Federal stimulus funds will be used to reconnect with K-12 students who were absent or disengaged during the 2020-2021 school year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The initiative, known as the Learner Engagement and Attendance Program (LEAP), targets 15 districts throughout Connecticut with the goal of bringing students back to school for the final months of the school year, supporting their enrollment in summer camps and summer learning programs, and helping with the transition back to school for 2021-2022.
Funded with $10.7 million of Connecticut’s federal COVID-19 recovery dollars, LEAP will bring people into homes to connect with students and their families, building a bridge back to the school community. Engaging with families through home visits can also help identify the need for behavioral and mental health services, housing, childcare, technology and internet connectivity, transportation, and additional educational support services. The 15 participating districts are Bridgeport, CREC, Danbury, East Hartford, Hartford, Manchester, Meriden, New Britain, New Haven, New London, Norwich, Stamford, Torrington, Waterbury, and Windham.
Announced by Governor Ned Lamont as a collaboration between the Connecticut State Department of Education and the six state Regional Education Service Centers (RESCs), the LEAP concept was widely applauded by Connecticut’s congressional delegation.
