Help NYC's Students in Need Catch Up at School

Thank you so much for supporting Children’s Aid’s fundraiser to help New York City students catch up at school. Your generosity allows us to provide academic interventions, tutoring, homework help, GED classes, and other supports to New York City’s students who face unprecedented challenges from budget cuts, lapsing pandemic aid, and a sharp increase in childhood poverty.

Budget cuts for New York City’s Department of Education were not as severe as anticipated for fiscal year 2025, but challenges still remain. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been stripped from the DOE’s budget, affecting school placements for students and other essential day-to-day services. This comes as pandemic-era federal aid has expired, including the expanded child tax credit and enhanced unemployment insurance. This has resulted in a staggering rise in childhood poverty in New York City. A recent study by Robin Hood and Columbia University found that one in four children are now living in poverty. These challenges come as children still struggle to rebound from the learning losses caused by the pandemic, a cost of living crisis, and chronic absenteeism that remains stubbornly higher than pre-pandemic levels.

All of these factors put tremendous strain on the children and families we serve. At Children’s Aid, we employ the community school model, a groundbreaking and effective method that supports children and families by providing holistic services at no cost. By responding to the needs of their communities, these schools provide targeted supports such as health care, parent engagement programs, and nutritious food. This way, cash-strapped parents need not forgo doctor visits and healthy meals for their children. What’s more, community schools prioritize the major concerns that can contribute to learning loss: chronic absenteeism, the mental and physical health of students, and after school academic support. Students spend more time at school when all their needs can be addressed in one place and they are supported and cared for.

As the new school year kicks off, we are prepared to support thousands of students starting another year of learning. All of this would not be possible without the support of people like you. That is why your donation is so critical and greatly appreciated. Together, we can ensure that New York City’s children can get the most out of school and reach their full potential.

Links:

• Community Schools Successfully Address Chronic Absenteeism