Hartford, prepares highly motivated students for admission to and success at Connecticut's top independent high schools. By increasing educational opportunities, HYSF supports the development of a vibrant and productive community.

Hispanic Coalition of Greater Waterbury
All Ages
The Hispanic Coalition of Greater Waterbury has been in existence since 1988, providing needed services as identified by our community. We provide these services through advocacy, collaboration, and creating self-sustaining entities to enhance the well-being of our Hispanic family. Our agency currently operates five programs: Cultural Arts Academy Program, DDS/Direct Care Program, Entre Familia Program, Mi Vida-Tu Futuro /Youth Leadership, and Case Management Program. These programs encompass a wide variety of activities from after school programming, case management services, intensive respite care, and referral services.

Horizons at Green Farms Academy – National
Grades: PreK–8
The Horizons National Student Enrichment Program is an organization which links independent schools with nearby public schools in their communities. Horizons at Greens Farms Academy helps students improve their educational outcomes by providing academic instruction, enrichment opportunities, mentoring, and educational guidance in a nurturing community of dedicated professionals. Horizons operates its preK–8 grade program for six weeks over the summer and on Saturdays during the school year. High School students are provided weekly one-on-one academic coaching sessions and a two-week summer program.

Horizons Student Enrichment Program at New Canaan Country School – National
Grades: K–12
The Horizons National Student Enrichment Program is an organization which links independent schools with nearby public schools in their communities. Horizons builds brighter futures for K–12 students from low-income families by creating year-round academic, artistic, and athletic opportunities, nurturing potential, cultivating a safe and supportive community, and inspiring individual dreams.

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation – National
Grades: 7–12
The Young Scholars Program provides the most personalized, generous scholarship experience in the nation. The Foundation works closely with Scholars and their families to construct a tailored educational program that includes, but is not limited to, support for summer programs, distance learning courses, and music and art instruction. Some Young Scholars attend a private school if none of their public school options adequately serve their academic potential; however, many stay in their public schools.

Leadership Education Athlectics Partnerships (LEAP)
Ages: 7–18
LEAP’s (Leadership Education Athlectics Partnerships) mission is to develop the strengths and talents of young leaders who implement year-round, community and school-based programming designed to achieve positive academic and social outcomes for children living in high poverty urban neighborhoods.

Quinnipiac University – QUEST Student Programs
Grades: K–12
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Center develops, delivers, and sponsors a number of programs for K–12 students that apply the STEM teaching and learning "best practice" models promoted as part of its core mission. These programs are designed to inspire, educate, and engage students in STEM learning and the possible careers available to those that pursue that learning.

Reaching Higher Ground
Grades: 8–12
Our core mission is to raise college and workplace preparedness among high school students living in under-served communities. Working with students as early as 8th grade, our Leadership Academies provide ongoing learning and development year after year to build students’ self-confidence and character, and ultimately success in other critical areas of their lives. As students progress through their high school years, the program focuses on activities and workshops that lead to college acceptance and prepare students for a workplace environment.

REACH Prep *
Grade: 4
REACH Prep helps motivated and talented Black and Latino students from under-served communities in Fairfield and Westchester Counties and The Bronx gain admission to and thrive in competitive independent schools. Upon placement, students benefit from a twelve-year educational continuum – including comprehensive academic enrichment, leadership training, and supplementary individual and family guidance – which prepares them to succeed at competitive colleges.

Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership (RYASAP)
Grades: 6-12
The mission of the Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership (RYASAP) is to be a catalyst in communities to ensure the safe and healthy development of youth, young adults, and families. RYASAP is an urban/suburban collaborative for solving community problems in greater Bridgeport and throughout Connecticut. RYASAP has programs in youth and young adult leadership development; juvenile justice advocacy and diversion; health promotion; training and replication; and human services and education systems and policy reform.

Say Yes to Education – National
Grades: K–12
Say Yes to Education, Inc. is a national non-profit committed to dramatically increasing high school and college graduation rates for our nation’s inner-city youth. We provide comprehensive supports, including: comprehensive tuition scholarship, year-long programming, mentoring, tutoring, and more.

Solar Youth
All Ages
Solar Youth, Inc. is a non-profit organization providing opportunities for young people to develop a positive sense of self and connection and commitment to others through programs that incorporate environmental exploration, leadership, and community service. Located in New Haven, Connecticut, Solar Youth offers neighborhood-based, school-based, and citywide programs for youth of all ages.

Southern Connecticut State University – University Access Programs
Grades: 6–12
University Access Programs seeks to support disadvantaged students who have potential to meet the challenges of higher education by strengthening and developing their academic and self-management skills. Its focus is to insure that participants in the program have a realistic chance to persist in school and graduate from Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor’s degree. To accomplish these objectives, University Access Programs provides services to enhance students' academic success, personal skills, and social skills. Providing services in these areas corresponds to the University’s mission to foster lifelong learning.

Squash Haven
Grades: 5–12
Squash Haven provides individually directed academic enrichment and squash instruction to New Haven public school students in fifth grade through high school. Through intensive tuition-free academic and squash sessions at Yale University, Squash Haven supports New Haven youth to achieve school success, physical fitness, athletic excellence, and access to compelling academic and summer opportunities.

Summer @ Fairfield
Grades: K–12
Fairfield University offers fun and learning for children of all ages. Programs are offered in the areas of: academics, arts and recreation, computers, film, and sports. All instructors are fully qualified and many classes use the University's state-of-the-art sports, education, and physical activity facilities.

TRIO Programs – Talent Search – National
Grades: 6–12
TRIO is a set of federally-funded college opportunity programs that motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in their pursuit of a college degree. Talent Search projects serve young people in grades 6 through 12. In addition to counseling, participants receive information about college admissions requirements, scholarships, and various student financial aid programs. Find programs near you by state or district.

University of Bridgeport – Educational Talent Search
Ages: 11–27
The University of Bridgeport Educational Talent Search program currently serves 800 students in the Bridgeport school system. The objective of this program is to help encourage qualified students to continue their education beyond high school. The major goals of the program are to help program participants explore their college and career opportunities and actually enter a form of post-secondary education appropriate for them. All activities and services are free of charge.

Urban League of Greater Hartford – National
Grades: 6–12
The Center for Education and Youth provides educational training for youth and adults to enable them to achieve educational, occupational, and economic equality. We offer family literacy training to parents and caregivers, GED preparation, basic skills training, and career/college transition services for youth and adults.

Wesleyan University – Upward Bound Math-Science and Collaborative Programs
Grades: K–12
Wesleyan's Upward Bound Math-Science and Collaborative Programs prepare hundreds of local youth (from elementary school to high school) for college and strengthen their math and science skills by providing rigorous academic summer experiences as well as ongoing academic enrichment and tutorial support, college visits, and assistance with prep school, college application, and financial application processes during the school year.

Western Connecticut State University – Pre-Collegiate and Access Programs
Grades: 7–12
The Western Connecticut State University Pre-Collegiate and Access Programs include the following programs: ConnCAP/Upward Bound, Excel, and Educational Achievement & Access Program (EAP). The ConnCAP/Upward Bound Program is a year-round, college preparatory program serving 120 Danbury High School students from grades 9 through 12. The Excel Program is a middle-school (Broadview and Rogers Park) feeder program serving 60 students, in grades 7 and 8, for the ConnCAP/Upward Bound Program. The Educational Achievement & Access Program is a year-round academic enhancement program serving under-privileged college students.

Yale Science Outreach
Grades: K–12
Yale University has a special commitment to education and New Haven's youth. The University makes its world-class laboratories, courses, and talented faculty, students, and staff available to encourage young scientists and engineers. Many of our programs are exploratory and inquiry-based, making them particularly engaging for students. Gaining research experience in a Yale University laboratory, examining specimens at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, and watching a planetarium demonstration are just some of the science experiences your students can have through our programs.

Yale Summer Programs
Grades: K–12
Because of our educational mission, Yale has a strong commitment to public education and dedicates substantial resources to strengthen K–12 education in New Haven. Each summer, over 600 New Haven young people participate in free, full-day academic and athletic programs at Yale University. The Yale museums are also open in the summer and offer programming for adults and young people.

Yale University – New Haven Youth Programs
Grades: K–12
Because of our educational mission, Yale has a strong commitment to public education and dedicates substantial resources to strengthen K–12 education in New Haven. These resources include facilities, courses, and the talents and services of faculty, students, and staff. Throughout the school year, there are numerous Yale-sponsored academic, mentoring, and athletic programs in which New Haven youth participate. Yale College academic courses are also made available for credit at no charge to New Haven high school students.

Youth Continuum
All Ages
Founded in 1966, Youth Continuum has worked with the at-risk youth population since its inception. We serve over 1,000 young people annually with comprehensive services for homeless, runaway, and at-risk teens and young adults. Currently, Youth Continuum operates the most extensive homeless youth outreach program in New Haven which includes a street outreach program, an emergency shelter, and a multitude of services at our Drop-In Center and our MacMullen Educational Training and Enrichment Center. In addition, we have a variety of transitional living programs in the greater New Haven region that are available to youth throughout the state. Another part of this continuum includes our therapeutic residences, which provide 24-hour programming and serve a wide range of youth within the child welfare, parole, and probation systems.

Youth Development Training and Resource Center (YDTRC)
Ages: Teens
YDTRC (Youth Development Training and Resource Center) seeks to connect as many young people as possible with leadership opportunities. If you are a teenager looking for a way to make a difference and gain leadership skills along the way, we can help you find the right activities for your interests and skills. Whether you’re interested in working directly with YDTRC or with other organizations in the community, don’t hesitate to call.