Among the artists who have provided workshops, master classes and performances with the students in this program are: saxophonist Wayne Escoffery; pianist Christian Sands; Drummer Winard Harper; the late guitarist Melvin "Sparks" Hasan and drummer Robbie Ameen. These artists give workshops, master classes and performances for the students, talking with them and answering questions.

At the 2010 Festival, the Artists Collective Youth Orchestra of Hartford appeared under the direction of saxophonist/arranger/composer Rene McLean. And in 2009, students from the Saint Thomas Day School's "First Grade Jazz" program read and choreographed their own poetry to jazz.

Jazz Haven promotes collaboration with the Neighborhood Music School by encouraging and arranging for Festival performers to serve as clinicians at the School's Summer Jazz Program. The students from Neighborhood Music School's Summer Jazz Program have appeared at the New Haven Jazz Festival twice with their "Big Band", in 2009 directed by internationally acclaimed saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett featuring his "Suite for Young People" and in 2010 by arranger Rex Cadwallader.

Jazz Haven provides an eight-week session each semester at the Betsy Ross Arts Magnet School. This program introduces the students to jazz and scat and the students appear in the school's concerts. Vocalists Aleta Staton and Giacomo Gates and drummer Jesse Hameen II are commissioned by Jazz Haven to work with these New Haven Public Schools students.