Global Kids | Back To School 2026

2 days ago

6 min read

Dear Global Kids Community,

Over the summer, Global Kids students stepped outside the classroom and into the world—traveling to new places, meeting new people, and turning curiosity into action. From New York City and Washington, D.C., to Japan, students explored history and culture, engaged with global issues, and built the confidence, leadership and collaboration skills they’re now carrying with them into the school year.

The past few months also marked several important milestones for Global Kids, including recognition for the organization and its leadership and the addition of Eric Nicklas to our executive team as Managing Director for New York City Programs.

As students settle into the new school year, we look forward to seeing how students build on all they experienced this summer—bringing new perspectives, bold ideas and a growing sense of possibility into their classrooms, communities, and Global Kids’ programs.

Read on for a look at an unforgettable summer of learning, leadership and global exploration!

D.C High School Students Embark on a 10-Day Journey Through Japan

This summer, 20 Global Kids D.C. students embarked on a 10-day journey through Kyoto and Tokyo, putting their global learning into practice through cultural exchange, hands-on experiences, and meaningful connections with their peers in Japan. For many students, it was their first international trip, and an opportunity to experience a new culture while expanding their perspectives on the world around them.

The journey began well before students boarded their flight. In the weeks leading up to the trip, youth leaders prepared by visiting the Japan Information & Cultural Center, the Japan-America Society of Washington, and the Council on Foreign Relations in D.C., where they learned about Japanese culture, U.S.-Japan relations, and the experiences of people who have lived and worked in Japan.

Once they arrived in Japan, young people connected with Japanese students and communities, visited schools and universities, and experienced both historic traditions and modern innovation. Along the way, they explored the many depths of Japanese culture – from visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kiyomizu-dera Temple to riding the Shinkansen bullet train and discovering the world of innovation at the Nintendo Museum.

Students also participated in traditional arts and cuisine experiences, offering opportunities to engage with Japanese culture in ways that went beyond simply seeing the sights. Through conversations and exchanges with their Japanese peers, students also gained firsthand perspectives on international diplomacy, peacebuilding, sustainability, and cultural collaboration. These interactions encouraged them to ask questions, share their own experiences, and consider how communities around the world navigate shared challenges.

More than a trip, the experience was an opportunity for students to learn, connect, and see themselves as part of a much larger global community. They returned to D.C. with new perspectives and a deeper understanding of the world, along with the curiosity, empathy and cultural awareness to continue growing as informed and engaged global citizens.

Youth Leaders Build Teamwork and Community at Annual Olympics Day

More than 250 Global Kids NYC students from PS 308, PS 109, and Q300 brought their energy, teamwork and competitive spirit to the annual Olympics Day, a day of friendly challenges held as part of Summer Rising programming in partnership with New York City Public Schools and the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD).

From volleyball and soccer to relay races, obstacle courses, and team challenges, students pushed themselves to try new things while encouraging and supporting their teammates along the way. Beyond the competition, the day put students’ leadership and problem-solving skills into action. Working together toward shared goals, they strategized, adapted on the fly, and learned how to navigate challenges as a team – building skills that are just as valuable in the classroom and in their communities as they are on the playing field.

With cheering from the sidelines and plenty of memorable moments, the Olympics Day provided students with an opportunity to stay active, strengthen friendships, and learn from one another. The experience was a great reminder that sometimes the best way to learn about leadership is to jump in, work together and have a little fun along the way.

Youth Leaders Discover D.C. Through Summer Programming

This summer, Global Kids D.C. students turned the nation’s capital into a classroom, exploring the people, places, and institutions that bring history and global affairs to life. From examining American history at the Smithsonian to learning about U.S.-Mexico relations and seeing humanitarian work firsthand, students connected what they learned through their programs with experiences across D.C.

Five Smithsonian Museums in One Day: Global Kids students, alongside youth from the Mayor’s Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute (MBYLI) and the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), spent a full day on the National Mall visiting five museums and exhibits. Starting with Voices and Votes at the Arts and Industries Building, students visited four additional Smithsonian museums, exploring African and Asian art, Latin music, and African American history. The visits prompted discussions about how different diasporas have shaped American history and culture and what it means to be “American” from different perspectives.
Exploring Mexico’s History and U.S.-Mexico Relations: At the Mexican Cultural Institute, youth leaders learned about U.S.-Mexico diplomacy and relations while exploring Mexico’s history and culture. They toured historic state rooms, viewed art installations, and explored a three-story mural chronicling Mexico’s history and mythology.
Local Humanitarian Work: Young leaders visited the D.C. headquarters of World Central Kitchen, founded by chef José Andrés, to learn how the organization provides meals to communities affected by crises and natural disasters around the world. Students met with staff to hear about its mission, global response efforts, and its work supporting communities in D.C.

Through these experiences, students saw that learning about the world doesn’t always require leaving the city—it can start right in their own backyard.

Global Kids Named Among City & State New York’s Top Workplaces

Global Kids is pleased to be recognized by City & State New York in the 2026 Top Workplaces list, marking the second consecutive year the organization has received this distinction. The list features leading employers across New York’s public, private, and nonprofit sectors and celebrates organizations that foster strong, supportive workplaces for their teams.

For Global Kids, this recognition is a reflection of the people behind our work. Every day, our staff bring their passion, expertise, and creativity to creating transformative opportunities for young people across NYC and D.C. We’re grateful to have a team so deeply committed to helping students learn, lead, and engage with the world around them.

We’re also thrilled to celebrate Executive Director Dominique R. Jones, who was named to City & State New York’s 2026 Above & Beyond: Social Services list. The honor recognizes Dominique’s leadership and commitment to expanding opportunities for young people, while advancing Global Kids’ work to provide students with the skills, resources, and support they need to succeed.

We are grateful to the staff who make this work possible every day and help make Global Kids a place where both young people and the people who serve them can grow.

Welcome Eric Nicklas, Global Kids’ New Managing Director for New York City Programs

Global Kids welcomed Eric Nicklas to the team in July as Managing Director for New York City Programs. With more than three decades of experience across New York City’s nonprofit and public sectors, Eric brings a deep understanding of youth development, human services, and the systems that support children, young people, and families.

Throughout his career, Eric has held senior roles focused on strengthening organizations, improving program quality and performance, and expanding impact for the communities they serve. His experience includes significant work in child welfare and youth development—expertise that will be especially valuable as Global Kids continues to grow its programs and reach.

In his new role, Eric oversees operations, performance monitoring, and compliance for Global Kids’ New York City programs, which serve more than 14,000 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. This includes Global Kids’ community school, after-school, and workforce programs.

“I feel very fortunate to join Global Kids with its team of amazing staff and great leadership. As Global Kids continues to grow its reach, I look forward to helping us continue on that path by building our capacity to create sustainable impact for our students and their families.”

Eric holds a Ph.D. in Social Policy and Policy Analysis from the Columbia University School of Social Work, a master’s in public administration from the University of Texas at Austin, and a B.A. in Political Science from Tufts University.

We’re excited to welcome Eric to Global Kids and look forward to all he will contribute to our team and the young people we serve!