Calvin Hill Day Care Center
Calvin Hill Day Care Center and its Kitty Lustman-Findling Kindergarten provide high-quality, affordable, nurturing care and education to children between the ages of 2 years 8 months to 6 years old. The Center serves as a support for families, working in partnership with parents to meet the emotional, social, physical, language, literacy and intellectual needs of their children. The Fellow will work directly with children and will support overall program quality, integrated and intellectual play-based curriculum, and will create opportunities for children to have more individualized and ongoing interactions with caring adults.
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Learn more: calvilhilldaycare.org
Common Ground High School, Urban Farm, and Environmental Education Center
Common Ground is a center for learning and leadership, inviting people across ages and identities to connect to their urban environment, build community, grow into their full potential, and contribute to a just and sustainable world. Common Ground connects farm, forest, and city through its High School, Urban Farm, and Environmental Education Center. Its campus includes production and education gardens, farm animals, and creative play spaces for children
There are two placements available at this site:
Green Jobs Corps Farm Crew
The Fellow will provide hands-on support growing vegetables, maintaining the compost system and caring for animals on the Common Ground urban farm alongside the farm team, summer young adult interns, and youth employment program (including technical farming workshops, food justice conversations and field trips). The Fellow will support getting produce out through Common Ground’s mobile farm stand, which travels around New Haven neighborhoods and senior centers with fresh, affordable vegetables.
Read the organization’s proposal for the Green Jobs Corps Farm Crew
Summer Camp
Common Ground’s summer camp provides a diverse group of children with a fun, safe summer experience, emphasizing building friendships and developing an appreciation for the natural world. Campers experience nature as an exciting place to explore, and discover how people, food, and the environment are interconnected. The Fellow will work as a leader and mentor, caring for campers as they cook, play, hike, garden, build forts, make nature art, care for animals, play games, enjoy campfires, and make summer memories. Possible roles include Assistant Teacher, working closely with one age group and staff team all summer, or Camp Floater, supporting all ages with a special focus on social/emotional needs and inclusion.
Read the organization’s proposal for Summer Camp
Learn more: commongroundct.org
Connecticut Center for Arts and Technology (ConnCAT)
ConnCAT inspires, motivates, and prepares youth and adults for educational and career advancement through after-school arts, and job training programs. ConnCAT serves over 100 youth each year through its after-school and six-week summer programs.
The Fellow will be assisting in the development of the ConnCAT Summer Collaborative Arts Program. The Fellow will help the Youth Assistant in planning trips, assisting instructors, engaging in front-line work with youth, and interacting with families during orientation.
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Learn more: conncat.org
Connecticut Children’s Museum
The Connecticut Children’s Museum houses three programs, interwoven in purpose and philosophy: Creating Kids Childcare Center, the Museum itself, and the Early Childhood Resource Center. Each is inspired by psychologist Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Creating Kids Childcare Center is an accredited, full-time, not-for-profit, ethnically- and economically-diverse program dedicated to serving the needs of children ages 6 weeks to preschool age and their families in an urban setting. The Connecticut Children’s Museum offers a space for children to experience the magic of learning at their own pace. The Museum also offers regular professional development workshops and a plethora of curriculum resources for New Haven-area educators through the Early Childhood Resource Center.
The Fellow will work directly with children by supporting educators in Creating Kids’ classrooms to implement play-based learning curriculum and build early literacy skills; and will work directly with the Museum’s Executive Director, the Museum Coordinator, and the Creating Kids Program Coordinator to support the strategic, operational, and management needs of the nonprofit organization, including updating the museum area.
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Learn more: childrensbuilding.org
Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame
The Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame (CWHF) honors the achievements of women by celebrating their legacies and telling their powerful stories, inspiring women and girls to realize their own limitless potential. As the state’s premier resource for Connecticut women’s history, CWHF accomplishes its mission through education and community outreach programs for both students and adults.
The Fellow will update lesson plans and recruite volunteers for its youth STEM and empowerment programming in New Haven. The Fellow will also create new biographic presentations for its adult-focused series highlighting notable Connecticut women.
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Learn more: cwhf.org
Friends Center for Children
Friends Center for Children is an early childhood education center providing year-round, full-time care for children in New Haven ages 3 months to 5 years. The Center advances racial equity in New Haven by offering high-quality care to families that do not and would not otherwise have access. This access is achieved through the Center’s Sliding Scale Tuition Program. The program seeks to bridge the racial, ethnic, and economic divide, and also aims to create a community of families actively involved in the education of their children.
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Learn more: friendscenterforchildren.org
Horizons at Foote School
Horizons at Foote advances educational equity through a robust academic and enrichment program that builds on long-term partnerships with families and communities to provide a joyful, safe, and inspiring learning environment that empowers students from New Haven Public Schools who have been disproportionately affected by educaitonal inequity. The Fellow will work with a Horizons at Foote head teacher in a classroom of 16 students during a six-week summer academic and enrichment program to help and lead small group activities, and work with students on skill development and additional classroom needs. The Fellow may also rotate/float in classrooms, and support administrative tasks of the Executive Director as needed.
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS)
Since 1982, IRIS has helped refugees and immigrants establish new lives, regain hope, and contribute to the vitality of their communities. With a combination of wrap-around services and direct support, IRIS gives refugees and immigrants the tools they need to become economically self-sufficient, well-integrated members of society. In recent years, IRIS has also begun to assist non-refugee immigrants, including asylum seekers, humanitarian parolees, Special Immigrant Visa holders, DACA recipients, and undocumented immigrants. IRIS also leads the way in community sponsorship, in which community groups collaborate to settle refugee families, with guidance from IRIS staff.
The Fellow will assist with the Summer Learning Program, a seven-week program of enrichment and academic support for recently-arrived K-12 refugee and immigrant students. The Fellow will help with outreach, recruitment and registration of students as well as with the planning and implementation of the program itself, booking venues for field trips, assisting in scheduling and setting up, organizing data, and classroom help,
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Learn more: irisct.org
Leadership Education & Athletics in Partnership (LEAP)
LEAP is a New Haven-based organization that empowers young people to become leaders and agents of change within their communities. Operating in six high-poverty neighborhoods, LEAP manages two historic community centers and seven school-based sites, providing enriching out-of-school experiences for children and transformative employment opportunities for youth. Since 1992, LEAP has impacted over 30,000 children and 5,000 youth counselors, many of whom now play vital roles in the city and within LEAP itself. As New Haven’s largest youth employer, with an annual budget of $7.3 million, LEAP provides local high school and college students with training to develop leadership skills and become mentors. These young people guide children aged 7-12 through a culturally affirming literacy curriculum and a variety of enriching activities, including swimming, camping, and African drumming.
There are five placements available at this site:
Communications and Systems Specialist
This essential role will enhance internal and external communication strategies while managing and optimizing communication systems. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in communications, technical systems, and project management, with a proven ability to deliver effective solutions that improve organizational workflows and engagement.
Read the Communications and Systems Specialist proposal
Curriculum and Training Fellow
The Fellow will assist with training and supporting over 200 high school- and college-aged counselors and full-time staff to ensure that LEAP’s programs are high quality and effectively implemented.
Read the Curriculum and Training Fellow proposal
Development Fellow
Are you a great writer who want to put it to use for the good of others? Are you looking for a summer internship where you can learn how to write grants, a skill that is in demand for any organization? Are you able to create a compelling story, pulling together quantitative and qualitative data? Are you a strong researcher, able to dig deep to find opportunities for LEAP kids? Do you have great ideas we haven’t even thought of? If so, then this is the perfect placement for you!
Read the Development Fellow proposal
Finance Department Fellow
The Finance Department Fellow is responsible for supporting the Finance Department in overseeing the onboarding and payment of up to 200 part-time staff. The position also includes other finance-related tasks as needed.
Read the Finance Department Fellow proposal
Marketing and Communications Fellow
Are you looking for a summer internship where you can hone your skills in marketing, communications, social media management, public relations, and events management? Do you enjoy working on a variety of projects, where no two days are the same? Can you identify a good story and write it to pitch it to the press or attract an audience on social media? Do you have great ideas we haven’t even thought of? If so, then this is the perfect internship for you!
Read the Marketing and Communications Fellow proposal
Learn more: leapforkids.org
Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven
Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven fosters partnerships with adult learners, tutors, and communities that enable individuals and families to achieve educational, career, and quality of life goals. This organization provides free tutoring to help adults improve speaking, reading, and writing English. The Fellow will engage in a variety of tasks assigned by the Program Managers.
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Learn more: lvagnh.org
New Haven Promise
New Haven Promise (NHP) is a scholarship and support program that promotes college completion for New Haven public school students; builds parent, community and business engagement to assist students to and through higher education; and enhances the growth and stability of the City of New Haven through an educated, skilled and volunteer minded workforce. 90% of Promise Scholars are Students of Color; 71% are from households that earn under $60k and 38% from households under $30k; 70% are first-generation to college. NHP serves approximately 850 college students each year and has an alumni network of 1,400+.
The Fellow will deepen the professional development of New Haven Promise Scholars who have been placed in internships at Yale University and throughout the New Haven area by spearheading and building upon the Pecha Kucha program (an innovative and engaging model for public speaking) and assisting with the execution of the weekly Lunch and Learn workshops. The Fellow will also conduct a skills and experience inventory survey for incoming first year students and local employers.
Learn more: newhavenpromise.org
New Haven Reads
New Haven Reads, founded to “share the joy and power of reading,” increases the literacy skills of aspiring readers to empower their academic success by providing tutoring, educational family support, and a community book bank, all at no cost to participants. Free books are packed for social service agencies, homeless shelters, teachers, and other community programs. New Haven reads also provides small-group enrichment activities in the summer, which have included math, chess, science clubs, theater, puzzles and art programs.
In addition to various administrative tasks and creative projects, the Fellow will develop relationships with the program’s students through the provision of literacy tutoring and the implementation of summer clubs. The Fellow will also support the growth of the book bank by sorting and shelving incoming book donations.
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Saint Martin de Porres Academy
Saint Martin de Porres Academy (SMPA) is a faith-based, tuition-free middle school serving underserved children from low-income families in the New Haven area. Committed to the belief in the dignity and worth of every person, SMPA provides a holistic education that fosters academic excellence, personal responsibility, social skills, and spiritual growth. By offering an extended school day and welcoming children of all faiths, races, and cultures, SMPA strives to break the cycle of poverty through education and opportunity, empowering each student to reach their full potential and become a leader committed to serving others.
The Fellow will contribute to the organization’s social media presence by developing on-brand strategies that effectively communicate its story and support its priorities. This will involve identifying, creating, and posting engaging social media content, as well as developing and scheduling evergreen content to maintain a consistent online presence.
Learn more: saintmartinacademy.org
Solar Youth
Solar Youth empowers Black and Brown youth from New Haven’s systematically marginalized neighborhoods to achieve lifelong success, and nothing less. Its mission is to provide opportunities for young people to develop a positive sense of self, connection and commitment to community, and respect and appreciation for their natural environment. From season to season, Solar Youth curates and conducts immersive programs for youth ages 4-18. These programs incorporate core elements of environmental exploration, non-violent communication, youth leadership and youth-led problem solving. Solar Youth’s vision is a New Haven and beyond in which youth are problem-solvers and the next generation of socially conscious leaders who advocate for our communities.
The Fellow will conduct seamless processes for outreach and enrollment before and during Solar Youth’s 2025 Summer Camp. As Program Administrative Associate, the Fellow will recruit families and youth through various methods of communication, maintain highly organized records of all enrollment documents and medical forms, and resolve any difficulties families experience when submitting their documents.
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Learn more: solaryouth.org
Squash Haven
Squash Haven empowers New Haven public school students to achieve academic success, physical wellness, and engaged citizenship through a combination of academic enrichment, squash instruction, and college preparation support. This tuition-free program, based at Yale University, serves students from fifth grade through college. The 2024-25 Squash Haven team comprises 135 students in grades 5-12 and 50 college students. In its first seventeen years, Squash Haven has helped team members earn 42 national-level squash championships, 23 private-school scholarships, and over $3.05 million annually in renewable financial aid grants and scholarships.
The Yale Summer Teaching Fellow will gain immersive experience in teaching and administration within a small education-focused nonprofit. The Fellow will teach three to four literacy blocks or academic elective sessions per day and lead one to two major administrative projects. Additionally, the Fellow will play an active role within the organization’s small staff and contribute to its comprehensive programming.
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Learn more: squashhaven.org
Teach for America, Connecticut
Teach For America empowers young people by fostering their potential and providing avenues for them to utilize it. The organization’s programs cultivate relationships between students and leaders from diverse backgrounds. Teach For America’s mission is to unlock the greatest potential of every child. The organization’s strength lies in propelling driven individuals into impactful careers that commence in the classroom.
The Fellow will support regional operations, specifically supporting summer pre-service and practicum experience for incoming corps members. The Fellow will also have the opportunity to support recruitment and strategic planning.
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Learn more: teachforamerica.org/connecticut
Yale Pathways to Science Summer Scholars Program
Since 2012, Pathways has provided New Haven public school students with year-round access to free out-of-school programs in STEM and the Arts & Humanities. These programs utilize hands-on learning to increase student interest in these fields, connect students with experts, and foster a belief in their ability to succeed in college and beyond. Each summer, Pathways Summer Scholars programs offer approximately 200 New Haven high school students the opportunity to further explore their interests. Pathways Scholars are a diverse group, with half being first-generation college students and 60% from underrepresented groups. The sustained interactions and enrichment offered through Pathways programming are highly valued by participating New Haven public school students.
The Pathways placement offers an opportunity to work directly with local high school students in intensive summer programs. The Fellow will join a team of Pathways staff to plan, prepare, implement, and evaluate Pathways Summer Scholars, tuition-free enrichment programs for New Haven public high school students. The Fellow will be a thought partner in developing activities, managing daily logistics, serving as a near-peer mentor, and evaluating program effectiveness.
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Learn more: instagram.com/yalepathwaystoscience
Yale Prison Education Initiative at Dwight Hall
The Yale Prison Education Initiative at Dwight Hall provides incarcerated students in Connecticut with access to college courses, degrees, and other academic and extracurricular programming. College in prison programs are at the forefront of discussions surrounding higher education access and criminal justice reform. These programs have demonstrated their transformative and rehabilitative value for incarcerated students, who show great potential, excel in their studies, and have low recidivism rates. They also benefit instructors, who experience the power of higher education firsthand. In 2021, YPEI partnered with the University of New Haven to offer degrees to incarcerated students, combining teaching and resources from both institutions. In 2022, the program expanded to include students in a women’s federal prison.
The Fellow will have the opportunity to select from a variety of projects that support and coordinate on-the-ground programming for the Yale Prison Education Initiative. These projects may include: assisting and liaising with course instructors, guest lecturers, and volunteers; providing administrative and operational support, such as materials management; assisting with fundraising, communications, and grant writing; and collaborating with community partners and formerly incarcerated students on student re-entry initiatives in New Haven and local criminal justice reform efforts.
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Learn more: yaleprisoneducationinitiative.org