Citizen Schools
“Since we were a new organization in New York City, it was incredibly helpful to have the Edwin Gould Foundation’s early vote of confidence and support. We also love being closely connected to all the other non-profits in the Gould Center. We are all learning from one another and are all stronger for our collaboration. EGF makes this possible.”
Nitzan Pelman
Executive Director, Citizen Schools New York
Citizen Schools works with middle schools across the country to expand the learning day for low-income children, helping them develop the academic and leadership skills they need to succeed in high school, college, the workplace and civic life. The program mobilizes a second shift of afternoon educators, who provide academic support, leadership development and apprenticeships—hands-on projects taught by volunteer experts. Citizen Schools is at the forefront of the out-of-school-time movement to educate children and strengthen communities.
Students in New York City create documentaries with professional journalists, produce travel guides with professionals at Travelocity, make advertisements with Google marketers and present investment plans with Bank of America employees. These after-school apprenticeships are paired with academic and team-building activities designed to spark each child’s enthusiasm, achievement and leadership.
“I was struck right away by the enthusiasm and energy of the students in our apprenticeship. We’d been on the streets of East Harlem for weeks shooting video and photographs and interviewing residents and business people. One afternoon, just by chance, a student recognized a well-known rapper standing on the corner. At first, they were a little reluctant to approach him because he was such a celebrity. But we quickly decided to be bold. As a result, we ‘got’ the interview. They were thrilled and the experience taught an important lesson: pay attention to what’s going on around you. Responding to news is responding to the unexpected!”
Jane Bornemeier,
New York Times
Journalist
Citizen Teacher of “How to Make a News Show” (Spring ’09)
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RESULTS
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By participating in the
Citizen Schools
program, middle school students increase their academic record in high school and beyond: