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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 Chronicles | May 2026 Newsletter

Dear Global Kids Community, This spring, Global Kids has been buzzing with energy as young people across our programs stepped into leadership roles, explored new ideas, and deepened their engagement with the world around them. From honoring Women’s History Month through creative and reflective activities to preparing for youth-led conferences on critical issues like teen safety and human rights, students in NYC and Washington, D.C. embraced opportunities to collaborate, share

Global Kids Chronicles | March 2026 Monthly Newsletter

In recent weeks, students across New York City and Washington, D.C. brought Black History Month to life as they led with creativity, service, and leadership.

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

This year, some of our incredible young leaders had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards ceremony!

As a proud partner of @vitalvoices , we have seen firsthand the power of this organization from hosting our students in Washington, D.C. to creating meaningful opportunities that expand the horizons of young people. Vital Voices is dedicated to championing women leaders who are driving change in their communities and across the globe, and their annual awards ceremony brings together some of the world’s most inspiring advocates, changemakers, and trailblazers.

For our students, attending this event was more than just a night out, it was a powerful reminder that leadership takes many forms, and that their voices matter too. We are so grateful for our continued partnership with Vital Voices and so proud of the young people we get to work with every day.

🌍 What an incredible day at the Global Kids–DC Annual Youth Conference!

On Saturday, May 30, over 70 young people came together at the University of the District of Columbia’s Van Ness Campus for a truly special event.

This year’s theme, Teen Safety, was chosen by the youth themselves and they showed up and showed OUT. 💪 Students led workshops, performances, and interactive activities exploring what safety looks like in their communities and around the world.

From powerful conversations with guest speakers and local experts to a heartfelt celebration honoring our graduating seniors, this day was one for the books. 🎓✨ So proud of every single young person who made this happen!

#GlobalKidsDC #YouthConference #TeenSafety #YouthVoices #DCYouth

Good things happen when great people work together! Celebrating Partnership Week with our amazing DCPS family, here's to the students, the leaders, and the global citizens in the making. 💙

@dcpublicschools @learn24dc
#GlobalKids #DCPublicSchools #BetterTogether

From April 14-17, young leaders from @bronx_aerospace_hs and @cishs_bronx had the incredible opportunity to attend the United Nations ECOSOC Youth Forum in New York City. Representing their communities on an international platform, our students engaged with peers and policymakers from around the world, exploring pressing global issues and envisioning solutions for a more sustainable and equitable future.
Experiences like these remind us why investing in our youth matters, because they are already showing up, speaking out, and making their mark on the world stage.
We couldn’t be more proud! Special thank you to Vaishnavi Akilla for all of her guidance and support!

The 3rd Annual QSHS STEM Expo featured hands-on experiences, student-led presentations, and displays that highlighted the incredible work happening across Queens South high schools.

You know who was also there? John Adams High School and Global Kids. We believe that preparing the next generation of leaders means connecting them to real pathways in STEM, in their communities, and beyond.

Events like this one are exactly how we make that happen!

#QSHSSTEMExpo #GKallday #YouthEmpowerment #Education #Leadership

🎨 Paint, sip, and connect! Taking a look back! On March 17th, students and families at the High School for Public Service came together for a Paint & Sip Family Night and the vibes were immaculate. The event reminded us why community is everything. Moments like these are what it’s all about. 💙🌍

@highschoolforpublicservice #GKAllDay #CommunityBuilding #GKallday

What does a career in international affairs look like? Our students got a front-row seat to find out. 🌍

Students from Ballou High School, McKinley Tech High School, and our Citywide program joined us for a powerful career day hosted by Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security, and Conflict Transformation (WCAPS) and Counterpoint International.

Through mentoring sessions, candid Q&As, and direct career support, youth explored pathways in international affairs, entrepreneurship, gender equity, and governance.

The highlight? Hearing directly from Ambassador Jenkins, former Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, who opened up about her remarkable journey and what it truly means to shape policy on a global scale. 🌐

These are the rooms our young people belong in — and we are committed to getting them there. 💪
@learn24dc | @ballou_dc | @mckinleytech | @wcapsnet

#GlobalCitizenship #YouthEmpowerment #FutureLeaders #InternationalAffairs #GenderEquity

The future of our planet is in good hands. 🌿

On April 26th, students from McKinley Tech, Bell High School, and across the city visited the National Resources Defense Council to explore careers in sustainability, from environmental law to coding to research. Every skill has a place in this work, and our youth saw that firsthand.

This experience was made possible by distinguished GK NYC Alum, Thoin Begum, PhD, a true example of what it means to lead, give back, and inspire the next generation. 👏

This is opportunity. This is global citizenship. This is GK. 💚

@mckinleytech | @checdc | @learn24dc | @nrdc_org
#Sustainability #YouthEmpowerment #FutureLeaders #GlobalCitizenship #GKLeads EnvironmentalJustice

On April 30th, Makenzee, an 11th grader at Banneker High School, testified before the DC Council at their hearing on teen safety. Rather than simply responding to the proposed curfew, Makenzee came prepared with solutions, sharing meaningful alternatives and highlighting real opportunities for youth to get involved in shaping the future of their communities.

This is exactly what civic engagement looks like in action and it’s exactly what we work toward every day. Makenzee’s voice is a reminder that our young people aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow. They’re leading right now. 💪

This moment connects directly to the heart of our upcoming DC Annual Youth Conference on Teen Safety because when we invest in youth education, advocacy, and empowerment, this is what’s possible.
We are so proud of you, Makenzee. 👏

@dcactionyouth | @zacharyforward5 | @dcdpr
#YouthEmpowerment #CivicEngagement #FutureLeaders #DCYouth #GKAllDay

Global Kids community—mark your calendars! Our Annual Gala is only one month away!

This year, we recognize Dr. Basil A. Smikle Jr. ( @basilanthony ) our 2026 Global Citizen Award Honoree. Join us June 2, at the Council on Foreign Relations’ Harold Pratt House as we celebrate a leader in public service and civic engagement.

From shaping future leaders at Columbia University to inspiring active civic participation, Dr. Smikle exemplifies leadership, responsibility, and making an impact.

Let’s come together to honor his achievements and celebrate our next generation of global leaders!

At @mebulldogs Manhattan East, we celebrated Earth Day with a hands-on stewardship experience! 🌍
In partnership with the New York State Sustainability Program, students explored our perimeter and schoolyard, such as tending to trees, collecting litter, and loosening soil so roots have the space to breathe and thrive.

It was a meaningful opportunity to connect with nature while learning the importance of protecting and sustaining our environment. 💚🌱
#EarthDay #ManhattanEast #NYCSustainability

🌱 Something new is growing at @cs262elementaryschool and we couldn’t be more excited! 🌍

Our afterschool youth now have access to their very own garden sanctuary, a space designed to spark curiosity, build life skills, and connect the entire school community to the earth in a meaningful way. 🌿

This is just the beginning of what our young people will grow — in the garden and within themselves. 💚

#earthday #gkallday #communitygarden

🌍 We asked 3 @johnadamshsnyc students one question: “What does Earth Day mean to you?” Here’s what they had to say. 💚 #EarthDay #JohnAdams #StudentVoices #EarthDay2026

While most people were resting this spring break, GK students were working — and we mean that in the best possible way.

From April 8–10, young leaders gathered for the GK Spring Break Leadership Institute. Three days of hands-on workshops, green career exploration, community building, and a trip to the United Nations to see global climate policy in action.

These students didn’t just learn about climate change. They took action on it.
This is what GK youth leaders do. They use every opportunity — even spring break — to build the skills, knowledge, and community needed to create real change.

We are so proud of every single one of them. 🌱
#SpringBreakInstitute #GlobalKids #YouthLeaders #ClimateAction #GKAllDay Leadership YoungActivists GlobalCitizens ClimatLeaders NYCYouth

Youth Voice Week Continues.

NYC Youth Advisory Council students are building a citywide advocacy project focused on improving school restroom conditions 🗽 While research is still in progress, youth are actively engaging peers and recruiting voices across the city to share experiences and perspectives. Together, they’re working to highlight challenges and drive meaningful change in schools.
#youthvoices #gkallday #civicaction

During Youth Voice Week, we’re spotlighting Global Kids students who turned service into purpose through their partnership with Campaign Against Hunger. While volunteering, youth supported food distribution efforts and learned more about the realities of food insecurity in their own communities.

Through these video reflections, students share what they witnessed, what they learned, and why speaking up and showing up matters. Their voices highlight the power of empathy, civic responsibility, and youth leadership in creating stronger, more connected communities.

Because when young people use their voices, they help drive meaningful change!
#gkallday #youthvoiceweek

We’re kicking off Youth Voice Week by celebrating the energy, creativity, and leadership of our young people as they prepare for the Annual Youth Conference. ✨

At the retreat, students came together for a powerful weekend of practicing facilitation skills, planning workshops, hiking, and building community through games and campfire bonding — all in preparation to lead and make their voices heard.

One standout moment? The crowd-favorite No Talent Talent Show — full of laughter, confidence, and unforgettable memories that showed just how vibrant youth voice can be.

#gkallday #YouthVoiceWeek #YouthLeadership #AnnualYouthConference

D.C. students from Benjamin Banneker Academic High School participated in an all-day service experience with Sasha Bruce Youthwork, exploring the realities of youth homelessness and supporting residents through cooking, organizing activities, and sharing messages of encouragement.

The day was a powerful reminder that youth leadership starts with understanding community needs and taking action to support one another. As well as a reminder of how @sashabruceyouth and Global Kids are both working for a world where our youth are protected.
#servicelearning #youthleadership

🎓 The future is closer than you think! Our D.C. youth leaders recently took a major step toward their academic journeys, touring Johns Hopkins University, Morgan State University, Bowie State University, and the University of Maryland. From sitting in on admissions conversations to exploring campus dining halls, these students got a real taste of college life — and the opportunities waiting for them. 🌍✨ #GlobalKids #YouthLeaders #CollegeBound #GlobalCitizens #PreparedForTheFuture

In honor of Women’s History Month, we had the chance to sit down with Mackenzie and Wida Amir, as part of Global Kids’ ‘Women Behind the Mission’ series. Our conversation was a meaningful reminder of why this work matters, from the power of youth leadership to the importance of using your voice. I’m grateful to be part of a community that continues to learn from and uplift young leaders every day!#gkallday #empowerment #youthdevelopment

This Women’s History Month, Kareena, from Bronx Aerospace, reminded us that honoring women’s progress also means addressing the work still ahead. She spotlighted the gender pay gap and why fairness in pay is a matter of justice.

GK youth are continuing to dig deeper, connecting women’s history to larger social issues and using their voices to push for change. Learning history is just the beginning. Equity is the goal!

#gkallday #womenshistorymonth #socialjustice #

Students from @johnadamshsnyc , Madisyn and Fiyin, shared what Women’s History Month means to them. Young people discuss and learn from one another about the impact of important cultural observances, holidays, and themes with Global Kids. This month at JAHS, students helped shine a light on the important people in their own lives as well as women they look up to.
Moments at school like these create space for young people to express themselves, build confidence, and honor the leaders who inspire them. ✨
#WomensHistoryMonth #YouthVoice #GlobalKids

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

Congratulations to two of our Global Kids participants from @bronx_aerospace_hs on their acceptance into SEO Scholars!

@seoscholarsnyc is a free, long-term academic program that supports public high school students in preparing for and succeeding in college. Being selected is a meaningful achievement and reflects the focus and effort they’ve put in.

We’re grateful to have been part of their journey through the application process, providing guidance, encouragement, and time to prepare for this next step. Opportunities like this show what can happen when young people are supported and given the space to grow.

Getting involved in Global Kids means learning about opportunities like this and having a community that helps you pursue them. We’re committed to making sure every young person has the tools, confidence, and support to become the strongest GK leader they can be.

We’re proud of you both and excited to see what’s ahead. 💙
#SEOScholars #AcademicExcellence #FutureLeaders #GKallday

Women’s History Month invites us to look at leadership through a broader lens, one shaped by courage, innovation, resistance, and vision. Around the world, women have transformed movements, policies, communities, and culture, often while navigating systems not built for them.

Throughout this month, Global Kids youth will explore women in global leadership, elevate participant voices, and engage with stories that challenge us to think critically about power, equity, and representation.
Because understanding women’s history isn’t just about looking back, it’s about shaping what leadership looks like next. 💜 
#WomensHistoryMonth #GlobalLeadership #YouthVoices

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

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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.

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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.