Global Kids | 2025-2026 School Year Wrap-Up

Dear Global Kids Community,

As another school year comes to a close, we’re reflecting on a successful year defined by student leadership, academic growth, and meaningful engagement across our programs in New York City and Washington D.C.

Throughout the year, students embraced opportunities to lead, learn, and make a positive difference in their schools and communities – from designing and facilitating peer-led workshops at our Annual Youth Conferences, to celebrating student achievement and social responsibility at our Annual Gala. We also continued preparing young people for life after high school through college tours and other enriching experiences that broaden perspectives, build confidence, and inspire future success.

We are grateful to our community of supporters, educators, and partners who make this work possible and help students learn, lead, and thrive. As summer programming gets underway, we look forward to building on this momentum and creating even more opportunities for young people in the months ahead.

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Youth Advocates Drive Change at Annual Youth Conferences in NYC & D.C.

This spring, Global Kids students gathered for our Annual Youth Conferences in NYC and D.C., where they led meaningful discussions and programming while deepening their understanding of critical issues and strengthening their leadership skills. After months of research and preparation, students developed interactive workshops and activities centered on the issues they identified as most important to their communities.

In NYC, students selected human rights as the conference theme, using it as a framework to educate and inspire their classmates to better understand complex global challenges and explore ways to create change. Hosted at York College, the conference tackled issues such as immigration, humanitarian crises, forced labor, and gender discrimination.

Through dynamic skits and hands-on activities, students brought these issues to life and encouraged participants to consider meaningful paths to action. The conference also featured a keynote address from Katherine La Puente, Senior Coordinator of the Children’s Rights Division at Human Rights Watch, who encouraged students to continue using their voices to advance human rights and social justice.

At the D.C. Youth Conference, students addressed issues surrounding teen safety, developing an experience that illustrated key issues and outlined potential solutions. Held at the University of the District of Columbia, the conference discussed safety topics including violence prevention, mental health, and the safety concerns students navigate in their schools and communities.

Students facilitated conversations and immersive projects that incorporated lived experiences and encouraged peers to identify solutions informed by their own perspectives. The event also featured discourse with guest speakers and local leaders, including Katherine La Puente of Human Rights Watch and Travis Adkins, Former President and CEO at U.S. African Development Foundation and Global Leadership Fellow at Howard University. Together, they underscored the importance of youth advocacy, civic engagement, and community leadership in creating lasting change.

By educating one another, spearheading insightful discussions, and encouraging action, Global Kids youth leaders demonstrated the power of young people to build a more just, inclusive, and connected world.

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Celebrating the Class of 2026

This spring, we proudly celebrated students at two milestone events, recognizing graduating seniors and welcoming the next generation of middle and high school students as they prepare for exciting new chapters.

At the Annual Senior Extravaganza, graduating seniors from 11 New York City program sites gathered at Global Kids Headquarters for an afternoon of celebration, mentorship, and college readiness activities. Students received certificates honoring their accomplishments, created personalized T-shirts to commemorate the milestone, and reflected on their high school journeys as they prepared for life after graduation.

We also hosted our Middle School Extravaganza, celebrating rising sixth- and ninth-grade students as they prepared for the transition to middle and high school. Through engaging activities and community-building experiences, students connected with peers, built excitement for the year ahead, and gained confidence as they embarked on the next stage of their educational journeys.

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Honoring Young Leaders and Civic Changemakers at the 2026 Annual Gala

On June 2, the Global Kids community gathered at the Council on Foreign Relations’ Harold Pratt House for our 2026 Annual Gala, raising vital funds to advance our mission and support our global education and leadership development programs in NYC and D.C. Joined by supporters, educators, public leaders, and alumni, the evening celebrated the trailblazers and opportunities that empower young people to become confident, engaged leaders.

We were proud to honor Dr. Basil A. Smikle Jr., Director of the M.S. in Nonprofit Management program at Columbia University School of Professional Studies and an MSNOW political contributor. Throughout his career, Dr. Smikle has championed equity, education, and public service while helping guide the next generation of nonprofit and public sector leaders. His commitment to mentorship and civic leadership reflects the values we strive to instill in every Global Kids student.

The Gala also recognized two exceptional Global Kids alumni with the Carole Artigiani Scholarship, named in honor of our founder: Caitlynn Jefferaly of NYC and Aerin Hill of Washington, D.C. 

Caitlynn J., a Transit Technical High School graduate now studying nursing at St. John’s University, was recognized for her academic achievement, service, and participation in our career readiness and leadership programs, which helped shape her ambition to become a pediatric emergency room nurse.

Aerin H., a rising sophomore at Trinity University, was celebrated for her commitment to global education and civic engagement. Her experiences with Global Kids – including a 2024 service trip to Costa Rica – inspired her passion for international development and her goal of addressing poverty in Southeast Asia.

The night concluded with a student panel moderated by Global Kids Board Chair Richard Roberts, where students and alumni reflected on how their experiences with Global Kids have broadened their perspectives, strengthened their confidence, and supported their academic and career aspirations.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and supported this year’s Gala. Your partnership enables Global Kids to continue providing students with the tools, experiences, and encouragement they need to lead with purpose, advocate for their communities, and create lasting impact.

We invite you to watch Dr. Smikle’s inspiring remarks from the Gala below!

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/bb5b66_2987d13f19574ba2a952e664ffb387d0/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

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Students Build Advocacy and Career Readiness Through ONS Programming

Recently, Global Kids leaders from the Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS) Youth Leadership Council participated in career readiness, advocacy, and civic engagement opportunities designed to build skills and connect them with community and business leaders.

As part of the initiative, youth organized two career exploration events that connected them with diverse job pathways, business leaders, and professional development opportunities. Participants met with employers and community organizations, took part in career readiness workshops, expanded their professional networks, and accessed resources to help prepare for future educational and career success.

The series culminated on June 20th at the ONS YLC Summit at Hunter College, where young leaders from the program gathered for a day of workshops, dialogue, and civic engagement. Throughout the event, youth engaged directly with NYC Deputy Mayor for Community Safety Renita Francois, sharing their perspectives on public safety priorities and discussing ways to create stronger, safer neighborhoods. Students also heard remarks from the ONS leadership and keynote speaker Aldrin Rafael Bonilla, Executive Vice President of the Fund for the City of New York, who encouraged youth to continue using their voices to turn ideas into action.

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Earth Month Programming Inspires Sustainability and Community Stewardship

Across NYC high schools, our youth leaders marked Earth Month with hands-on environmental programming, climate education, and global engagement experiences that showcased the importance of protecting the planet and creating more sustainable communities.

From caring for local green spaces to participating in international conversations on climate action, students advocated for the environment in various ways:

• Manhattan East High School – Students partnered with the New York State Sustainability Program for a conservation project on their school grounds, tending to trees, collecting litter, and loosening soil to support healthy root growth while learning the value of everyday environmental stewardship.

• Bronx Aerospace High School & Careers in Sports High School – Students took their Earth Month learning to the global stage at the United Nations ECOSOC Youth Forum in NYC. Representing their schools and communities, they joined youth advocates and policymakers from around the world to address urgent global challenges and collaborate on solutions to drive climate action.

• John Adams High School – Students explored environmental sustainability through a hands-on papermaking activity, transforming recycled materials into new paper while learning about reuse, waste reduction and the impact of everyday choices on the environment.

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Expanding College Access Through Campus Visits and Cultural Learning

Before crossing the graduation stage, students from NYC high schools participated in college tours that deepened their understanding of higher education, strengthened college readiness, and helped them envision their future academic and career pathways.

Students from High School for Medical Professions, International High School, Bronx Aerospace High School, High School for Global Citizenship and Bronx Studio School for Writers and Artists embarked on an overnight trip to SUNY Polytechnic Institute, exploring everyday campus life and connecting with college students. During the visit, they toured academic buildings, libraries, dining halls, and residence halls, gaining a firsthand look at college life while building excitement for their future.

Additionally, young leaders from Careers in Sports High School, Bronx Aerospace High School, and Bronx Lab School traveled to Washington D.C. for a combined collegiate and cultural learning experience at Howard University and the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). At Howard, participants gained insight into college life, academic programs, and the student experience, while also learning about the university’s rich cultural legacy and longstanding role in shaping Black leadership and scholarship. From there, students toured the NMAAHC where they discovered exhibitions honoring Black history, culture, and achievement – extending classroom learning into broader historical and social themes.

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Upcoming Events

• Annual Golf Classic Tournament – September 29, 2026

• Global Kids 5K Run/Walk/Push – October 17, 2026