Citywide Initiatives
Citywide Initiatives
Our citywide initiatives are designed to unite students across NYC, fostering a sense of community and collective responsibility while providing the resources, opportunities, and inspiration needed to succeed academically, personally, and professionally.
I WILL GRADUATE DAY
I WILL GRADUATE DAY is a powerful citywide initiative designed to inspire and empower students to take charge of their educational journey. Rooted in the theme "Own Your Future", this annual celebration equips youth with the motivation, tools, and community support they need to overcome obstacles and thrive during the 2025–2026 school year.
PLEDGE DAY
I WILL GRADUATE Pledge Day inspires students across NYC to commit to their education and take responsibility for their academic success. In September, students throughout the city are encouraged to take the I WILL GRADUATE pledge, a commitment to work hard, make smart decisions, and hold themselves accountable to a high standard of excellence.
COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS
Since 2006, the I WILL GRADUATE College and Career Readiness Initiative has been a driving force in uplifting youth and providing schools with impactful educational tools that inspire smart-decision making and higher education goals. It’s time to step up, take charge, and lead with confidence—your future is in your hands.
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Each year, the initiative launches with Pledge Day, a citywide movement where thousands of students commit to graduating from high school and pursuing success. From there, students dive into the College & Career Readiness handbook designed to strengthen goal-setting, critical thinking and future planning. The final culminating event is I WILL GRADUATE DAY - a massive celebration of education.
MY BROTHER'S AND SISTER'S KEEPER YOUTH COUNCIL
The NYC Mayor's My Brother’s & Sister’s Keeper Youth Council provides a platform for youth in NYC to feel empowered and take action to affect positive change within their communities. The council is a collaborative effort between the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), the Young Men’s Initiative (YMI), and Entertainers for Education Alliance, Inc. – I Will Graduate (E4EA-IWG), aimed at amplifying youth voice and choice. The council connects and mobilizes youth councils and collectives across the city, ensuring that young people from various neighborhoods have a unified platform to engage in social change.
YOUNG ADULT ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM
The Young Adult Entrepreneurship Program empowers young adults by equipping them with the skills and mindset needed to start and grow their own businesses. This 12-week program offers:
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A $200 stipend upon completion
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Business coaches presenting on campus twice a week
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A comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of entrepreneurship
SPREAD LOVE BACK 2 SCHOOL GIVEAWAYS
Every year I WILL GRADUATE hosts a number of free school supplies drives across New York City - because making sure our students do well in school begins with equipping them with the tools and resources they need to thrive academically.
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Through partnerships with elected officials and community organizations, our Spread Love Back 2 School Giveaway initiatives ensure that every student in our community enters the classroom feeling prepared, confident, and ready to succeed on day one.
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