Students aren’t failing, our system is
Elevate New York aims to provide students from under-resourced communities with the social-emotional competencies necessary for post-secondary success.
Education Failure
Every twenty-six seconds a student in the United States drops out of high school, equaling over 1.2 million students every year. While 1 in 6 American students attend a “dropout factory,” defined as a high school having a high proportion of students who drop out , 32% of minority students attend a dropout factory, compared to only 8% of white students. More than 80% of NYC’s public school students are Black students, Indigenous students, or Students of Color. However, research shows predominately Black and Latinx schools receive fewer financial, social-emotional, and educational resources than predominately white schools
up hill journey to success
Without the prerequisites required, Adults who did not complete high school are facing an uphill journey to success. Unemployment rate for adults who did not complete high school is 47% higher than high school graduates. Over the course of their lifetimes, adults who did not complete high school will earn an average of $375,000 less than high school graduates, and $1,000,000 less than college graduates. Lack of resources, support, and opportunities in the public school system drastically contributes to systematic poverty. The lack of opportunities for employment directly results in higher rates of incarceration.*
*The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics
Young People need SEL
Students enrolled in social-emotional learning (SEL) programs display improved classroom behavior, an increased ability to manage stress and depression, and better attitudes about themselves, others, and school. These studies determined that SEL programming can have a positive impact on both academics and emotional wellness up to 18 years after program completion. Developing SEL skills in childhood decreases the likelihood of receiving government assistance, criminal activity, spending time in a detention facility, drug use, depression, anxiety, and unplanned pregnancy.*
*The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning
That’s where Elevate Steps in
Elevate New York introduces our students to positive and caring adult mentors who ensure they don’t have to navigate through challenges alone. Our holistic approach to youth development provides social-emotional support to youth as they explore new experiences and face new challenges; providing them with the foundation necessary to flourish into leaders. We believe that every child is of great worth and has the desire and potential to succeed, together we can develop the next generation of strong leaders. Incorporated into all Elevate New York’s curriculum are thirteen character qualities designed to develop social-emotional skills and empower students to succeed.