Happy first day of school, Brooklyn!
Public schools in New York City opened for the 2023-24 school year on Sept. 7. To celebrate kids returning to school, local nonprofit NYC Kids RISE and higher education leaders across the country have released a video of encouragement for all the young scholars.
The message from higher education leaders is part of a collective effort to foster a strong sense of self-worth and determination in elementary school students to achieve educational success.
Through the NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program, more than 145,000 NYC public school students across the five boroughs have a financial asset for college and career training with funds that collectively amount to more than $21 million. Approximately 65,000 additional kindergartners will join the program this school year and every school year going forward.
“It is critically important that our students start off their academic careers knowing that we believe in the bold future that they have ahead of them,” said Chancellor David C. Banks in a press release. “We are thrilled to partner with NYC Kids RISE to give our students a bright start. I am excited for all that the school year has in store for our kids and I can’t wait to see all that they learn and accomplish.”
The Save for College Program, a universal community-driven wealth-building platform for New York City neighborhoods, provides families, schools and communities with a means to work together to invest in and save for their children’s futures, reinforcing the expectation that higher learning is a reality for all NYC public school students.
“As we kick off a new school year, we are celebrating our commitment to building a future where every child will know from an early age that they have options. It is our collective responsibility to make sure our children know what is possible, and to support and invest in them so that they can realize their potential,” said NYC Kids RISE Founding Executive Director Debra-Ellen Glickstein. “Thank you to the incredible educators across New York City who are working tirelessly for students every day, and to the outstanding higher education leaders from across the country who have joined us in showcasing what the future can hold.”
