“The youth is the hope of our future.“
-Jose Rizal

The City of New Haven Youth and Recreation Department ensures all New Haven youth are aware and have access to positive opportunities to meet their basic needs to:

  1. Be safe, cared for, valued and independent.
  2. Build skills and competencies that will allow them to thrive and contribute to society.
  3. Enhance the quality of life for New Haven youth by creating an atmosphere of community through people, parks, and programs.

We regularly assesses how well the City and other local youth servicing organizations are doing in achieving the following citywide intended outcomes for youth:

  • Academic Success (academically prepared for post-secondary opportunities for education)
  • Good Health (physical, mental, emotional and social)
  • Strong Character (shared values)
  • Informed Decision Making
  • Civic Engagement
  • Job Readiness
  • Developmentally Appropriate Levels of Independence
  • Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity (educated and exposed to their own and other cultures)

We enjoy a productive relationship with the Board of Education and many other youth servicing organizations that put our youth first. We diligently focus on enhancing capacity strategies, specifically in the expansion of economic opportunities for youth and improved access to positive social activities.