New Haven Counts
Strengthening communities through math, mentorship, and opportunity.
New Haven Counts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving math achievement, expanding access to high-quality afterschool programming, and creating pathways to success for young people in New Haven and surrounding communities. New Haven Counts was founded in response to persistent gaps in math achievement and access to enrichment opportunities for young people. What began as a small, community-based effort to provide free math tutoring quickly grew into a comprehensive model that connects academic support with mentorship, sports-based learning, and youth employment.
Over time, New Haven Counts developed a cascading mentorship approach that supports elementary and middle school students while training and employing high school and college-aged tutors as leaders and role models. Today, the organization continues to expand its impact by partnering with schools, families, and community organizations to strengthen math outcomes, build confidence, and create pathways for long-term success for students across New Haven.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to improve educational outcomes and economic mobility by providing engaging, high-quality math tutoring and enrichment programs that connect academic learning to real-world opportunities through sports, mentorship, and entrepreneurship.
We believe every student deserves access to strong academic support, positive role models, and meaningful pathways toward future success.
Ron Coleman Jr, Co-Founder
Vision Statement
“Every learner and every student-athlete will reach their academic, athletic, and personal potential within a cohesive and prosperous community.”
Daniel Hicks, Co-Founder
Who We Serve
New Haven Counts serves:
Elementary and middle school students who need additional math support
High school and college-age tutors and mentors seeking leadership and workforce experience
Families and schools looking for consistent, community-based academic enrichment
Our programs prioritize students from under-resourced communities and partner directly with schools, districts, and community organizations.
Our Approach
New Haven Counts uses a cascading mentorship model, where older students and young adults are trained and employed to support younger learners. This approach:
Strengthens math skills for younger students
Provides paid leadership and workforce experience for tutors
Builds community connections and sustainable local impact
Our programs blend:
Evidence-based math instruction
Sports-based and real-world learning experiences
Social-emotional development and mentorship
Our Founders
Ron Coleman is Co-Founder of New Haven Counts and a former classroom teacher at Roberto Clemente Leadership Academy in New Haven. Ron taught middle-school mathematics and received a Masters in Education from Southern Connecticut State University, where he developed a deep commitment to teaching math as if it were a foreign language. Ron also served as an instructional math coach at East Rock School, a Program Director at Teach For America CT, and an Educator Recruitment and Development Specialist at the Texas Education Agency.
A graduate of the Yale School of Management, Ron combines frontline classroom experience with strategic leadership to build high-impact after-school programs that enrich students in sports and math, strengthening both academic growth and student engagement. He is a recipient of the Yale Seton-Ivy Awards, Yale SOM’s Dean’s Social Impact Award, and panelist for the 20205 Donald H. Ogilvie ’78 Colloquium.
Dan Hicks is Co-Founder of New Haven Counts and a former classroom teacher at Roberto Clemente Leadership Academy in New Haven. He served as a Principal and school leader for over a decade, where he focused on strengthening instructional quality, building strong school communities, and driving measurable gains in student achievement. Dan brings deep expertise in educational leadership and youth development to his work expanding high-impact opportunities for students.
Dan is a graduate of Providence College and earned his master’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University, followed by a Sixth-Year diploma in Educational Leadership from the University of Connecticut. He was named a Fund for Teachers Fellow in 2016, and in 2015 received the Voya Unsung Heroes Award in recognition of his impactful work as a classroom teacher at Clemente Leadership Academy.
Dom Dugo is Co-Founder of New Haven Counts and a former teacher in New Haven, where he developed a strong commitment to supporting students both inside and beyond the classroom. His experience working directly with young people shaped his belief in the power of consistent mentorship, engaging enrichment, and high-quality academic support.
Dom has a degree from the University of Michigan. After teaching middle school science at Augusta Lewis Troup, Dom led NHC’s first financial literacy program in 2019 at Truman School and leverages his background and expertise in math and science to help sales and financial professional achieve better and more efficient results for themselves and the companies they represent.
