Office of Family and Community Engagement - NYC Public Schools
FACE is committed to strengthening the relationships between NYC Public Schools, families, and communities for student success.
Dear Family-Facing Team,
As we enter March, we celebrate Women's History Month—a time to honor the remarkable achievements of women. From leaders in various fields to activists and educators, women have continuously broken barriers and driven progress. At the Office of Family and Community Engagement, we prioritize empowerment and inclusivity, and this month gives us a chance to reaffirm these values. I am excited to announce our partnership with New Women New Yorkers for Bridge to LEAD, a program designed to support Spanish-speaking immigrant women with a high school diploma or less. Our goal is to boost their confidence, language skills, and provide education and job training opportunities.
I also want to highlight the success of our recent 2024 Parent Coordinator Conference, attended by nearly 400 family-facing staff. Your participation strengthens our partnerships with families as we work together to build a brighter future, firmly grounded in Chancellor Bank's Fourth Pillar: True Partnership with Families. Starting this month, Parent Coordinators and other family-facing staff will have the opportunity to experience the 10-week NYC Reads Family Ambassador Program by joining us for a weekly watch party. Please complete this form to sign up!
Your involvement in these initiatives not only brings positive changes but also strengthens the bonds between families, schools, and communities. Together, we can create an environment where every child can thrive.
Additionally, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for your tremendous support in recruiting families for our NYC Reads Family Ambassador Program. With over 900 registrations and more than 400 Ambassadors starting their journey, your efforts are truly commendable.
Thank you for your ongoing dedication to making a difference in the lives of children and families in NYC. Let us continue working together towards a brighter future for all.
Warm regards,
Dr. Cristina Melendez
Upcoming Events with FACE:
Professional Development for Parent Coordinators and Family-Facing Staff: “Keeping Families of Middle School and High School Students Engaged”
Wednesday, March 20th | 10:00 AM
During this event we will share strategies to maintain family engagement and create welcoming spaces that acknowledge the importance of parents and caregivers of older students. Register here to attend. https://forms.office.com/r/L4hxKsicgH
NYC Reads: Family Ambassador Program (Space available for Spanish and Mandarin Cohorts)
Spanish speaking and Mandarin speaking families are invited to join us for a 10-week virtual course to become a Family Reading Ambassador. This program is designed for families of students in 3K - 5th grade.
If you have any questions or need more information, please contact us at FACE@schools.nyc.gov
Events & Resources for Families:
FACE Literacy Resource for Families
Look at our FACE Literacy activities here.
Visit the Multilingual Learners and Immigrant Students Support Site for New York City Public Schools
Access relevant resources for schools, students, and families here.
NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program
The NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program is a scholarship and savings program that supports the college and career training futures of NYC public school students— regardless of family income or immigration status. Kindergarten, first grade and second grade students enrolled during the 2023-24 academic year, and are enrolled in a NYC Public School, including participating charter schools, qualify for this program.
Click here for more information
Summer Rising
Summer Rising 2024 is a partnership between New York City Public Schools and the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD). This program is free and available to all NYC students in grades K-8, pending seat availability. Students in Summer Rising will have access to academic and enrichment programming over the day, including field trips, arts activities, and outdoor recreation.
The Summer Rising portal will open in early March! Applications will be submitted using your NYC MySchools account. You can find your NYC MySchools account information by contacting your child's school or visiting a Family Welcome Center (Family Welcome Centers (nyc.gov).
Be sure to join our Parent Webinars clicking on the dates:
Continue to Support Families with Creating Their New York City Schools Account (NYCSA)
NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) is an app that helps families track their child’s education. Through NYCSA, families can see their grades, attendance, fitness results, schedule, and more. Support families with creating and managing their accounts via the Family Access Management tool where you can print Authorization Letters.
2024 Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)
Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is the nation’s largest youth employment program, connecting NYC youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experiences each summer. The deadline to submit applications is 03/01/2024. Apply here.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program
Application deadline: March 8, 2024
Five-week internship providing students an inside look at the criminal justice system. Paid minimum wage. Apply here.
Student Historian Internship
The New-York Historical Society is now accepting applications for the Student Historian Internship Program. Student Historians are high school-aged interns who use the resources of New-York Historical Society to conduct research and share their scholarship through creative digital projects. The program takes place from July 9, 2024 – August 15, 2024, meeting every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. The deadline to apply is April 7, 2024
CBCF Scholarship and Summer Internship Applications Now Open!
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2024 Scholarships and Summer Internship programs! If you are a student, you are invited to apply. If you are a supporter of nurturing our future leaders, you are invited to spread the word with your networks.
Calendar for the Free Webinar Series Offered by HRA’s Office of Child Support Services (OCSS)
HRA’s Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) Training Institute presents The Child Support Information Hour – an ongoing series designed to shed light on the sometimes-complicated issues around child support. Programs are designed for staff at city agencies and community-based organizations, as well as clients – custodial and noncustodial parents – and professionals who work with clients. All sessions are held virtually on Tuesdays from 10:00 to 11:00am, unless otherwise noted. If you have any questions, please send us an email: TrainingInsitute@dfa.state.ny.us
Click here for more information
NYC Teenspace Webinars
NYC Teenspace, a program now offered by the NYC Health Department powered by Talkspace, provides any NYC teen 13-17 with virtual therapy with a licensed therapist, at no cost. The NYC Teenspace program will be hosting monthly webinars for both parents/guardians and schools. Please share with your school community!
Spring Webinar Schedule with Registration Link: NYC Teenspace Webinar for Parents/Guardians - 3/6 7 - 7:45 pm
Eligible students can sign up for NYC Teenspace here.
If you are interested in requesting a NYC Teenspace workshop for your school, please fill out this request form.
For any questions related to the program, please contact nycteenspace@talkspace.com.
Share Information Regarding P-EBT Food Benefits with Your School Communities!
The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Program (P-EBT) is a federal program to provide food benefits to children who miss the opportunity to receive school meals due to pandemic-related school closures. These benefits take the form of funds on electronic benefit transfer (EBT cards), which can be used in the same manner as SNAP (food stamp) cards. All children who were enrolled in NYC Public Schools during the 2021–22 school year, Summer 2022 or Summer 2023 school programming are eligible for this benefit.
At this time, many parents/guardians have not yet utilized these benefits, with millions of dollars currently unspent. These dollars can still be spent on food, and some of these benefits may be expiring soon. To ensure parents are made aware of this benefit, please share the January 2024: A Reminder to Families About P-EBT Benefits letter with families, which includes translations.
For more information, visit the Frequently Asked Questions for the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer Food Benefits.
Ride For Half-Fair with FAIR FARES NYC
With Fair Fares NYC, eligible New York City residents receive a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares. Pay-per-Ride, weekly unlimited, and monthly unlimited options are all available. Fair Fares can also provide 50% off MTA Access-A-Ride paratransit trips. Learn more, check your eligibility, and apply online at the Fair Fares website.
HPD’s Housing Information Classes - registration now LIVE
NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development is proud to announce the relaunch of it’s Housing Information Classes. We have your NYC housing answers!
All classes are 100% free and taught over Zoom.
Learn from experts about NYC government and all about the housing resources you can access for free. From pest removal to responding to violations to navigating Housing Court. Our classes are taught by the housing experts that renters and homeowners need to work with.
We are ready to help everyone: tenants and homeowners, new residents, and long-time New Yorkers.
See full list and register for classes here.
Community Moms & Dads
The NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD) invites you to join us in honoring Moms and Dads this June by nominating a "Community Mom" or “Community Dad” for our award. These community moms and dads—whether volunteers, mentors, teachers, community leaders, healthcare staff, essential workers, caregivers, aunts, uncles, sisters, or brothers — dedicate their time and energy to the physical, social, and emotional well-being of our city!
Please nominate a Community Mom or Community Dad TODAY; the deadline for submission is Wednesday, March 13, 2024
To nominate a Community Mom or Dad click here.
Brooklyn Family Camp Fair & Activity Expo
March 4th | 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Brooklyn Public Central Library - 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Families in Brooklyn can explore a variety of Summer Camps and programs for 2024. All parents with children ages Pre-K to Middle School are welcome. Meet directors, get information, ask questions, and plan an amazing summer for your child. Register here.
ATTENTION TEACHERS! FREE! NEW & GENTLY USED BOOKS FOR YOUR CLASSROOMS & LIBRARIES by PROJECT CICERO
March 9TH & 10TH
West 26th St., Manhattan (REGISTRATION REQUIRED)
Project Cicero is an annual non-profit book distribution providing free books to create or supplement school and classroom libraries in NYC’s most under resourced public schools. Each year, Project Cicero gives thousands of books to teachers like you! Register here.
Reading with Gianna Marino- NYC H20
Wednesday, March 6TH | 1:30pm
Gianna Marino, author of children's books, will lead a virtual presentation reading her books and giving a drawing lesson. Get your tickets here. Take a look at other events by clicking here.
Generation Citizen Virtual Youth Forum
Friday, March 15 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Generation Citizen is hosting a 60-minute virtual youth forum focused on the state of civics education for Gen-Z in the United States. Register here.
2nd Annual Community Preparedness Symposium Path to Preparedness: Empowering Community Action
Wednesday, March 6th | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Baruch College Vertical Campus, 55 Lexington Avenue, #14th floor, New York, NY, 10010
This free symposium will have several workshops geared to equip community and faith-based organizations and local leaders with tools and best practices when preparing, responding, and recovering from emergencies in the community.
Share the registration link with your contacts, community leaders, stakeholders and government representatives are all encouraged to attend.
FREE Trainings with Job Placement for Adults with Hot Bread Kitchen
Hot Bread Kitchen offers free culinary workforce training and job placement programs for women, gender-expansive individuals, immigrants, and people of color. Apply here.
DSS Office of Community Outreach Trainings for Community-Serving Organization Staff
DSS OCO offers training to community-based organizations, elected officials, and municipal agencies. Book an appointment here.
The Legal Aid Society
The Legal Aid Society provides individuals with legal assistance and advice in civil, criminal, and juvenile rights matters. The organization also operates hotlines for immigration, access to benefits, homelessness, and low-income taxpayer services, and has multiple locations. For more information, visit:
https://legalaidnyc.org
El Centro del Inmigrante
El Centro del Inmigrante is a community-based organization and worker’s center on Staten Island that aims to promote the well-being and economic advancement of immigrant workers. For more information regarding the organization's services and programs, please visit:
http://elcentronyc.org
Resources for Asylum Seekers
The city launched a first-of-its-kind Asylum Seeker Navigation Center operated by Catholic Charities of New York, with 12 additional satellite sites run by Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) across the five boroughs. As of May 12, 2023, this system has served over 25,000 asylum seekers, across the Navigation Center and the 12 satellite sites located across the five boroughs. Click here for more information.
NYPD Saturday Night Lights Application
NYPD's Saturday Night Lights program offers free youth sports programming every Saturday, including basketball, soccer, and more. Intake forms here.
2024 Police Commissioner for Day Essay Contest
Attention New York City high school students! Ever thought about how you could make a difference in our community’s safety and well-being? Now’s your chance to be heard!
Contest Details:
- Open to NYC high school students
- Essays should be between 500 and 1,000 words, typed, double-spaced.
- Must include your name, contact information, and Police Precinct on the first page.
- Original work – share your unique vision!
Prize: $500 and the opportunity to share your insights on improving our city!
Deadline: March 17th. Click HERE to submit your essay and potentially become the Police Commissioner for a day!
Free CPR Training – East Harlem Community Partnership & NY Fire Department
Unlock the power to save lives! Join us for a FREE CPR training session and become a superhero in your community. Together, let us empower each other to make a real impact. Do not miss this opportunity to learn a life-saving skill. Sign up now and be the hero someone may desperately need one day! To RSVP, email us at INFO.EHCP@GMAIL.COM, for questions call 315-616-6881 Ext. 21108
Healthcare support services by STRIVE NEW YORK
Join the info session about the services, certifications and more that STRIVE offers through comprehensive professional training, intensive personal support, and self-empowerment for those who face societal barriers to advancement. Flyer here.
Call for Kindness
Riley’s Way Foundation’s Call For Kindness gives young leaders (ages 13-23) across the country the skills, connections, and funding they need to run social impact projects that inspire kindness and strengthen their local, national, or global communities. The Call For Kindness consists of a 12-month leadership development fellowship and a startup grant of up to $5,000. Fellows receive 1:1 coaching and project support, virtual skill-building sessions, an in-person leadership retreat, networking, mentorship opportunities, and a peer community of other young changemakers. Fellows can also apply for Continuation Grants with ongoing project support and coaching. The deadline to apply is March 25, 2024.
PASE Morgan Stanley Summer Teaching Fellow
Students are invited to apply today to join a select group of college students and work in New York City summer programs this summer. Summer Teaching Fellows (STFs) will join a dynamic cohort of leaders and gain exposure to a network of educators, leaders, and afterschool professionals. Learn more here.
Fresh Air Fund programs
Fresh Air Fund programs is a non-profit youth development organization that provides free, safe, and fun summer experiences to NYC children from underserved communities. We have been doing this for over 146 years. We offer free sleep away summer camp and Friendly Towns program (volunteer host family program) experiences to children from underserved communities. We register children throughout all five boroughs by partnering with community-based organizations, schools, churches, and precincts.
Visit our website,
https://freshair.org/
for more information. Find flyers here.