A Unique Partnership
New Haven Counts, a brainchild of the New Haven Tutoring Initiative, blends soccer drills with math tutoring to keep students engaged both on the field and in the classroom.
The program, which began as a response to the academic setbacks caused by the Covid‑19 pandemic, now serves 2,900 students within New Haven Public Schools and has reached 7,500 participants over the past three years.
At a recent press conference held before the Empower League playoffs, Mayor Justin Elicker and Superintendent Madeline Negrón joined other city officials to highlight the program’s measurable academic gains.
Anahy Nophal, a lead intern who supervises the children in both athletic and academic activities, explained how the program accommodates Spanish‑speaking families and expressed her desire to continue working with New Haven Counts after graduation.
Funding the Future
For the upcoming fiscal year the city will allocate $1 million from its municipal general fund to sustain the initiative, marking the first time such support has come directly from the city’s budget.
The financial backing comes from a combination of federal, state and municipal sources, allowing the collaboration between United Way, New Haven Reads and LEAP to expand its reach.
City officials emphasized that the investment reflects a commitment to holistic student development, merging physical activity with targeted academic support.
Community Impact
Beyond test scores, the program fosters social cohesion, offering a safe space where kids can practice teamwork and language skills simultaneously.
Participants regularly engage in soccer sessions led by volunteers, followed by math workshops that integrate real‑world problem solving, a model that has shown statistically significant improvement in grades.
The partnership also leverages the expertise of organizations such as United Way, whose national network provides resources, and New Haven Reads, which contributes literacy specialists.
LEAP, another collaborating group, contributes curriculum design and mentorship, ensuring that the program aligns with school standards while keeping the energy of a sports camp.
Local neighborhoods, including Fair Haven, have seen increased parental involvement, as families appreciate the bilingual support and the emphasis on cultural relevance.
City officials anticipate that the program’s success will serve as a replicable model for other municipalities seeking to address pandemic‑related learning gaps through innovative, sport‑infused tutoring.