The New Haven Board of Alders Finance Committee on Sept. 8 recommended extending by one year the city’s contract with United Way of Greater New Haven to coordinate a math and literacy tutoring initiative funded with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. City staff and United Way representatives told alderpersons the nonprofit provides fiscal oversight, partner coordination, data collection and training for community tutoring providers.

Haley Vincent Simpson, deputy chief of staff in the mayor’s office, told the committee the contract began in 2023 after the city allocated funds to support post-pandemic learning recovery. United Way representatives said the program has served “upwards of 1,500 students” over two years and coordinates about 25 community partners; New Haven Reads and New Haven Counts supply curriculum and instructional support for reading and math respectively.

Committee members asked how students are identified for services and who benefits. United Way staff said the initiative has traditionally served students enrolled in community after-school programs and that, in the most recent iteration, New Haven Public Schools is a deeper partner helping target students who need the supports most. Participants are New Haven public school students (including students who attend in-district charter and magnet schools); United Way confirmed the city funds are dedicated to New Haven public school students only.

Alder questions focused on data collection and accountability. United Way said it collects initial, midterm and end-of-term assessments, produces an annual impact report (available on United Way’s website) and provides fiscal management to smaller partners. City staff confirmed the mayor’s office budget included $1.5 million for the initiative in fiscal 2025–26 and that the proposed extension would use those allocated funds.

The committee moved the item favorably to the full Board of Alders. Members requested the administration provide the committee with the United Way impact report and continue to share outcome data to evaluate student growth and program reach.