New Haven Promise Community Service Requirements
Why Promise Requires Community Service?
Community engagement and service outside the school are components of Connecticut’s implementation of a Student Success Plan. It values a broadened awareness of self and gets students to expand outside of their comfort zones and into the community to build networks and experience, not to have an insular experience at their school or church. Many New Haven public high schools also require community service as a graduation requirement. Your service to your community is needed now more than ever. As of 2024, Promise applicants have completed 400,000+ hours of service, contributing $4.4 million dollars in sweat equity.
The Forty-Hour Community Service Requirements
To qualify for either the New Haven Promise Scholarship, Passport to Promise Scholarship or James W.C. Pennington (HBCU) Scholarship, a student must complete at least Forty (40) qualifying community service hours during high school. The deadline to complete the community service requirements is April 1 of the high school senior year.
Step 1
Hours must be reported directly — BY THE STUDENT — to servo.city by the April 1 deadline. Log your community service hours weekly as you do them. Hours can be submitted on mobile or computer devices.
- If you are at a charter school, use your 10-digit SASID.
- Each day of service needs a separate entry.
- Put details in the description field.
Step 2
Student must send proof of service documentations (signed by the supervisor at the nonprofit) to service@newhavenpromise.org by the April 1 deadline.
* Student’s parent/guardian cannot sign as the supervisor.
Acceptable proof of service documentations include:
- a signed letter on the nonprofit organization’s letterhead, or
- a school-provided community service form signed by the supervisor at the nonprofit, or
- a sign-in/out sheet signed by the supervisor at the nonprofit, or
- the supervisor can confirm your service hours by sending an email to service@newhavenpromise.org
Which Service Hours Qualify and Which Do Not?
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Perform your community service at
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New Haven Promise tracks and approves community service toward the Promise requirements. School counselors track and approve community service separately toward high school graduation requirements.
Any inquiries, corrections, or additions to this page should be directed to service@newhavenpromise.org.
A Sample List of Qualified New Haven Non-Profit Organizations and Community Festivals
New Haven Non-Profit Organizations
Community Baptist Church (CBC) Grocery Giveaway
In partnership with Nutrition Security Solutions, CBC in New Haven hosts a monthly grocery giveaway every 3rd Saturday from 12 to 1:30 pm in their parking lot. Volunteers are needed to help prepare food, set up, break down, and distribute groceries. Join them in making a positive impact and bringing nourishment to those in need!
Christmas Caroling Ministry Tour, Inc. (CCMT)
CCMT spreads Christmas cheer to communities in New Haven County and offers year-round community service opportunities for students. Whether you sing or prefer to help with social media, fundraising, or other tasks, there’s a place for everyone! Carolers must commit to weekly rehearsals and a 30-stop tour, performing at nursing homes, churches, emergency response locations, and door-to-door.
Cityseed
CitySeed works to ensure all New Haven residents have access to fresh, local food while supporting economic opportunities in the food system. They’re looking for enthusiastic individuals passionate about sustainable agriculture and food justice to join the Farmers Market team. Responsibilities include setting up/breaking down tables, handling payments, and promoting market programs—an exciting way to learn and make a difference!
DESK (Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen)
DESK is dedicated to serving people experiencing homelessness or living in poverty by providing food assistance and services that promote health, community, and equity. Volunteers can assist with meal prep, receiving deliveries, organizing the stockroom, distributing pantry bags or dinners, and hosting at the Drop-in Center.
Friends of the Green
Friends of the Green-New Haven is a dedicated group of volunteers from Trinity Church and the local community, committed to enhancing and caring for the beloved New Haven Green. From April through October, they gather on the last Saturday of each month to clean and maintain this treasured public space. Volunteers are welcome to join in keeping the Green vibrant!
Gather New Haven
Gather New Haven connects youth and adults through urban agriculture, public health, nature-based learning, and environmental stewardship. Whether you’re ready to get your hands dirty, assist with programs, or share skills like graphic design or social media, there’s a spot for everyone in the Gather New Haven community!
Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven
Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven is a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating poverty housing by creating homeownership opportunities for low-income families. They build and rehabilitate homes to revitalize New Haven’s neighborhoods. Most volunteers join the construction crew, building homes year-round, Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. No construction experience needed—staff provide training on-site! Volunteers must be 16 or older.
Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS)
IRIS helps refugees and displaced people build new lives and contribute to communities in Connecticut and beyond. Volunteers play a vital role in welcoming and supporting refugees as they resettle. Applicants must be 17+ and commit to at least 3 months, with positions filled on a rolling basis.
Leadership, Education and Athletics in Partnership, Inc. (LEAP)
LEAP was founded in 1992 to address the historic disinvestment in young people of color in our city. LEAP creates the space and marshalls the resources so that young leaders can mentor, educate and care for the children of New Haven. They have volunteer opportunities throughout the year including the annual Read-In on the Green. Volunteers read to a group of kids in our summer program.
Loaves and Fishes
Loaves and Fishes is a welcoming community hub providing food and clothing to neighbors in need. Volunteers are needed to help package and deliver these essential resources.
Music Haven
At Music Haven, students are mentored by resident musicians from the moment they join until graduation. After-school programs include music lessons, ensembles, homework help, tutoring, culturally responsive workshops, and snacks, creating a vibrant musical community. Music Haven serves students ages 6-18 (grades 2-12) and is looking for tutors in various subjects.
NeighborWorks New Horizons
NeighborWorks New Horizons is a nonprofit agency dedicated to creating quality affordable homes and fostering vibrant communities in New Haven, Fairfield, Southern Hartford, and New London Counties. Since 1992, they’ve developed and managed over 650 affordable rental units and 12 commercial spaces, with residents taking on leadership roles. Volunteer opportunities with NeighborWorks New Horizons are available year-round, often lasting for a couple of months, giving community members a chance to make a lasting impact!
New Haven Counts
New Haven Counts is empowering the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and creators! High school volunteers are needed to mentor K-8 students in math, personal finance, and entrepreneurship. No expertise required—students work with mentors to turn skills into sustainable ideas. Join New Haven Counts as an after-school tutor and be part of the movement!
New Haven Reads
New Haven Reads boosts literacy through free, personalized tutoring and a vibrant community book bank. Tutors work one-on-one with students, helping them improve their reading skills based on a flexible program provided by the Site Director. Book bank volunteers help manage donations, sort and categorize books, and support book distribution.
New Haven Youth Tennis and Education (New HYTEs)
New HYTEs enriches the lives of New Haven’s economically disadvantaged youth through a program combining life skills, academic support, and the health benefits of tennis. They offer both volunteer and paid counselor positions for the Summer Tennis & Enrichment Program, running Monday-Friday, 9-4pm. Volunteers can support tennis, sports, or academic tutoring.
Sanctuary Kitchen
Sanctuary Kitchen believes in the power of food and storytelling to create connections between local residents and new arrivals. By sharing meals and personal stories, they foster meaningful cultural exchanges and build community. Volunteers support the Sanctuary Kitchen Team and Chefs by assisting with event setup, food prep, selling at Farmers Markets, and more. It’s a delicious way to enrich lives and bridge cultures!
Save the Sound
Save the Sound leads environmental action by fighting climate change, protecting endangered lands, and restoring ecosystems. Every year, they organize coastal cleanups across Connecticut, including New Haven. Sign up to join an existing shore or watercraft cleanup, or become a Cleanup Captain and lead your own beach cleanup team!
Shubert Theatre
New Haven’s Shubert Theatre is searching for arts-loving volunteers to join their team! Opportunities include patron services, ushering, hospitality, administrative assistance, and even backstage tour guides. It’s a fun way to get involved in the arts, meet new people, and support this iconic local theater!
Sunrise Cafe
Sunrise Cafe provides a welcoming space for New Haven’s food insecure and unhoused to enjoy a nutritious breakfast while connecting with others. Volunteers take orders, serve meals, and assist Chef Duff in the kitchen, helping to create an atmosphere of warmth, compassion, and dignity. Sunrise Cafe also connects guests with housing, health, and job services. Join the team and make a meaningful difference in the community!
The Diaper Bank of Connecticut
The Diaper Bank raises awareness about the lack of access to essential items in our community, ensuring families have diapers, individuals have period supplies, and those in need can access incontinence products. High school volunteers are needed year-round to help repack and organize diapers, making a big difference for families in need!
The Kids Kraze
The Kids Kraze is on the lookout for high school volunteers to help with their awesome after-school programs! Located at various sites around the city, volunteers will assist with homework, arts and crafts, and sports activities.
United Way of Greater New Haven
United Way of Greater New Haven brings people and organizations together to create solutions to Greater New Haven’s most pressing challenges in the areas of Education, Health, and Financial Stability, grounded in racial and social justice. They offer a series of volunteer opportunities from “Read Across America” to “CT Diaper Bank Sorting” etc.
Urban Resource Initiative
Urban Resources Initiative (URI) is calling for dedicated volunteers to help care for Community Greenspaces across the city, including New Haven’s beautiful Botanical Garden of Healing Dedicated to Victims of Gun Violence. Winter and spring offer a few work days each week, with many more opportunities popping up in the summer.
Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH)
Established in 1933, YNHH’s volunteer program is one of the oldest in the country, offering a variety of rewarding roles to match individual schedules, abilities, and interests. Whether working directly with patients or assisting behind the scenes, volunteers can also choose from numerous offsite YNHH locations.
New Haven Community Festivals
IRIS Run For Refugees (February)
The IRIS Run for Refugees is a heartwarming 5K run/walk through New Haven’s scenic East Rock neighborhood, supporting refugees and immigrants. Lace up your sneakers and join the fun as the community comes together to raise awareness and vital funds for those seeking a new start. It’s a race with a purpose, celebrating diversity, resilience, and hope!
Cherry Blossom Festival (April)
Wooster Square’s Cherry Blossoms have been celebrated each spring since 1973, when 72 Yoshino Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees were planted by the New Haven Historic Commission in collaboration with the New Haven Parks Department and Wooster Square neighborhood residents. The Festival attracts thousands to Wooster Square, and includes food vendors and local musicians.
Coach T Memorial 5K Run for Youth (April)
New Haven Age Group Track Club has been in existence for 48 years. They host the Coach T Memorial 5K Run for Youth at Edgewood Park in April. This event is in honor of our beloved Coach William Thompson who passed away in 2014.
International Festival of Arts & Ideas (April, May, June)
The International Festival of Arts & Ideas (IFAI) lights up New Haven every June with a spectacular mix of performing arts, lectures, and conversations, transforming theaters and open spaces into hubs of creativity. With 85% of the events free to the public, IFAI depends on dedicated volunteers to bring the festival to life.
Rock to Rock (R2R) Family Bike Ride (April)
Rock to Rock’s annual Family Bike Ride is hosted in late April. People are gearing up to take real action in response to the climate emergency, and raise critical support for local environmental organizations. They rely on an amazing team of volunteers to plan it and make it run. It takes nearly 100 volunteers to pull off all the fun on event day.
Total Joy Are You (TJAY) Walk for Autism (April)
TJAY’s Autism Foundation is committed to raising public awareness about Autism spectrum disorders, empowering families and providing resources to assist families raising children on the spectrum.They host annual events like Walk for Autism April and Ugly Sweater Christmas Party in December.
Fair Haven Day (May)
Fair Haven Day is an annual parade and festival happening in May that celebrates community, local art and artists, culture, sports, creativity, entrepreneurship, and partnership.
New Haven Family Stroll & Festival (May)
The New Haven Family Stroll & Festival is a lively celebration that unites the community for a day of family fun and supports high-quality early childhood education. The event begins with a drum-led stroll across the scenic Quinnipiac River bridge loop. Back in the park, attendees can enjoy food trucks, face painting, parachute play, magicians, musicians, Zumba, bubbles, arts and crafts, and explore resources from over 40 local partners.
Westville Artwalk (May)
The Westville ArtWalk is a lively, free arts festival held every Mother’s Day weekend in Historic Westville Village and Edgewood Park, New Haven! Spanning three blocks, ArtWalk offers a full day of live music, gallery exhibitions, pop-up shows, interactive art-making, theater performances, walking tours, open studios, and a 30+ vendor Artist & Artisan Market. Volunteers can join the fun by helping with arts & crafts, the pet parade, street fair setup, concert setup, and even a rubber duck race on the river!
Freddy Fixer Parade (June)
Originating in 1962, the Freddy Fixer Parade is nationally recognized as one of the oldest Black American parades in the northeast.
Quinnipiac Riverfest (June)
Riverfest is an annual celebration of the Quinnipiac River and the historic Fair Haven waterfront where we host an array of local food vendors, musicians, creatives, small businesses, and nonprofits.
Black Wall Street Festival (August)
Presented by the Department of Arts, Culture, and Tourism and The Breed Entertainment, this festival highlights black and brown business owners and creatives while driving action against systemic racism and boosting local economic growth.
The Puerto Rican Festival of New Haven (August)
The Puerto Rican Festival of New Haven is a joyful celebration of Puerto Rican culture, lighting up the city every year on the second Saturday of August! Enjoy delicious food trucks, family activities, arts & crafts, and live music as the community comes together to honor Puerto Rican heritage in a vibrant, fun-filled atmosphere!
Faxon Law New Haven Road Race (September)
The Faxon Law New Haven Road Race is a beloved tradition, kicking off Labor Day weekend with a thrilling 20K through the streets of New Haven! Established in 1978, this iconic race brings together runners of all levels to celebrate fitness and community spirit. Whether you’re racing for the win or just for fun, it’s the perfect way to start your holiday weekend!