The Institute for Family Health
Organization Directory
Discover and connect with our carefully selected partner organizations, streamlined for your specific interests and needs.
83 results
The mission of the Institute for Family Health is to improve access to high quality primary healthcare to communities historically neglected due to racism and poverty. The Institute has built a network of community health centers and has developed resources to address racial and ethnic disparities in health. In addition, they focus on innovating and improving care for diabetes, depression, women's health, and HIV. The Institute for Family and Health is committed to delivering family-oriented care to people in underserved communities, regardless of patients' ability to pay.
18by Vote is a nonpartisan, youth-led organization dedicated to helping young and rising voters understand how, when, and why to vote. Focused on empowering 16, 17, and 18-year-olds, it aims to ensure equitable access to civic participation. Through localized voter registration campaigns, tech initiatives like targeted text banking, and partnerships with youth influencers, 18by Vote fosters a culture of sustainable youth civic action and leadership.
ALPFA NY is the largest chapter of ALPFA Inc., focusing on empowering the Latinx community to be leaders and innovators in every sector of the global market. Student chapters connect college students to the Latino community at various universities, building personal and professional skills and networking. State chapters provide members access to networking, job opportunities, and programs geared at accelerating career growth. ALPFA NY also hosts various events, mentorships, and scholarships to support the success of Latinx professionals.
HS Credit believes that independent thinking based on student curiosity will outperform compliance-driven evaluation in an ideas economy. This nonprofit organization is focused on putting an end to factory education with incentives favoring authentic learning. HS Credit offers trusted performance-based assessments, project-based high school transcripts, and independent study credits as an alternative to standardized testing, like AP Exams.
ASPIRA of New York is dedicated to empowering Puerto Rican and Latino communities through educational support and advocacy. They offer mentorship, after-school programs, and college prep. For their Youth Leadership Development curriculum, they use a project-oriented, club-like structure to guide students through three principles: Awareness, Analysis, and Action. The student collaboration at ASPIRA of New York programs cultivates future leaders of Latino communities and encourages students to take pride in their culture.
The Bill of Rights Institute (BRI), established in 1999, provides free educational materials (including lessons, essays, and videos) that are centered around U.S. history and, simultaneously, emphasize the principles of the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Made for students and teachers nationwide, their resources are created with an ultimate objective of enhancing understanding of American civics and encouraging active civic engagement.
Bronx Connect works toward ensuring the success of court-involved youth, centrally by advocating for social services for neighborhoods harmed by incarceration, and the elimination of structural barriers to higher education, housing, employment and civic participation for people with criminal convictions. It’s mentorship program, as well as the integral role is has played in citywide initiatives such as the #CLOSErikers campaign and the NYC Department of Corrections SMART network make it a central criminal justice organization in the city.
The Bronx River Art Center is an independent, non-profit, multi-arts organization dedicated to providing art and environmental programming for residents of The Bronx. BRAC hosts exciting exhibitions, performances, and fine and digital art classes for all age to support this mission. Using culturally relevant arts and nature-based activities, Bronx River Art Center provides workshops and community events that foster mental wellness and combine artistic expression with nature immersion. Educational programming, studio spaces, and events at the BRAC cultivate leadership in an urban environment and stewardship of the Bronx River.
The Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York (CIDNY) is a nonprofit organization that is part of the Independent Living Centers movement: a national network of grassroots and community-based organizations that enhance opportunities for all people with disabilities to direct their own lives. CIDNY helps people with disabilities (PWD) find the benefits they need and works to reduce barriers in society for PWD. Their policy-based advocacy goals aims to ensure PWD can live independently, financially support themselves, and enjoy equal opportunity. People with disabilities and caretakers can also find support at CIDNY for assistance with benefits, employment, peer counseling, systems advocacy, youth services, skills training, housing, transportation, and long term care. They host a variety of workshops, including their Financial Literacy series.
The Center for Justice Innovation is a community justice organization that centers safety and racial justice. The organization is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between courts and community to foster communication, understanding, and trust. They hope to reimagine justice and build safe communities through mechanisms such as building stronger futures for people in the justice system and training community members as researchers in charge of their own narratives. The Center for Justice Innovation has grown from its 1996 establishment as a community court in Midtown Manhattan to an independent research and development arm of the New York State Unified Court System. Their vision took shape as they co-create solutions to reduce crime and incarceration.
Change Food for Good is dedicated to making agricultural technology (AgTech) more accessible to vulnerable communities. The non-profit organization works with public spaces to build community gardens that serve as smart farms, food hubs, and green spaces. They have also provided free workshops and training to 1500 individuals and secured 250 job placements. Through the use of localized sustainable agriculture and pathways to opportunities in the green sector, Change Food for Good educates and uplifts communities out of food insecurity.
The Citizens' Committee for Children of New York (CCC) works to ensure that all children in New York City are healthy, housed, educated, and safe. In efforts to combat commonly faced issues by children in the city (like poverty, high infant mortality rates, and low literacy rates) CCC conducts research and gathers data, which they leverage in legislative settings and holds trainings and campaigns aimed at raising visibility surrounding their focus issues.
City Limits uses investigative journalism through the lens of New York City to identify urban problems, examine their causes, explore solutions, and equip communities to take action. City Limits recently guided tens of thousands of New Yorkers through the housing lottery process; helped drive policy conversations through investigative reports; and provided essential resources to Spanish-speaking immigrant communities. They host youth programs like CLARIFY (City Limits Accountability Reporting Initiative for Youth) to amplify underrepresented voices and build community. By publishing resources and news on homelessness, land use and development, climate, and immigration, City Limits also aims to inform democracy and empower citizens to create a more just city.
City Parks Foundation (CPF) is focused on cultivating thriving parks as a means of transforming communities. CPF hosts programs more than 400 parks, recreation centers, and public schools across NYC. Programming includes sports (CityParks Play), arts (CityParks Shows), community building (CityParks Build), and educational programs (CityParks Learn) for all.
It all started when Bronx native Avery Corman was concerned about the state of his childhood park. Now, CPF encourages 285,000 New Yorkers every year to use and care for their local parks and green spaces.
DemocraShe works to inspire women to run for elected office, through a trio of online, stipended programs that it offers to female-identifying high school students. The programs, (which involve education surrounding advocacy and legislation and presentations from female guest speakers) are centered around building self-confidence, nurturing ambition, and practicing self-advocacy, which are said to be instrumental in making politics feel accessible.
Democracy House is a national, nonpartisan initiative welcoming young adults into civic life and training them to be effective leaders for democracy.
They inspire rising generations to defend, strengthen, and improve democracy. Their focus primarily lies in civic education, leadership development, community infrastructure, public policy, and youth voter participation. Democracy House hosts leadership development fellowships and programs that equip participants with skills, mentorship, and networks to become long-term contributors to civic life.
DemocracyReady NY is a bipartisan coalition dedicated to preparing all New York students for civic participation. Its primary focuses lie in increasing classroom discussion of controversial political topics in NY schools, developing strategies for improving civic learning in the early grades, and advancing access to media literacy education for all students throughout the state. Hosting a student-written blog, conducting research and creating proposals, and hosting free webinars are all mechanisms utilized in progressing toward these goals.
DoSomething.org is a global youth organization that empowers young people to drive social change. With a focus on equity, justice, climate sustainability, and well-being, DoSomething provides educational resources and action-oriented campaigns. Their initiatives include voter registration drives, community service projects, and advocacy for uncensored literature. By connecting young activists and offering leadership opportunities, DoSomething aims to build a diverse and engaged generation of changemakers.
Dominicanos USA (DUSA) has two seminal programs – a Youth Ambassador Program and a free citizenship assistance clinic – engaging thousands of Latino individuals with bilingual information critical to their civic participation. DUSA’s newest program, DUSA Tech, and DUSA Codes create life-changing technology experiences that encourage students to shape their future while teaching the importance of civic engagement.
Elite Learners is a Brooklyn-based community organization that provides athletic, educational, developmental, and mentorship programs for all ages. Their anti-violence initiatives, career-based mentorships, and other exciting opportunities holistically enrich the lives of youth in Brownsville, East Flatbush and Prospect Lefferts Garden, as well as the neighboring Central Brooklyn communities.
FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression) is committed to defending freedoms of expression on college campuses, honing in on issues like freedom of speech and of assembly, academic freedom, and Title IX rights. Their work in providing legal support in relevant cases, creating legislative policy reports, and reforming policies and speech codes of colleges makes them a leader in their field.
Generation Citizen is an organization committed to revolutionizing civics education through an equity-centered approach that empowers young people by engaging them in real-world, experiential learning within their communities. Founded in 2008 by students at Brown University, Generation Citizen has grown to facilitate action civics education where students can apply civic knowledge to address community issues directly. The organization supports this mission by working closely with middle and high schools to implement project-based civics curriculums and also participates actively in research and advocacy to promote impactful civic education nationwide. Additionally, Generation Citizen hosts Civics Day, an event where students present their civics projects, similar to a science fair but focused on civics, showcasing their solutions to local issues.
Girls Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering life-changing resources to girls, young women, and gender-expansive youth. They prepare girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers through education and advocacy. Girls Inc. of NYC hosts citywide conferences, mentorships, safe spaces, and programming that prioritize issues such as mental health, sexual safety and autonomy, voting rights, and equitable access to education. Their Teen Leadership Circles cultivates leadership skills among high school girls so that they can support their peers and improve their community.
Initially a policy-based organization, GrowNYC is a hands-on nonprofit which strives to improve the City's quality of life through sustainability services and opportunities. GrowNYC is dedicated to empowering all New Yorkers with equitable access to fresh, locally grown food, neighborhood green spaces, and care for the environment. Programming includes farmers markets, community gardening assistance, and environmental education.
HeadCount is an organization focused on increasing voter registration and interest in democracy. HeadCount often stages nonpartisan voter registration drives at community events, concerts, and festivals to transform the power of music and culture into real change. The organization has also collaborated with musicians, advocates, and cultural leaders to create digital campaigns sparking positive social action. Through informing, empowering, and reaching voters where they already are, HeadCount promotes civic engagement and voter turnout on a national scale.
IntegrateNYC seeks to make racial reforms in New York City’s public school system (specifically relating to the demographics of staff being hired, diversity in individual schools, approaches to security in schools, etc.) through fundraising efforts and by placing students in environments where they can have influence, such as on district and youth councils.
The Interfaith Center of New York (ICNY) works to find commonality between New York City’s varying faith communities and promote religious diversity in the city. ICNY also works to provide civic education to the city’s religious leaders by organizing workshops between them and community organizers, local government officials, and legal teams. Previously, ICNY has also, relatedly, worked on combatting social issues within religious communities, such as the mental health crisis during the coronavirus pandemic.
ICI partners high school and college aged students with adult researchers from CUNY SPS to collect data on local youth policy issues, through methods like surveys, focus groups and interviews. The organization also works with students to take further steps of pushing for policy changes.
JobsFirstNYC is an organization focused on economic mobility for all young adults and their communities. JobsFirstNYC embraces a collaborative 5-step process with their partners to identify challenges and find solutions: Investigate, Imagine, Incubate, Implement, and Integrate. By providing workforce development and hosting competitions, symposiums, expos, and more, this organization hones in on local solutions that create a lasting impact.
Kingsbridge Heights Community Center helps members develop passions and potential, and build durable pathways towards purpose, prosperity and well-being. They offer cradle through career programming, as well as nutrition programs, housing assistance, and more. KHCC programs use a strength-based approach that empowers people to lead independent, self-sufficient lives. KHCC is an active member of United Neighborhood Houses of New York City and United Neighborhood Centers of America.
Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club is focused on enriching the lives of youth ages 6 to 18 through educational and developmental programs, with a special emphasis of youth who come from disadvantaged or disenfranchised circumstances. Because of the challenges Bronx students face, the Boys and Girls club in Kips Bay strengthens and increases high school, vocational, and college preparatory programming with activities in career awareness and mentoring, college readiness and visits, and SAT preparation. Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club works to empower young people to realize and achieve their full potential, equipping them with skills to thrive in a complex world.
Loisaida United Neighborhood Gardens (LUNGS) was formed as a grassroots community organization to unite the many volunteer-run community gardens in Loisaida, the Lower East Side and the East Village. They believe that community gardens and public green spaces are necessary for a healthy New York. Through advocacy, outreach, projects, and programming, LUNGS supports and encourages the "unique personality" and needs of each garden. This includes arts and entertainment events hosted at these gardens, educational programming for youth and seniors, youth employment, neighborhood garden celebrations, and their Community Supported Agriculture program that provides fresh produce to members. Loisaida United Neighborhood Gardens currently works with 52 community gardens and welcomes conversations with other greening organizations throughout New York City.
Supported by the New York City Council, Made in NYC an inititiative of the Pratt Center for Community Development centered around supporting local manufacturers and makers in New York City. They promote and uplift local urban manufacturers, many of which are BIPOC business owners and workers. Made in NYC sees industrial jobs as important pathways for those who don't have formal accreditation and grant them wage mobility. Alongside hosting pop-up markets and networking events, the Learning Lab provides free workshops on business development, marketing strategy, and creative services.
Malikah is a grassroots, nonprofit, anti-violence organization. Aiming to build community power and safety, Malikah offers self-defense, financial literacy, organizing, and healing programs. In a world where fear and misunderstanding are often projected onto marginalized communities, creating a space to combat gender and hate-based violence became essential to founder Rana Abdelhamid, an Egyptian Muslim woman from Queens. Malikah Safety Center in "Little Egypt" in Astoria, Queens serves as a hub for direct services, mutual aid, and resources for women and girls of all backgrounds. Malikah has collaborated with community organizations, public schools, and religious institutions to amplify their impact.
Mikva Challenge is a youth empowerment organization founded in 1997, focused on developing young people into informed, empowered, and active citizens who will promote a just and equitable society. The organization's core belief is that civic and political life is stronger when youth participate and help shape their destinies, advocating for a more inclusive democracy that values youth voice. Mikva Challenge operates across various locations, providing youth with the opportunities to engage in democracy through hands-on programs that involve them in real-life democratic activities. These programs include election and campaign experiences, action civics classrooms, and youth-led advocacy, all aimed at fostering an informed, active, and civically engaged youth population.
Multi Assistance Resource Centers (MARC) is a peer-run organization that improves the lives of New Yorkers by providing access to crisis prevention and intervention resources, public health and social services, and support for underserved communities. Focusing on restoring dignity and opportunity, MARC delivers services such as food assistance, medical and mental health care, housing support, and job training, aiming to empower vulnerable populations including those facing homelessness, mental illness, and those who were previously incarcerated. MARC combines research-based strategies and compassionate care to build a more inclusive and resilient society.
The NYC Civic Engagement Commission is committed to enhancing civic participation, promoting civic trust, and strengthening democracy in New York City. The CEC works with an advisory committee to run the annual citywide participatory budgeting program (The People’s Money). They also partner with community-based organizations and civic leaders, increase awareness of City services, and help NYC agencies in developing civic engagement initiatives. Prior to the 2020 election, the CEC developed plans to consider language access needs of New Yorkers and provide language interpreters at poll sites. The Civic Engagement Commission started in 2018 after New Yorkers voted for its establishment into the NYC Charter.
The NYC Commission on Human Rights' Youth for Equity and Solidarity (YES) Council is an initiative that facilitates programs and workshops designed to support NYC youth in developing leadership and communication skills, thinking critically about local human rights issues and creating action plans to address them. Young leaders who are on the council play an instrumental role in the planning and outreach surrounding said programs.
NYC Her Future fosters positive change and a brighter future for all young people, with a special focus on young women and girls in communities of color across NYC. NHF's mission is to hollistically develop programs, partnerships and support the success of women throughout the city. Through their "Power Pages" newsletter and events focused on the education, employment, justice, health, and safety of New Yorkers, NYC Her Future invests in and uplift young women. They are creating a space for girls to turn passion into purpose.
NYC Votes is an initiative by the New York City Campaign Finance Board that focuses on enhancing voter participation and ensuring that elections are fair, inclusive, and open. The organization educates voters, facilitates voter registration, and offers extensive information on how to vote, covering early voting, absentee voting, and voting on Election Day. NYC Votes collaborates with local organizations to host voter education campaigns and registration drives. It also provides resources to support voters with disabilities, ensuring that accessible voting options are available. This effort helps ensure that all New Yorkers are well-informed about their voting rights and the electoral process, promoting effective participation in city, state, and federal elections.
The NYCLU (the New York branch of the American Civil Liberties Union) works to promote and advance civil liberties and civil rights of New Yorkers, including members of marginalized groups like LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and prisoners. While public education and advocacy are employed in these efforts, the organization is most known for its use of strategic litigation to set legal precedents, which it has accomplished in areas ranging from free speech and religious freedom to privacy rights and due process.
The National Youth Leadership Council is dedicated to empowering young people to be leaders and strengthen their communities through meaningful change. The NYLC value the voice, integrity, innovation, growth, learning, and inclusion of youth. By disseminating accessible resources, advocating for policies that support service learning, and incorporating quality service-learning from prekindergarten to college, the NYLC envisions all young people becoming civically informed and engaged global citizens.
New Heights provides provides long-term support for promising young athletes from the inner city to develop the academic skills, leadership abilities and character traits ultimately necessary to be successful in life beyond sports. Their comprehensive program offerings for grades 4 to 12 include travel basketball teams, academic support, high school and college placement services, and summer intensives.
New Voters is a nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing high school students across the United States to register to vote, in hopes of further engaging the country’s youth in the democratic process. The organization specifically focuses on empowering young people by providing them with the resources and mentorship needed to organize voter registration drives at their schools.
NYC Parks looks after 30,000 acres of land in New York City with the focus of creating and sustaining a restorative and thriving park system for all. NYC Parks stewards not only parks, but also community gardens, beaches, athletic spaces, and more across the city. Through hosting instructional activities, volunteering events, trips, and workshops, NYC Parks prioritizes equity, accessibility, safety, and nature. Teen programming includes RECYouth, a digital media program, and the Garden Kitchen Lab, a food science program.
The New York Public Library (NYPL), established over 125 years ago, is the nation's largest public library system, consisting of four major research libraries and 88 branch libraries across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. It offers a vast range of free resources, including books, digital collections, and educational programs, and is renowned for its comprehensive research facilities housed in the iconic Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. This flagship location is famous for its significant collections in the humanities and social sciences and for hosting various public events and exhibitions.
The New-York Historical Society, established in 1804, is recognized as New York City's first museum. It's dedicated to exploring and presenting the rich historical narratives and artistic heritage of the United States, with a particular focus on New York's unique story. The society operates as both a museum and a library, offering a range of exhibitions, public programs, and research opportunities that showcase American history's dynamic influence on today's world. It holds a world-class collection that includes American art, historical documents, and other significant artifacts that span several centuries. The society's programming and resources aim to engage the public in thoughtful reflection and deeper understanding of history's impact.
Launched in 2019, Next100 is a research and policy organization created for the next generation of progressive policy leaders. This startup think tank is focused on translating ideas into tangible change by researching key issues and hosting events to educate young adults on public policy as a means of bringing about change. Next100 envisions a future in which policy space is inclusive and driven by a diverse set of thinkers and doers developing creative, rigorous, and relevant policy ideas.
Ocean Bay Community Development Corporation (OBCDC) is a community development corporation aiming to improve the socio-economic lives of local populations. Located in Far Rockaway, New York, the Corporation revitalizes the region by prioritizing the health, safety, prosperity, and education of the community. OBCDC offers a work readiness program, senior transportation, and service coordination, in addition to fun events and programs that engage Bayside residents.
Stemming from the belief that the journalism and broader media landscape needs more young, diverse journalists, PBS New Hour has created Student Reporting Labs, a hands-on student journalism training program. In pursuit of its goals, Student Reporting Labs hosts training workshops for teachers and hosts a fellowship program dedicated to connecting students to local news mentors to flex their skills. The labs also host a student-run podcast, present student-produced stories on the PBS NewsHour and have a curriculum with free lessons on their website, which aspiring student journalists can access for free.
PEN America is an organization that, stemming from a belief in the power of creating literature, conveying information and ideas, and accessing the views of others, is dedicated to ensuring freedom of expression for writing professionals (including novelists, playwrights, editors, etc.). Its work includes facilitating campaigns on policy issues and on behalf of individual writers under threat, hosting year-round festivals and events, conducting research, and more.
The Peer Defense Project offers free legal services and education surrounding the law to young people, in hopes of supporting them in utilizing the law and pursuing legal action as a means of combating the systemic injustices they engage with on a daily basis. Also stemming from the work that The Peer Defense Project does is the empowerment of and the increase in the advocacy potential of the youth they engage with.
In collaboartion with the NYPD, The Police Athletic League supports and inspires youth in New York City to fulfill their full individual potential and productive members of society. PAL has multiple locations in each borough where they host their array of programs pertaining to college readiness, youth employment, and juvenile justice programs. Their evening teen centers serve as a social hub and are a home away from home for youth in need of a safe, supportive space. Operating 3-5 days a week, 6:30pm – 9:30pm, Teen Centers typically host activities such as sports, arts, fitness, and game rooms. Additional social engagement opportunities are provided through teen workshops and culminating events. The Teen Centers have expanded focuses to develop youth councils– perfect for teens looking for civic engagement and community outreach opportunities.
Press Pass works to start and sustain successful school newspaper programs across New York City Public Schools, in hopes of creating a culture of appreciation for journalism and student voice. Through its programs in educating teachers on starting and advising newspapers and in preparing students to take on leadership positions, as well as additional guest speaker and field trip opportunities, students and faculty are supported in these endeavors.
Queens Community House (QCH) is a multi-site, multi-service settlement house that serves Queens residents of all ages, races, faiths, and ethnicities while supporting the viability of the borough as a whole. QCH offers a variety of programming for each age group, including childcare, afterschool programs, workforce programming, family enrichment, food access initiatives, immigrant services, homelessness services, and older adult programs. QCH also offers welcoming centers for LGBTQ youth and older adults. Each year, QCH programs support thousands of people to thrive in school, make healthy life choices, succeed in educating themselves, become engaged citizens, stabilize their housing situations, and make the most of their senior years.
Queens Public Library plays a central role in the civic life of the most ethnically and culturally diverse area in the country. Serving 2.3 million people from 66 neighborhoods, the Library offers free access to books and other materials in 50 languages, technology, and digital resources. Hosting thousands of educational, cultural, and civic programs and workshops each year, Queens Public Library transforms lives by cultivating personal and intellectual growth and by building strong communities.
Based in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, RaisingHealth supports the well-being and self-advocacy of immigrant New Yorkers through culturally-competent health, education, and community building programs. They approach the longstanding disparities in health and social services holistically through care coordination, wellness fairs, days of action, and more. By understanding that healthcare is not exclusive to the clinic or hospital– rather most "real care" happens outside of the medical setting– RaisingHealth has served as an entry point into the community for over 150,000+ immigrants.
The Sadie Nash Leadership Project (SNLP) seeks to empower young women and gender-expansive youth of color by offering them leadership skills and social justice education. The programs they host, in efforts to achieve this goal, focus on themes like identity, power, privilege, and community activism and leave attendees with a lifelong commitment to social justice and feminism.
The Service Learning Project works with elementary, middle, and high school-aged youth in New York City, to promote civic engagement and empower students to create change. Its programs, which occur in school, after-school, and virtually, adhere to a formula in which students select a social issue which they are passionate about, become experts on it through research, and implement a plan to advocate for a solution to it. Creating educational guides, conducting surveys and petitions, and collaborating with local communities, have all been elements of these plans.
Spectrum Expression is a student-run non-profit organization dedicated to bridging mental health and music, specifically for individuals with autism. Its primary goals lie in unlocking self expression and personal growth for autistic individuals through the introduction of music, spreading awareness of autism, and exploring researched therapeutic effects of music. Distributing sensory kits, hosting musical workshops and concerts, and holding webinars for meaningful discussion on neurodiversity are all tools used by Spectrum Expression in progressing towards these goals.
Student Leadership Network supports young people growing up in diverse underserved communities to gain access to higher education, helping them fulfill their dreams. Through our work in college access and success and girls’ and gender-expansive youth education, we are working towards a future without barriers to the educational opportunities all students deserve.
Serving as a national hub and the largest nonpartisan network in the United States, the Students Learn Students Vote Coalition is dedicated to increasing college student voter participation. The Coalition believes that voter engagement can become an integral part of campus culture and uses data, relationships, celebration, and planning to help colleges achieve this. By providing voter education resources on campuses, civic opportunities, and networks, SLSV facilitates and encourages easy, equal access to student participation in every election.
TREEage is a community of more than 1,000 high school and college students across NYC dedicated to securing a livable green future. From championing bold climate legislation– like Local Law 97 and the Climate Action Fund– to leading the fight for Green, Healthy Schools, TREEage leads campaigns for real policy change to shape New York. Through volunteer work, weekly meetings, and petitioning, TREEage organizes and mobilizes youth to build student power and pass progressive climate laws.
Teens Take Charge (TTC) is a youth-led initiative in New York City focused on addressing and rectifying educational inequities and promoting systemic change within the public school system. The organization actively challenges the racially and economically discriminatory practices found in school admissions processes that they argue sustain segregation. Their efforts include campaigning against selective admission tests and advocating for integrated and equitable education for all students. Additionally, TTC has been instrumental in advocating for the restoration of the Summer Youth Employment Program, highlighting the group's broader commitment to social justice issues impacting young people. Their campaigns not only seek to reform policies but also aim to amplify student voices in the decision-making processes affecting their education and future.
The Bell provides New York City students with opportunities to become involved in the journalism field, prioritizing students from populations that are underrepresented in the profession. Its internship programs, which are for public high school students, train students in audio journalism and podcasting. Student-led reporting produced by The Bell has cast light on a range of educational inequities and sparked citywide advocacy efforts. Many of its alumni go on to pursue journalism opportunities in college.
The Boys’ Club of New York (BCNY) is a youth development organization focused on nurturing the competence, confidence, connection to community, and character of boys. BCNY provides over 40 diverse and inclusive programs to boys and young men in grades 2 to 12, all free of charge. All boys are welcome, regardless of zip code, immigration status, or family income. The organization provides access to clubhouses, activities at Harriman Basecamp, and programs ranging from high school and career prep to arts and aquatics, ensuring all male youth are equipped to explore diverse interests and reimagine masculinity.
CoFED focuses on building a cooperative food economy powered by the visionary leadership of Queer, Trans, Black, and Indigenous People of Color. The non-profit organization believes the work of liberation and empowerment must center those who have been historically marginalized in order to dismantle systemic inequities. The Directive provides free guides for students, community food coops, and start-ups, in addition to trainings, a regranting program, fellowships, and educational experiences. Their resources and programming promote regenerative agricultural practices, land access and retention, food justice, and connection to nature.
The Door provides youth with development services in a diverse and caring environment. These free services include education, health care, legal assistance, housing support, career development, meals, arts, sports, and recreational activities. Since 1972, The Door has been focused on creating a welcoming, all-in-one safe space for youth who have faced disconnection. You can visit The Door at 555 Broome Street in Lower Manhattan.
Founded in 2016, the Harlem F.U.N.D. provides "life-enhancing" resources to underserved members of the community. “F.U.N.D.” is an acronym that stands for: FAMILIES UNITED/NOT DIVIDED. The Harlem F.U.N.D. provides personal development workshops, socioeconomic programs, and annual food drives through volunteer efforts and donations. The FUND has expanded its outreach to assist families not only throughout the five boroughs of NYC but in other states as well.
The Nation conducts initiatives focused on the training, development, and education of students to become the next generation of journalists, in hopes of ensuring the success of independent journalism. These initiatives include, but are not limited to, its magazine which is written by students, its fellowship program, and its in-classroom modules.
NYCCGC’s mission is to promote the preservation, creation, and empowerment of community gardens through education, advocacy, and grassroots organizing. The Coalition works to manage the effects of government abandonment and private disinvestment of community gardens, as well as support the creation of new urban farms. Projects include the formation of Gardens Rising, which is a community-based project aiming to reduce stormwater flooding on the Lower East Side. through engineering green infrastructure. NYCCGC also works with food, environmental and social justice organizations to create a food delivery system through community engagement. By uniting community activists and gardeners, NYCCGC is able to serve as an independent voice for gardens and people across the city.
United Activities Unlimited, Inc. (UAU) is a community-based agency aiming to inspire, transform, and empower individuals of all ages in Staten Island and beyond. UAU has grown into a multi-service agency that provides social services, educational support, enrichment activities, prevention services, counseling, and workforce development. Through these mechanisms, the agency provides effective programming with an emphasis on holistic service.
Up2Us Sports is a grassroots national service organization focused on connecting underserved youth with trauma-informed sports training. Through Up2Us programs, free curricula and playbooks, coaches and staff foster crucial life skills among young athletes from inner city communities.
Uplifting NY revolutionizes learning for students in underserved communities by offering an exciting blend of interactive book discussions and challenging escape room-style activities. Their creative approach to teaching focuses on engaging, motivating, and educating participants and equipping students with skills for success. Uplifting NY programs is designed for pre-adolescent and adolescent students, providing a dynamic and engaging experience that emphasizes collaboration, adaptability, and critical thinking skills.
The Working the Gap Initiative (WTG) aims to prepare young adults ages 18 to 24 for the next step of the post-high school journey through wellness and community-based work. WTG holistically addresses the connecting needs of young people and the city's workforce. Not only do they provide resources to support youth mental health, but they encourage youth to be a part of developing local solutions to economic mobility, educational justice, and environmental justice. They offer over 70 hours of specialized paid training and workshops, in partnership with CUNY SPS Youth Studies, the Intergenerational Change Initiative, The Academy for Community Behavioral Health, and Change Impact.
YA-YA (Youth Activists — Youth Allies) is an independent nonprofit organization that promotes youth organizing and involvement to transform society. Through training and leadership experience, YA-YA prepares participants to become the next generation of activists in the movement for social and economic justice. Youth are encouraged to influence policy, improve institutions, reform juvenile justice in their communities, fighting oppressive systems, and prioritizing marginalized groups. Programming includes their Summer Social Justice Institute, the Empower Fellowship, and the Action Committee– many of which are rooted in a popular education model.
YVote is a youth-led civic engagement organization aimed at empowering young people to translate their passions into actionable civic involvement. By offering exposure to social issues and wisdom from guest speakers in associated fields, its programs (which engage high school students across New York City’s five boroughs) foster skills in advocacy, voter engagement, and community organizing.
The Youth Journalism Coalition (YJC), directed by The Bell, is dedicated to making journalism opportunities in NYC accessible and equitable, specifically for high school students. YJC works to ensure that all of the city’s young people have opportunities to tell important stories and develop media career skills. Programming like Journalism for All revitalizes journalism education, which helps to grow students' representation in newsrooms and media coverage, in addition to strengthening our democracy.
Youth Justice Network is determined to break cycles of incarceration and racial injustice. They have helped hundreds of incarcerated youth through intensive mitigation, court advocacy, job placements, career skills workshops, tutoring, and mentorship. Services also include their center for arts and culture, holistic support for families, and restorative advocacy for youth members. The Youth Justice Network is building an equitable justice system by providing young people individualized opportunities to heal, grow, thrive, and lead.
The Youth Power Coalition is dedicated to building an intergenerational movement that focuses on youth-led collective impact. This movement is inclusive of all ages, from young people to elders, emphasizing community-led initiatives that address systemic issues through collective action. Their efforts span a range of activities, including advocacy, community building, and leadership development, all aimed at empowering young people to lead social change. They organize convenings that bring together diverse youth-led organizations to collaborate and strengthen their collective efforts towards creating a more equitable society. Additionally, the Youth Power Coalition fights for youth participation in local governance, such as community boards and advocates for lowering the voting age to better represent youth interests in political processes.
The Youth Power Project aims to break down barriers between lawmakers and youth by directly centering the stories and voices of young people in policy making at the local, state, and federal level.
YouthBridge-NY trains young people to meet the challenges of existing in the uniquely diverse place that is New York City, through a two-year fellowship organized for high school students. During the program, students are engaged in workshops, site visits, lectures, and experiential learning opportunities, equipping them to work collaboratively to enrich their neighborhoods and advance the City as a whole.
iCivics is working to transform the approach taken to K-12 civic education across the U.S. Stemming from the initial work of its founder, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’connor, iCivics develops digital lesson plans and games to be utilized both in in-person and virtual learning environments, holds student fellowships, and works in the legislative sector to push for change.
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