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.
college and career readiness Initiative
Since 2006, the I WILL GRADUATE College and Career Readiness Initiative has been a driving force in uplifting youth and providing schools with impactful curriculum 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.
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 Curriculum designed to strengthen goal-setting, critical thinking and future planning.
We culminate the initiative with I WILL GRADUATE DAY – Celebration of Education. This high-energy, entertainment-infused event honors student achievement, educational excellence, and cultural icons. It brings together educators, community leaders, celebrities, athletes, and executives—all united to uplift and inspire the next generation.
Past Guests Include:
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson (music artist), Daymond John (Star of ABC's Shark Tank) Eric Adams (Mayor of New York City), Letitia James (Attorney General of New York), French Montana (music artist), Omar Epps (actor), Wyclef Jean (music icon), Cash Cobain (music artist), LAILA! (music artist), The Breakfast Club (NYC Radio Show), Lala Anthony (American TV personality), and much more!
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. This pledge serves as a powerful reminder to students of their potential and the importance of staying focused on their educational goals.
Since its inception, over 155,000 students have already taken the I WILL GRADUATE pledge, demonstrating their dedication to academic achievement and personal growth. The initiative is designed to motivate students to remain committed throughout the school year, emphasizing perseverance, accountability, and making positive decisions.
By pledging to their education, students affirm their dedication to success and the pursuit of their dreams. The I WILL GRADUATE Day Initiative fosters a culture of academic excellence and personal responsibility, inspiring youth across the city to be great and take charge of their educational journey.
College and Career Readiness Curriculum: “Own Your Future”
Participating schools will receive the Own Your Future curriculum in the weeks leading up to I WILL GRADUATE Day. Designed to empower and equip students for success, these engaging lessons will provide practical tools to help them stay focused, motivated, and ready to bring their A-game to the new school year.
The program will culminate in a powerful celebration on October 15, 2025, at the City Tech Theatre in New York City. Students, educators, school leaders, elected officials, influencers, and athletes will come together to celebrate the importance of education and the commitment to future success.
Curriculum Highlights:
Motivational strategies to help students overcome personal and academic challenges
Activities to strengthen focus, discipline, and goal-setting
Guidance on navigating high school, college, and career pathways
Emphasis on self-leadership and preparing for life after graduation
i will graduate day - Celebration of Education
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.
Since its launch in 2006, I WILL GRADUATE DAY – Celebration of Education has united educational leaders, celebrities, professional athletes, and high-profile executives in a shared mission: to rally behind students and reinforce the importance of education. Each year, schools across New York City engage in dynamic activities—from workshops and pep rallies to school-wide events—energizing students and reminding them of their limitless potential.
On October 15, 2025, students, teachers, and administrators will gather at City Tech Theatre to celebrate the culmination of the Own Your Future curriculum. This milestone event fosters a deep sense of community and reaffirms the collective commitment to academic achievement and personal growth.
Program Goals:
Motivate youth to take ownership of their academic success
Equip students with the tools to stay focused and achieve their goals
Foster unity and shared purpose among students, educators, and school leaders
Celebrate the power of education and student achievement across NYC
my brother’s sister’s keeper (MBSK)
DYCD 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.
The program model is designed to help youth develop leadership skills, initiate community-benefit projects, and enhance their social responsibility through direct involvement in civic activities. Research has shown that service-learning programs like this one help foster critical thinking, personal responsibility, positive attitudes toward school, and increased civic engagement. By addressing community issues, youth will develop a sense of connection and responsibility, enhancing their self-esteem and leadership capabilities.
Qualifications for participation in the My Brother's & Sister's Keeper Youth Council include:
Must be an NYC resident
Must be between the ages of 16-24
Must have an interest in social change/action
Must be passionate about addressing youth-related issues across the city
The program expectations include:
A one-year commitment
An estimated 8-hour monthly time commitment (not including special events or retreats)
Availability to travel throughout NYC for meetings and providing HUB support
Ability to attend an overnight retreat
Participation in “Super Saturday” training sessions
Responsibilities for council members include:
Active participation in weekly Council meetings
Attendance at overnight retreats (transportation and lodging provided)
Engagement in Youth Summit (TBD)
Regularly reading and responding to weekly updates
Collaborating with other members to develop and implement action plans
Leading social media campaigns
Advocating for services such as mental health and environmental issues across NYC
Supporting a community center youth council
This program aims to develop youth as leaders, giving them the tools and experiences necessary to positively impact their communities while fostering a culture of social responsibility and civic engagement.
To apply, click here.
young adult entrepreneurship program
The Youth 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:
A $200 stipend upon completion
Business coaches presenting on campus twice a week
A comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of entrepreneurship
Training on how to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and build wealth
Practice in pitching business ideas to potential investors and customers
Throughout the program, participants will gain practical experience and receive valuable feedback as they apply their learning to their business ideas. The initiative encourages youth to take leadership in their communities, reduce economic barriers, and foster innovation and financial independence. Past partnerships with the NYC Council, NYC Office of the Mayor, Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), Small Business Administration (SBA), Chase, Manhattan College, and Fordham University have been instrumental in providing resources and guidance for the program's future entrepreneurs.
