City wide Initiatives
Our citywide initiatives are designed to unite students across NYC, fostering a sense of community and collective responsibility while providing the resources, opportunities, and inspiration needed to succeed academically, personally, and professionally.
college and career readiness
The program is thoughtfully designed to actively engage students with an empowering and comprehensive curriculum, while also providing them with effective strategies to achieve success in their academic journey. Over the course of 6 weeks, the college and career readiness curriculum will be implemented in participating schools, culminating in the exciting I WILL GRADUATE DAY event. This series of lessons is meticulously structured to assist students in developing the essential skills necessary to stay on task, effectively overcome obstacles, and perform at their very best.
Curriculum Highlights:
6 weeks of engaging lessons leading up to the highly anticipated I WILL GRADUATE DAY
A strong focus on motivational tools, overcoming various challenges, and maintaining academic focus
Opportunities for engagement with educators, community leaders, and celebrated personalities to inspire and motivate students in their pursuits
pledge day
I WILL GRADUATE Pledge Day inspires students across NYC to commit to their education and take responsibility for their academic success. In September, students throughout the city are encouraged to take the I WILL GRADUATE pledge, a commitment to work hard, make smart decisions, and hold themselves accountable to a high standard of excellence. This pledge serves as a powerful reminder to students of their potential and the importance of staying focused on their educational goals.
Since its inception, over 155,000 students have already taken the I WILL GRADUATE pledge, demonstrating their dedication to academic achievement and personal growth. The initiative is designed to motivate students to remain committed throughout the school year, emphasizing perseverance, accountability, and making positive decisions.
By pledging to their education, students affirm their dedication to success and the pursuit of their dreams. The I WILL GRADUATE Day Initiative fosters a culture of academic excellence and personal responsibility, inspiring youth across the city to be great and take charge of their educational journey.
i will graduate day
I WILL GRADUATE DAY is a day to empower and motivate youth to take charge of their educational journey by providing them with the tools, inspiration, and support they need to overcome challenges and "BE GREAT" in the 2024/2025 school year. Since its inception in 2006, I WILL GRADUATE DAY NYC has brought together educational leaders, celebrities, professional athletes, and high-profile executives to rally behind students and encourage them to stay committed to their education. Schools across the city participate in a series of activities, events, workshops, and pep rallies to help students stay focused and energized throughout the school year.
On I WILL GRADUATE DAY, students, teachers, and administrators come together to celebrate the completion of the program, fostering a strong sense of solidarity around the importance of education. This event encourages youth to recognize the power of their educational journey while reinforcing the value of perseverance, teamwork, and community support.
Program Goals:
Encourage youth to take charge of their education and stay focused on their academic success
Provide students with tools to stay on task and bring their best effort to the school year
Build a strong sense of solidarity among students, teachers, and administrators
Celebrate education and the achievements of youth throughout NYC
my brother’s sister’s keeper (MBSK)
DYCD My Brother’s & Sister’s Keeper Youth Council provides a platform for youth in NYC to feel empowered and take action to affect positive change within their communities. The council is a collaborative effort between the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), the Young Men’s Initiative (YMI), and Entertainers for Education Alliance, Inc. – I Will Graduate (E4EA-IWG), aimed at amplifying youth voice and choice. The council connects and mobilizes youth councils and collectives across the city, ensuring that young people from various neighborhoods have a unified platform to engage in social change.
The program model is designed to help youth develop leadership skills, initiate community-benefit projects, and enhance their social responsibility through direct involvement in civic activities. Research has shown that service-learning programs like this one help foster critical thinking, personal responsibility, positive attitudes toward school, and increased civic engagement. By addressing community issues, youth will develop a sense of connection and responsibility, enhancing their self-esteem and leadership capabilities.
Qualifications for participation in the My Brother's & Sister's Keeper Youth Council include:
Must be an NYC resident
Must be between the ages of 16-24
Must have an interest in social change/action
Must be passionate about addressing youth-related issues across the city
The program expectations include:
A one-year commitment
An estimated 8-hour monthly time commitment (not including special events or retreats)
Availability to travel throughout NYC for meetings and providing HUB support
Ability to attend an overnight retreat
Participation in “Super Saturday” training sessions
Responsibilities for council members include:
Active participation in weekly Council meetings
Attendance at overnight retreats (transportation and lodging provided)
Engagement in Youth Summit (TBD)
Regularly reading and responding to weekly updates
Collaborating with other members to develop and implement action plans
Leading social media campaigns
Advocating for services such as mental health and environmental issues across NYC
Supporting a community center youth council
This program aims to develop youth as leaders, giving them the tools and experiences necessary to positively impact their communities while fostering a culture of social responsibility and civic engagement.
To apply, click here.
young adult entrepreneurship program
The Youth Adult Entrepreneurship Program empowers young adults by equipping them with the skills and mindset needed to start and grow their own businesses. This 12-week program offers:
A $200 stipend upon completion
Business coaches presenting on campus twice a week
A comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of entrepreneurship
Training on how to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and build wealth
Practice in pitching business ideas to potential investors and customers
Throughout the program, participants will gain practical experience and receive valuable feedback as they apply their learning to their business ideas. The initiative encourages youth to take leadership in their communities, reduce economic barriers, and foster innovation and financial independence. Past partnerships with the NYC Council, NYC Office of the Mayor, Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), Small Business Administration (SBA), Chase, Manhattan College, and Fordham University have been instrumental in providing resources and guidance for the program's future entrepreneurs.
