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Educating, inspiring and mobilizing youth to become global citizens who are positively engaged in the world and are prepared for their future.

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Read up on the latest newsletters on our blog, check out an upcoming event, or follow us on social media to make sure you're up-to-date on all the latest in GK news!

Global Kids appeared in the Bronx Times!

Photo courtesy of the Office of Assemblymember Emerita Torres From the Bronx Times: " New York State Assemblymember Emerita Torres allocated a total of $65,000 in state discretionary funding to the afterschool program at the Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education and Global Kids Inc. programming at the Bronx Studio School for Writers and Artists . "The funding will help the Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education and Global Kids Inc. better ensure that local youths h

Global Kids Chronicles | January 2026 Recap

Dear Global Kids Community, January was a month of purpose and action at Global Kids. Across New York City and Washington, D.C., our students led with intention – learning through experience, strengthening community, and turning reflection into meaningful impact. In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, young people brought Dr. King’s legacy to life through public service projects, youth-led workshops, and school-based initiatives. Guided by his belief that justice requires co

Volunteers Wanted! Career Day @ Bronx Studio School for Writers & Artists (BSSWA)

March 25th Volunteer Opportunity for Professionals

Leadership can take many forms, such as caring for people, speaking up for justice, and helping communities grow.

This Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting inspirational leaders at the local and global level, leaders like Phara Souffrant Forrest, a leader who continues to uplift Brooklyn and advocate for the rights and well-being of New Yorkers.

In this video, Assemblymember Souffrant Forrest speaks in the New York State Assembly on a resolution recognizing Black History Month in New York State, honoring the history, resilience, and contributions of Black communities. Her voice is a reminder that civic leadership and community advocacy matter.

#WomensHistoryMonth #GKAllDay #BlackHistoryMonth #WomenInLeadership

This #ThrowbackThursday we’re taking a look through the Global Kids archives, revisiting the faces, memories, and milestones that have shaped our community over the years.

Each photo tells a story of leadership, growth, friendship, and the powerful voices of the young women who have walked through our doors. From big moments to everyday breakthroughs, these memories remind us of the lasting impact they continue to have in their communities and beyond.

Today we celebrate the spirit, courage, and brilliance of the young women who have been part of the Global Kids story.

#YouthLeadership #YoungWomenLeaders #CommunityImpact #GKAllDay

From Shaw Library to the DC Council!

Flashback Friday! Global Kids youth leaders from Benjamin Banneker High School took their leadership beyond the classroom and testified before the DC Council in support funding afterschool programs. They shared how afterschool programs and Out of School Time (OST) activities have shaped their confidence, expanded their global perspective, and prepared them to lead in their communities.
When we say GK youth use their voices, we mean it.

@dcactionyouth @learn24dc
#civicaction #youthvoice #dccitycouncil

This School Social Work Week, we’re celebrating and recognizing the incredible social workers who support and uplift young people every single day. 💙

At Global Kids, we’re especially grateful for the social work interns who are beginning their journeys while working alongside GK youth.

We’re proud to work alongside social workers in our schools and communities who help amplify youth voices and ensure students have the care and support they deserve.

Thank you for the work you do, the heart you bring, and the futures you help shape.

#schoolsocialworkweek

We’re honored to be featured in @patch highlighting young people from Crispus Attucks Elementary School. C.S. 21 students honored Black history through songs of struggle and triumph.

Through music, youth explored resistance, resilience, and the power of voice, connecting historic movements to the world they’re navigating today.

Read the full feature at the linktr.ee in our bio.
#BlackHistoryMonth #YouthVoice #CivicEducation #BrooklynYouth

Black History is local, national, and global, and so is the fight for justice.

Fannie Lou Hamer showed us what courage looks like. What would you speak up for today? #BHM

We’re back @cs21.brooklyn with our Youth Speak series, hearing from young people in NYC and DC. Logan a Global Kids leader, reflects on Black History Month and those who inspire him! #YouthSpeak #GKAllDay #BlackHistoryMonth

We're back @cs21.brooklyn with our Youth Speak series, hearing from young people in NYC and DC. Kamari, a Global Kids leader, reflects on Black History Month and those who inspire him! #YouthSpeak #GlobalKids #BlackHistoryMonth #NYCYouth #YouthVoices

We stopped by @ps96act to hear from Global Kids leaders in Kindergarten through 2nd grade share their thoughts on kindness and love. 💕 The Student Council teamed up with K–2 classes to create heartfelt Valentine’s cards for seniors across East Harlem, spreading joy to a local senior center just in time for Valentine’s Day. Shout-out to Ndeye, our Student Council President, for leading the interviews and to Ms. Jada, our dedicated Community School Director, for her continued support. #KindnessMatters #ValentinesDay #StudentCouncil #GlobalKids #GKAllDay

We’re kicking off our Youth Speak series by hearing directly from young people in NYC and DC as they share their thoughts, experiences, and sources of inspiration. Let’s hear from Neomi, a young Global Kids leader from @cs21.brooklyn, as she reflects on Black History Month, the leaders who inspire her, and the joy, creativity, and community that shape her world.

This series is about listening to young people, honoring their voices, their truths, and their visions for the future. Tap in and hear what Black History and Black joy mean to her.

✨ Stay tuned for more youth voices throughout the month.

#gkallday #blackhistorymonth #youthvoice

Voices from our Global Kids College and Career Martin Luther King Jr Day event reflect what happens when young people and professionals come together with purpose. Youth explored career pathways, practiced interviewing, and built connections with peers from across NYC through honest conversation and shared learning. Watch and hear how these exchanges are shaping confidence and future goals.

#gkallday #collegebound #economicjustice #ccr

Young people are inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and are keeping the dream alive. Take a moment to hear from student leaders at @wcbryanths_lic as the share their powerful thoughts!

#globalcitizen #gkallday #mlkmonth #civicengagement

Student leaders from Careers in Sports High School took a powerful visit to Democracy Now! NYC studio. The students watched the live show, met Democracy Now! founder and award-winning journalist, Amy Goodman, explored the role of independent media, and dug into challenging topics with support from Democracy Now! educators. A highlight? A live look at the daily broadcast and an inspiring Q&A with Amy herself.
#gkallday #independentmedia #democracynow!

The GK staff, board, and students would like to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🍁 !

We’re grateful for you and the community that supports our mission every day.

#youth #celebrate #inspire #gkallday #empowerment #future #leaders #thanksgiving #happythanksgivingday

Today, we’re sharing Culture Day at COP30 through the eyes of our youth delegate, Yaretzi.

During her first days in Belém, at COP30, she explored parks, museums, historic monuments, and local food while reflecting on what makes this city such an important host for COP30. Her stories show how powerful it is for young people to connect with the culture and community at the center of global climate conversations.

Follow along as Yaretzi shares her favorite places, the moments that inspired her, and why being in Belém matters.

#COP30 #YouthVoices #GlobalKids #Belém #ClimateAction

Global Kids is on the move! We’re headed to Belém, Brazil for COP30, where GK leaders will be speaking on climate action. Follow along for a look at our first day of travel and stay tuned to see where we take you next at COP30.

#COP30 #gkallday #internationaltravel #youthvoice #climateactionnow

Young Sook Na was recognized as one of City & State’s 2025 Unsung Heroes!

As VP of Finance at Global Kids, she’s spent decades making sure that programs thrive and young leaders have the resources they need to succeed.

Her patient and dedicated leadership quietly drives change every day, and we’re so proud to celebrate her!

Visit the Linktree in our bio to read Young Sook’s City & State feature!

#GKAllDay #YouthVoices #Celebrate #empowerment

Smiles, high-fives, finish lines and all the memories in between.

Here’s to moments that made the Global Kids 5K more than just a run over the past 4 years.

At Global Kids, we bring students, staff, and community members together to raise awareness and take action for youth development.

#GKAllDay #YouthVoices #Celebrate #empowerment #GK5K

In these first few weeks of school, our youth leaders are already taking their experiences to the next level! Meet Maicol, a dedicated GK leader, who’s bringing his voice to a UNGA side event, sharing his journey as a true change-maker. 🌍💡 #YouthLeadership #Globalcitizen #gkallday

🌍The 80th United Nations General
Assembly kicks off today in NYC! ✨
This year, world leaders are gathering to discuss some of the most pressing issues shaping our future. From global peace and security to climate action and sustainable development, the conversations happening here will have an impact on us all. 🌱🤝

Stay tuned as we highlight key themes and what they mean for young people and global citizens everywhere. 💡💙

#UNGA80 #GlobalCitizenship #YouthVoices #ClimateAction #gkallday

✨ The summer may be behind us, but the memories, hard work, and time spent together are paving the way for an incredible school year ahead.

🌟 Huge thanks to all of our GK Leaders, we’re wishing you the best this year! 💙 The journey continues, and there are so many more memories to make! #GKallday #BackToSchool #GlobalKids

Global Kids youth from NYC and DC took to Capitol Hill for our 2025 Lobby Day! Youth met with the offices of elected officials to speak up on the issues they care about most. 🏛️✊🏽✊🏿✊🏼

From education and climate justice to youth safety and global rights, students shared their stories, asked bold questions, and reminded our leaders that young people are leading now.

Huge thanks to the offices of
@repjeffries
@repdangoldman
@rep_velazquez
@ritchietorresny15
@senkirstengillibrand
@repjerrynadler
and The House Committee on Foreign Affairs for welcoming our students with respect and open ears! 🙌🏽

📸 More highlights coming soon!

#GlobalKids #YouthVoice #CapitolHill #YouthLeadership #CivicEngagement #GKDC #GKNYC

Global Kids leaders in our D.C. Global Perspectives Track teamed up with @dccentralkitchen to fight food insecurity and support community wellness. Along the way, we’re learning that wellness isn’t just personal. It’s deeply connected to the world around us. 🌍

Now, hear directly from our students as they share their experiences and perspectives.

Want to make a difference too? Volunteer today by visiting dccentralkitchen.org/volunteer/

#gkallday #dccentralkitchen #youthaction

Flashback Friday!
On May 31st, youth from across Global Kids DC came together for our 2025 Annual Youth Conference focused on Youth Mental Health. 🙌🧠

Shout out to our incredible student leaders and dedicated youth development professionals for making the day a huge success! 💙

Participants heard from inspiring guest speakers, took part in hands-on mental health workshops, accessed vital resources, and enjoyed fun games and powerful youth-led performances.

#GKAllDay #GKDC #YouthMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness

May is Mental Health Month. The Global Kids conference and @seekyork created a space where youth could discuss such important topics with their peers. An incredibly engaging day that brought our DC & NYC programs together. #gkallday #globalcitizens #nyccsinaction #youthleadership #mentalhealth

Global Kids conference planners—high school students from across NYC—have been prepping for months: writing, planning, even acting! 🎭 This Friday, it all comes to life. 🧠 Mental Health is a Voyage, and they’re ready to lead powerful workshops and share a meaningful experience.#gkallday #globalcitizens #nyccsinaction #youthvoice

🌎 At our Spring Break Institute, students explore environmental challenges and solutions through a human-centered lens. With workshops, expert panels, leadership activities, and action project, they gain the tools to lead with purpose and create a better future. 💡🌱 #NYCCSINACTION #GKALLDAY #GlobalCitizen #YouthLeadership

Global Kids’ Annual Youth Conference returns this spring, led by GK youth from across NYC and joined by peers from as far as D.C. Students plan and facilitate workshops for their peers—centered on the issues that matter most to them.

Last year’s theme: “No matter the color, no matter the race, the world should be a safe place.”

This year, on May 2nd, we’re teaming up with York College S.E.E.K. Program to host the conference. The 2025 theme is:
“Mental Health is a Voyage, Not a Destination.”

🌟 We are excited for a powerful day of youth-led action, connection, and change!

@seekyork @york_college_cuny
#gkallday #globalcitizens #nyccsinaction #humanrights #youthvoice

Global Kids Students @ps96act rolled up their sleeves to clean up litter and plant flowers around the school, showing how caring for green spaces supports wellness, the planet and their community.

#climateaction @nycschools @nycschoolsustainability @nycsanitation #GKAllDay

🌍✨ Happy Earth Month! At Global Kids, we’re not just talking about climate change—we’re doing something about it. From our spring institutes to climate education programs, young people are learning real skills to lead, take action, and stand up for what matters to them—whether it’s the planet or other causes they care about. 💚🌱

#nyccsinaction #gkallday #earthmonth #globalcitizens

The Living Library at C.S. 21! The amazing students, guided by Ms. Turner, the school community, Arts in Blue, and the GK team, shared Black history through music, dance, and storytelling. A powerful celebration we’ll never forget! 💙

@cs21.brooklyn @artsinblue_
#nyccsinaction #gkallday #BlackHistoryMonth

Global Kids DC showed up and showed out at Bread for the City! 💙 Our students stocked over 300 pounds of fresh fruits and veggies 🥦🍎—so fast they even finished early! They worked hard, loved every minute, and can’t wait to go back. Giving back, having fun, and making an impact—that’s what it’s all about! 💪✨
@breadforthecity
#GKAllDay #ServiceLearning #BenjaminBannekerAcademicHighSchool

PS 96 ACT Student Council Presents: The 2025 "It's Hot in Herrre" Proposal Video!

Co-created by the Global Kids Community School Team and the Student Government, this proposal was submitted for consideration in District 4's million-dollar participatory budget initiative. As a result, the Student Council was invited to volunteer by helping review submissions from other schools in their district! Make sure to watch until the very end!

@ps96act @nyc #NYCCSINACTION #GlobalCitizens #GKAllDay

🎉 PS96 and Global Kids wish you a joyful and meaningful Kwanzaa! 🎊 Join us in learning more about this vibrant celebration and its rich traditions. #GKAllDay #GlobalCitizens #HumanRights #YouthVoice

🍪 Students from Columbia Heights Education Campus (checdc) turned their passion into action with a bake sale to support the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF). The funds will help provide crucial support to youth in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. 🌍💡

A sweet way to make a difference! 🍰✨ Let’s celebrate their efforts and stand in solidarity. #GKAllDay #GlobalCitizens #HumanRights #YouthVoice

🌍✨ In honor of #HumanRightsDay (Dec. 12), students at McKinley High School @mckinleytech in DC took action! They created a powerful project on human rights education and explored issues right here in Washington, DC. 💡💬 From sharing bold ideas to sparking change, they’re inspiring us all to think globally and act locally. 🌟

What’s your vision for improving human rights? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️ #GKAllDay #GlobalCitizens #HumanRights #YouthVoice

🧠💙 High school can be tough, and students know the importance of mental health. That’s why our City-Wide participants created a powerful PSA on teen mental health—raising awareness, breaking the stigma, and sharing their ideas with peers. 🌟✨

If you have a young person in your life, remember to check in on them and remind them that they are not alone. 💪💬 #MentalHealthMatters #GKAllDay #GlobalCitizens #HumanRights #YouthVoice

💛✨ Students from our Citywide Program at Banneker High School are making a difference! They chose to focus their Human Rights Day action project on children's rights, diving deep into the signs and symptoms of child neglect and abuse. 📚💡

They also explored resources available in DC to support affected children. 🙌 Together, they're raising awareness and driving action for a brighter future. 🌟

Let’s stand with them to protect and empower every child! 💪 #ChildrensRights #GKAllDay #GlobalCitizens #HumanRights #YouthVoice #BenjaminBannekerAcademicHighSchool

🌍✨ Who are we?

Since 1989, Global Kids has been empowering youth to lead, learn, and take action on the issues that matter most. With innovative programs in New York City and Washington, D.C., we inspire over 10,000 young people annually to create change locally and globally.

🎓 Academic Success 📣 Civic Leadership 🌏 Global Citizens

⚠️ See yourself or anyone you recognize? Comment below and tag others!

#GlobalKids #YouthLeadership #nyccsinaction #GKAllDay #NYC #DC #throwbackthursday

New York City & Rio de Janeiro Youth Climate Dialogues were a success thanks to @letitgrowbarra @unitarhq @cishs_bronx and our dedicated Global Kids staff! #globalcitizens #GKAllDay #nyccsinaction

Interested in joining GK? Let us know in the comments!

👉 Voting is one way to make an impact—you can also create change by speaking up and sharing what you know! 🗳️ This election season, our students are exploring issues that matter most to them. 💥 By learning about gun violence prevention and other key policies, they’re gaining the tools to make a difference. Stay tuned for more updates on their journey at GK! #YouthVoices #DemocracyInAction #GlobalCitizens #SaferCommunities

Flashback to Lights On Afterschool! 🎉 Together with our partners, families, and youth, we celebrated the programs that make a difference in young peoples lives. We’re proud to be part of this annual celebration! @afterschoolalliance @ps19q wheels_nyc @ps96act @cs262elementaryschool @hsmpbk @nycihs @johnadamshsnyc @highschoolforpublicservice @hsglobalcitizenship #Q300MiddleSchool #LightsOnAfterschool #GlobalKids

👉 Whether you can vote or not, you can still influence change by speaking up and sharing knowledge! 🗳️ This election season, our students are exploring what matters most to them. 💧 Learning about the Clean Water Act and other key policies is empowering! Stay tuned for more updates on what’s happening at GK! #YouthVoices #DemocracyInAction #GlobalCitizens #DCYouth

Afterschool is where creativity and community come alive! We asked our students to describe Afterschool in one word, and their answers are everything 🗣️✨ Watch the video to hear what makes Global Kids at John Adams High School so special! 💡 #AfterschoolMagic #OneWord #StudentVoices #CommunityVibes #LightsOnAfterschool

✨ Lights on Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating the impact of afterschool programs on children, families, and communities! 🌟 Global Kids' afterschool programs empower students to explore new interests, build skills and become global citizens.

🌍 Meet Devonte, a Senior at the High School for Global Citizenship. He’s been an active participant in our programs, including special initiatives like the annual Environmental Justice Institute. 👏 #AfterschoolWorks #GlobalKids #EnvironmentalJustice #YouthLeadership #LightsOnAfterschool

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re proud to spotlight our incredible seniors, Amarilis Ceballos and Dasha Melendez-Garcia, featured on Tiempo—a show focused on issues affecting the Latino community. 🎤✨ After an amazing service-learning experience in Costa Rica, they shared their journeys, alongside our dedicated staff member, Leslie Cano, who helped prepare them for this moment. 💪

You can watch the full segment here: http://bit.ly/4eNenRU 🎧#FutureLeaders #ServiceLearning #Tiempo #GlobalKids #GKStaff

Young people are paying attention, and they’re ready to take a stand in our democracy. 🌍 Big shoutout to the incredible youth leaders across GK for showing up with the big questions at the 'What’s Up with Democracy?' Town Hall! 💬✨ From exploring the meaning and challenges of democracy to tackling how youth can shape political decisions, this event was a powerful reminder that young voices matter.

With guidance from our special guests, Richard Roberts, GK Board Chair, and Edward Paulino, Professor at John Jay College, youth representatives Thandi Kirk and Shaun Evelyn delved into questions about civic engagement and explored how tools like reading and social media can ignite real change.

On National Voter Registration Day, remember: your voice matters—register to vote and shape the future today! ✨

#YouthVoices #WhatUpWithDemocracy #DemocracyInAction #GlobalKids #CivicEngagement #Vote2024

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WHAT WE DO

Academic Achievement

Global Kids taps into young people’s interests and leadership potential, fostering an inquiry-based environment that encourages critical thinking, academic achievement, and global competency. GK Leaders consistently graduate high school at rates exceeding 97% each year, as compared to the average graduation rates of 76% in NYC and 68% in Washington DC public schools.

LEARN MORE

IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS

10K

Youth Empowered

3K+

Weekly Participants

2.5k

Partners Engaged

Our Partner Schools

Global Kids thoughtfully partners with schools to offer an array of services and programs that advance school goals and fulfill our mission to develop active global citizens who are prepared to engage and succeed in our ever-changing world.