President Obama launched the My Brother’s Keeper initiative (M.B.K.) to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color and ensure that all young people can reach their full potential.

My Brother’s Keeper provides leadership and mentorship opportunities to 400 boys throughout District 19. Mentors meet weekly with their small groups and once a month as a whole group. The focus of MBK is to show and help guide our young men to act and be seen in our community and in the world. Topics include social and emotional wellness, personal hygiene and respect for others.

The Girls Empowerment Movement (G.E.M.) provides leadership, mentorship and empowerment opportunities to girls across District 19. G.E.M. encourages girls to seek and celebrate their individuality by giving them a safe space, encouragement, structure and support to embrace their journey of self-discovery and self-love. Mentors help girls identify and apply their power and voice as individuals and as a group focusing on issues that are important in the lives of girls centered around the Core Values. Topics include learning about self, connecting with others, and planning for the future as strong, confident young ladies.

Summer Rising 2023 is a partnership between New York City Public Schools and the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD). Summer Rising is free and available to all NYC students in grades K-8, pending seat availability. Beginning April 17, families can visit this webpage to apply for a Summer Rising seat.

Students in Summer Rising will have access to both academic and enrichment programming over the course of the day, including field trips, arts activities, and outdoor recreation. Programs will be full-day, in-person, and planned and operated collaboratively by school principals and community-based organizations (CBOs). The environment will be safe and supportive with staff prepared to respond to children’s social and emotional needs. Breakfast, lunch, and snack will be served.

NYCDOE Webpage Link- Here