LEAP We believe in the Power of Art. Youth in our communities will be the next generation of lifelong learners, creative problem solvers, and collaborative leaders.

For 49 years LEAP has partnered with school communities to offer creative arts programs that encourage New York City youth to pursue their passions, develop their strengths, and amplify their voices. LEAP partners with school communities to offer creative arts programs that encourage New York City youth to pursue their passions, develop their strengths, and amplify their voices. We envision a city

where education is equitable, and the arts are accessible for youth in communities that are rich in culture and capability and have been under-resourced.

06/17/2026

Here is a snapshot of our Youth Arts Festival that took place earlier this month. Incredible job to our students in the Young Artivists program performing the premiere of their musical, The Lost Arts Society! This program was made possible by funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Lost Arts Society is not just an attempt to reclaim the lost arts in music, dance and theater, but a journey of the new generation to keep the organic art into the future of America.

06/16/2026

Check out this clip of last Thursday’s performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory from Jonas Bronck Academy (JBA). Congratulations again to JBA on an amazing show that night, your students are so talented!

Here are some highlights from last Thursday’s stellar performance from Jonas Bronck Academy (JBA), where the students pe...
06/15/2026

Here are some highlights from last Thursday’s stellar performance from Jonas Bronck Academy (JBA), where the students performed Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 🍫 We were wowed by the talent students displayed on stage that night. Congratulations to JBA! ⭐️

We're so thankful to Ms. Daisy Santiago, the art and theater teacher at JBA, who works with the students to design all the props and costumes for their performance every year. Ms. Daisy was honored as Creative Mentor of the Year at our Spring Benefit earlier this year.

Here’s a recap of our Futures By Design/Career Day program with Jordan L. Mott Middle School and Bronx Writing Academy!W...
06/11/2026

Here’s a recap of our Futures By Design/Career Day program with Jordan L. Mott Middle School and Bronx Writing Academy!

We were honored to welcome two outstanding guest speakers that shared their unique career journeys and encouraged our students to DREAM BIG.

One guest Tweet Boogie, is a talented dance artist specialized in street style hip-hop while the other guest Dayshon Scoochie Smith, is an accomplished overseas basketball professional. Both speakers captivated our students with stories of their experiences, challenges, and successes.

Throughout the event, they shared valuable advice about making positive future choices, pursuing passions, and using creativity, talent, and hard work to achieve goals. Students enjoyed watching exciting reels and presentations that showcased their careers and accomplishments.

We are incredibly grateful to both of our guest speakers for taking the time to inspire, motivate, and connect with our students. Their messages about perseverance, dedication, and following your dreams left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.

LEAP is proud to have The Orchard / Sony as a 2025-2026 corporate partner! Thanks to support from Sony Music’s Social Ju...
06/10/2026

LEAP is proud to have The Orchard / Sony as a 2025-2026 corporate partner! Thanks to support from Sony Music’s Social Justice Fund, LEAP is expanding access to high-quality music education for thousands of NYC children, funding Teaching Artists, instruments, technology, and music software for hands-on learning.

This partnership is helping ensure every child can fully participate in music-making, with access to a rich range of instruments, from xylophones and metallophones to drums and percussion! Thank you to The Orchard and Sony Music!

Check out the photo of LEAP Executive Director, Rich Souto, alongside The Orchard team at LEAP's Spring Benefit: LEAP for the Stars!

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Father Figures Celebration as we honor and appreciate the amazing men who g...
06/05/2026

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Father Figures Celebration as we honor and appreciate the amazing men who guide, support, and inspire our students and community.

Come celebrate an evening of fun, connection, and appreciation!

Activities will include:
🎾 Sports & Games (Indoors & Outdoors)
🎟️ Raffles
🍴 Food & Refreshments

Event Details:
📅 Date: June 9th, 2026
🕟 Time: 4:00PM - 5:30PM
📍 Location: 270 E. 167 St. (Event will start in the Cafeteria)

“Here at LEAP, I've found my sweet spot—a blend of art, community, and an exceptional group of people dedicated to makin...
06/04/2026

“Here at LEAP, I've found my sweet spot—a blend of art, community, and an exceptional group of people dedicated to making a difference.”

Meet Gineyda (she/her): LEAP's Impact Storyteller, who narrates our transformative impact through hard data. An immigrant to New York, with a background in fashion design, she found her calling in community service. Yet, she never stopped creating art and after working with kids, through volunteering at a children's theater, she knew LEAP was the place for her. When she felt the warmth and kindness shared by all at LEAP, she knew this was a place she could thrive. Gineyda contributes her skills and expertise to our incredible arts educators and administrators, ensuring every student experiences the transformative power of our unique arts education approach-- what we call “The LEAP Way!”

Please join us in welcoming Skye Tchegnon (she/her) to LEAP! "Hello! My name is Skye Tchegnon and I am a Communications ...
06/02/2026

Please join us in welcoming Skye Tchegnon (she/her) to LEAP!

"Hello! My name is Skye Tchegnon and I am a Communications & Marketing intern for LEAP this summer! I am currently a rising junior at Pace University majoring in Digital Marketing with a minor in Art.
Before Pace, I was a Graphic Design major with prior experience in design and visual arts. I now have combined experience from my past internship in social media marketing and working in the creative department at the American Marketing Association collegiate chapter at Pace.
Along with learning new skills, I look forward to working with the LEAP team to add my creative thoughts, tech skills and my passion for art this summer!"

Address

535 Eighth Avenue, Suite 1100
New York, NY
10018

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12127694160

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