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.

YAEP

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

COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS

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. 

MBSK

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..

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.
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

DYPG

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.

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.