Elevate New York

Elevate is an accredited high-school elective program, and builds long-term and life-changing relationships with urban youth in New York City. Elevate New York provides an alternative to the many students that have fallen through the cracks, by improving the lives of New York City students in tangible and concrete ways. Elevate New York currently works with students in the Bronx Studio School for Writers and Artists in the South Bronx, and previously worked with students at Banana Kelly High School. Based on the successful Colorado Uplift model, Elevate was founded in 2009, and has successfully worked with more than 100 students. 13 CHARACTER QUALITIES Elevate New York incorporates 13 vital character qualities and life skills into our daily classroom curriculum. Through a variety of writing exercises, reading materials, and group discussions. The principles and skills are designed with the intent to develop and promote key skills needed for success. Increasing school attendance, improving academic test scores, teaching critical skills and giving hope for the future. MENTORING A student’s life does not stop at the end of the school day. Elevate provides a sense of fulfillment and security which comes from one significant adult relationship that goes far beyond the classroom with full time staff who are available to our students 24/7 year round, via phone and email. Staff and mentors become that caring, long-term and positive adult relationship that research tells us young people need to have a “statistically meaningful chance at a productive life.” Whether it’s getting a meal together, going to a school game, doing community service, or attending a cultural event – Elevate staff spend time outside of school hours and off campus, building relationships when it matters. Giving Back: High school students are taught to give back to their community by weekly mentoring younger students, teaching and sharing what they have learned. ADVENTURE Elevate students participate in after-school, weekend, and summer activities to get students outside their comfort zone, build confidence, and develop leadership skills. The adventure component challenges students to utilize their in-classroom training in practical ways. In the past, Elevate has had a retreat in Vermont, a women’s leadership trip to Washington, D.C. and participated in summer World Youth Alliance trainings, seminars and workshops. POST-SECONDARY TRAINING & SUPPORT In 2009 the US Department of Labor reported that 62% of all US jobs require a two or four year college degree. By the year 2020, this will increase to 75 (1). In New York City, on average only 65% of seniors graduate (2). At Elevate, we work to ensure more of our seniors are graduating and enrolling in college. We provide support to students who are taking their next steps through support with admission applications, interview practice sessions, and examination preparation. Just as a student’s day does not end at the last school bell, their relationship with us does not end on graduation day. Since February of 2011, we have developed a partnership with Instinet LLC, where students interact weekly with stock market traders and analysts. Students continue the discussions that began in the classroom with their Instinet mentors, allowing them to see how Elevate principles are applied in a work environment. This past summer, one of our Elevate graduates completed an internship at Instinet between her freshman and sophomore year at Syracuse University.