CitizensNYC Awards Five Grants to Youth Leadership Councils Shaping a Better NYC!
CitizensNYC is thrilled to announce five grant awards to outstanding Youth Leadership Councils leading positive change in communities across the city. These $1,500 micro-grants will support innovative projects designed to address critical issues and make a real difference in the lives of New Yorkers.
“We are incredibly impressed by the passion, dedication, and creativity of these young leaders,” said José Dobles, VP of Programs at CitizensNYC. “Their projects tackle a diverse range of challenges, from promoting environmental sustainability and fostering community engagement, to advocating for restorative justice and improving educational access, to building community between youth and police. We know that these initiatives will have a significant impact on our city, as well as demonstrate the ability of young leaders to step up and make a difference.”
CitizensNYC, one of the nation’s oldest micro-grantmaking organizations, partnered with NYC Service to make this special round of Youth Leadership Council grants and empower young leaders to take ownership within their communities. The program provides financial support, mentorship, and training to this cohort of young leaders as they develop and implement their projects.
The five initiatives receiving grants and support are:
Department of Education - Office of Energy and Sustainability Youth Leadership: Council: Organizing a 2024 Youth Climate Summit designed to educate and inspire young adults on climate change and sustainable practices. The summit aims to gather hundreds of young, motivated individuals for workshops and networking sessions, creating an environment for the development of informed, empowered green leaders.
Mott Hall High School Youth Leadership Council: Establishing a school store to provide students with easy access to essential items and to foster school spirit and engagement. This initiative aims to enhance the student experience and support their educational needs while promoting a sense of community within the school.
The Circle Keepers Youth Leadership Council: Addressing the issues faced by youth who experience marginalization or who are at greater risk of being affected by violence. It seeks to empower these young voices, placing them at the forefront of shaping peacemaking and justice systems in their communities through a conference focused on restorative justice.
Adams Street Youth Leadership Council: Creating a new "Bridging The Gap: Building Community Between Youth and Police" initiative aimed at improving the strained relationship between police and youth, particularly youth of color in Downtown Brooklyn. The project includes a 3-hour community event where students from local schools and officers from the 84th Precinct will engage in activities designed to foster understanding, open dialogue, cooperation, and building trust.
Boys and Girls High School Youth Leadership Council: Organizing the “My Sister's Keeper Senior Sisterhood Brunch” to provide a nurturing community of support for 12th-grade girls as they transition from high school. This project emphasizes the cultivation of positive relationships among young women, fostering an environment of empathy, understanding, and mentorship within the school.
At CitizensNYC, we believe that young people have the power to shape the future of our city. By supporting their leadership and innovation, we are investing in a brighter future for all New Yorkers.
To learn more about CitizensNYC and our Community Leaders and Neighborhood Business Grant programs, visit www.citizensnyc.org. Applications are being accepted until March 1!