Making The Case For Change

In the United States, public education stands as a powerful force for leveling the playing field, offering hope and opportunity to families, children, and young minds yearning to thrive. Yet, the stark reality remains: policymakers continue to exacerbate disparities by channeling fewer resources to those who need them most, leaving countless Black and Brown students, urban learners, and historically underserved communities on the fringes of quality education.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, these disparities have been mercilessly magnified within our public education and youth development systems. The urgency of this moment calls for sustained, targeted, and inclusive efforts to ensure that students of color finally experience the equitable education they deserve.

The very conversations that can drive change – discussions about race and racism, whether embedded in the system, institutions, or individuals – face unprecedented challenges in today's educational landscape. Far too many schools, districts, and states are silencing or omitting critical dialogues on racism, ableism, sexism, homophobia, and the essential truths of science from their curricula. This censorship threatens to erase the undeniable legacies and real-world consequences of these issues for students, families, educators, and the communities we serve.

Every American child should be provided with educational opportunities for the next generation of leaders.

Quick Facts
88%

NYS school districts had a decline in public school enrollment [1]

17K

Westchester students go without internet and enabled devices [2]

27%

Cited transportation as a key hurdle for homeless students [3]

Our Services

Educational Success Program

We deliver vital educational support, ensuring every homeless student, including those with special needs, receives tailored placement and assistance to unlock their full potential. We set our youngest learners on a transformative educational path, enrolling Pre-K and kindergarten children in a journey that will shape their futures for the better.

Digital Learning Lab

Within our walls, we harness the power of technology to create a brighter future. Here, we provide essential digital resources, from cutting-edge computers and tablets to lightning-fast internet access. Our mission is simple yet transformative: to open doors to digital learning opportunities for both students and residents, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age.

Equity Partnership Project (Education Trust-NY)

We are igniting a powerful educational revolution, one that resonates with parents, community leaders, and state legislators alike. We underscore the profound importance of holding our educational systems accountable, paving the way for brighter futures and equitable opportunities.

Learn More

Scholarships

Westchester Black Scholars

We champion academic excellence within the African-American community, collaborating with 28 high schools to honor over 300 outstanding honor roll seniors with well-deserved scholarships and awards.

Learn More

Ruth Taylor Scholarship

This opportunity is tailor-made for graduate students dedicated to public service for the 2024- 2025 academic year. We encourage graduate students to apply!

Apply Here

[1] "Shifting Student Populations: How New York schools can address the shifting needs and priorities of students and families." The Education Trust- New York, 2023. Retrieved from the Education Trust- New York Website https://newyork.edtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/ETNY-Enrollment-Report-2023.pdf
[2]
[3]Perlman, S. (n.d.). "Access to early childhood programs for young children experiencing homelessness: A survey report." Retrieved from the NAEHCY Web site http://naehcy.org/wpcontent/uploads/2018/02/naehcy-survey-report.pdf