New York Edge

Through our arts programs we aim to foster creativity, self-confidence and self-discipline. The goal of each program is to inspire curiosity through careful observation and artistic exploration. Our performing and visual arts curriculum focuses on developmental consideration for each grade level (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12) and is built upon the ideas of progressive learning, leadership, social-emotional learning and performance and presentation. Students enjoy the opportunity to perform and showcase their work for family, friends, and the community at special events such as Art Day, Girl Redesigned, Step Competition, and New York Edge’s signature event – the Spring Arts Showcase.

Art Day
Art Day is part of the New York Edge Art Department’s educational series for New York Edge students designed to build self-confidence and empowerment. Throughout the day students will learn that art has the power to transform perceptions of identity and reality. This is an opportunity to use artistic expression to explore difficult social situations and work collaboratively to find solutions.

Step Competition
It’s more than rhythm. It’s more than dancing. It’s more than music. It’s stepping!
These step routines are aimed at promoting physical health and teamwork through stepping. This competition gives New York Edge students the opportunity to showcase their talent through the art of stepping while enjoying a fun and safe environment. Our activity specialists teach the fundamentals of stepping through teamwork, healthy competition, and good sportsmanship. Regardless of the participants’ level of experience, they are able to step in the New York program to improve their technical proficiency and fundamental elements.

Girl Redesigned
Girl Redesigned is a two-part educational series for New York Edge students designed to build self-confidence and empowerment. Through this series of lessons, students will learn that art has the power to transform perceptions of identity and reality. This is an opportunity to use artistic expression to explore difficult social situations and work collaboratively to find solutions. It is the culmination and performance following Art Day.

Spring Arts Showcase
The event showcases a variety of talent, ranging from dancing and singing to drawings and paintings. The performance portion of the Spring Showcase features 12-14 performances; only these acts from over 100 of the New York Edge schools that can audition will be selected to perform at the showcase. Acts range from musical theater performances, a cappella chorus, dramatic works, video presentation, various dance styles, step, drumline and more. The visual arts gallery displays more than 200 pieces of artwork from more than 250 students ranging from grades K-12 from various schools throughout New York!

Performing arts activities include:
Dance (ballet, modern/contemporary, jazz, ballroom, hip-hop, African, Latin, tap)
Theater/Musical Theater
Music (general, instrumental, chorus, digital production, drumline/marching band)
Step
Cheerleading
Drama
Yoga

Visual arts and character education activities include:
Studio Art (painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, printmaking)
Digital Media
Photography
Filmmaking
Comic Illustration
Fashion Design

The Center for Sports and Wellness is dedicated to improving both physical and nutrition literacy amongst underserved youth in New York City, through the implementation of sports, wellness and fitness programs in New York Edge afterschool programs.

A wide variety of programs are delivered at New York Edge afterschool sites that encourage children to play more, have fun and adopt healthy eating habits. The Sports and Wellness program plays a critical role in building and supporting our students’ sports and wellness interests and needs through the delivery of special events, leagues, tournaments and skilled based sports clinics.

Co-ed Sports Leagues

Our Saturday flag football, basketball, and soccer co-ed leagues last 5 weeks for elementary schools and 7-8 weeks for middle school programs. All leagues culminate with championship game events and award ceremonies. These leagues provide children with a chance to play weekend sports in a safe environment while participating in skill-based clinics, 1-on-1 coaching, and of course, they have fun!

Food Explorers

New York Edge’s nutrition education program, “Food Explorers” aims to develop healthy eating habits in elementary and middle school students through the exploration of food. Food Explorers has three levels ranging from basic nutrition education to introduction to cooking and advanced cooking. The program continues to grow, allowing students the opportunity to make informed food decisions and help influence the decisions their family members make.

Girls L.E.A.D. (Learning Empowerment through Athletic Development)

Girls L.E.A.D. allows girls to freely participate and actively engage in sports-related activities along with discussing sensitive and social issues in a fun and safe environment. Girls L.E.A.D is offered on Saturdays throughout the school year. Activities include archery, volleyball, lacrosse, ice skating, and basketball, plus much more. In addition to Saturday activities, Girls L.E.A.D. also gives girls an opportunity to participate in an all-girls camp that reinforces the mission of the program.

Elect to be Fit

Elect to be Fit is an Election Day program for elementary and middle school students framed around incorporating nutrition, fitness, and sports all in one event. The event allows students to challenge themselves despite skill level and try new things. Past events have included nutrition challenges, team building activities, and yoga workshops to name a few.

Annual Presidents’ Week 3 vs 3 Basketball Tournament

Our five-day Annual Basketball Tournament takes place during Presidents’ Week at Aviator Sports Complex. The New York Edge Basketball Tournament gives over 100 teams the opportunity to play basketball while and also giving each participant the opportunity to actively engage and learn more about the game in a fun and safe environment during the holiday break. This tournament is the largest 3 vs. 3 interscholastic basketball tournament in New York City and will feature some of the top young ballplayers our city has to offer.

Family Feast

Family Feast is an initiative where guardians, students, and teachers, all enjoy a sit-down meal together. New York Edge provides a nutritious meal served in the tradition of family style with proper table settings. Sports and Wellness staff begin each feast by introducing the program and leading with a “discovery” on promoting healthy living and making positive changes.

Our Instructional Steering Committee comprised of New York Edge curriculum specialists with expertise in various academic disciplines (ELA, math, special education, physical education, arts, STEAM) designs New York Edge approved distinct curriculum and themes yearly. The summer camp 2019 theme is “Saving our Tomorrow,” a focus on children inheriting the planet, with proactive suggestions for protecting the earth. Campers will learn about water conservation, alternative renewable energy, and urban landscapes.

The program employs hands-on or project-based learning utilizing curricula that meet the following criteria: 1) age-appropriate and inquiry-based 2) align to common core standards 3) support school-day curricula 4) thematic/project-based and 5) promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. All activities are curriculum based and front-line staff receives appropriate training to facilitate structured activities with lesson plans and tangible products to support student learning. We foster social & emotional learning skills & infuse academic skills (reading, writing, & math).

Our partnership with the New York City Council, Department of Youth & Community Development, Community Schools, and Department of Education provides many New York City school communities with camps that support improving health and wellness, developing social skills, and preventing summer learning loss.

New York Edge has operated summer programs for more than 20 years.

This initiative builds on our deep experience and strong track record working in New York City public schools, particularly its highly successful New York Edge/Freshman Academy and 9th Grade Summer Academy. We also facilitate college and career readiness by helping students gain college admission, scholarships and financial aid to afford college, and knowledge of job opportunities within in-demand sectors, particularly for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) careers.

Early College Awareness
Our College Access For All program focuses on the development of a college-going culture for 7th grade students both at school and home. Activities include interactive student workshops, opportunities for family engagement, college tours, and special events that bring the college experience to life. New York Edge is an approved vendor for New York City Department Of Education to provide College Access For All programming in public schools serving over 6,000 students.

Middle School Today, High School Tomorrow
Preparing middle school students for the academic and social challenges they will encounter in high school, college, and beyond is the foundation of New York Edge’s Middle School Today, High School Tomorrow (MSTHST) program. We provide our students and families with critical tools, academic advisement, specialized test preparation, guidance through the entire college application process, workshops on financial aid procedures, interviewing skills, financial literacy, high school tours, and social-emotional counseling. These activities help students and families attain their goals. Parent engagement workshops are designed to support both the development and personal growth of their children academically and emotionally. Our workshops provide the opportunity for parents to come together and be actively involved with the school community, be informed of the high school selection process, and prepare for college.

High School Today, College Tomorrow
The vision of High School Today, College Tomorrow (HSTCT) is for each student to become college and career ready, learn how to successfully meet graduation requirements, navigate the college admissions process, and acquire and enhance skills that will prepare them for lifelong employment. Critical to this process is the college tours that help to create a mindset around the development of a college-going culture. Although student mindset is key, it is essential that parents are supported through workshops that improve their awareness that college is both attainable and affordable. Our academic support includes test preparation for standardized tests including PSAT, SAT, and ACT. Advisors meet regularly with students to assist with college admission process, selecting the right college, writing a strong essay and working through the financial aid process. College readiness, character education, and career awareness workshops are also offered.

Empire
In 2017, New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced $35 million in Empire State AfterSchool funding will be available for high-need school districts across the state to establish quality afterschool programs. School districts in Brooklyn and Bronx were identified. We were awarded several Empire grants. Funding will provide a minimum of 300 hours of programming for elementary school students and 200 hours for middle school students. Programming is designed with meaningful input from youth, principals, community members, and parents/caregivers.

Similar to our Champions Club program, students are offered a balanced schedule that includes academic support, sports, arts (visual & performing) and social/emotional learning. Students (elementary and middle) are scheduled for a minimum of 6 hours of homework help, academic support, and enrichment (e.g., STEAM and literacy) each week, delivered by a blended faculty of teachers and youth development specialists from New York Edge.

New York Edge is Your Community Partner
Community Schools
The New York Edge Community Schools provide critical instructional support and academic enrichment as well as service designed to remove barriers to student learning and healthy development. Our schools offer a comprehensive, integrated approach that extends hours, services, and partnerships for traditional public schools. Each Community School program is designed to support the unique needs of that school community.

Attendance Support – work with students at risk of or currently chronically absent. Work with schools to improve overall school attendance.

Family Engagement – provide professional development opportunities, workshops, and classes. Work closely with schools to increase overall family engagement.

Expanded Learning Time – provide afterschool programming, subject-based tutoring, college, and student advisement.

Mental Health and Wellness – partner with organizations to provide mental health counseling, individually and in a group. Organize overall mental health efforts in schools. Provide specialized support groups for boys and girls. Boys 2 Men and Girls Talk are examples of the support groups.

Beacon Centers
Open for 6 days a week (including evenings, Saturdays and holiday programming for school-age students, high school students, young adults and adults), Beacons are school-based after school initiatives for K-12 students that promote positive development for all participants, families and community residents by creating a trusted neighborhood hub. Opportunities are available for all to improve skills and their personal and family well-being.

Beacons provide a comprehensive set of support services, and opportunities including: recreational and academic enrichment programs, specialized sports, visual/performing arts, college access, attendance support, counseling, adult classes, adult workshops, trainings, and more. New York Edge’s Department for Beacon and Community School programs works towards building a collaborative environment with each school partner, resulting in the best possible approach for the school community.