About Elevate New York

The mission of Elevate New York is to building long-term, life-changing relationships with urban youth with the purpose of increasing school attendance, improving academic test scores, and teaching critical life skills; translating into reduced drop out rates and increased college enrollment and graduation. We do this by providing four interdependent programs to at-risk youth every year: In school teaching of character, leadership and life skills; After school mentoring; Adventure and exploration activities to develop leadership and teamwork; Post-secondary training and admissions preparation.

The Four Interdependent Program Areas:


1In School Teaching Character, Leadership And Life Skills.


A DAILY high school elective class taught for credit towards graduation, where students learn 13 character principles and life skills. One day a week, the high school students travel to a neighboring elementary school to teach the 4th and 5th grade objectives of what they’ve been learning. The Elevate curriculum/mentoring is built around seven character qualities (vision, courage, respect, caring, responsibility, positive worth ethic, and integrity) and six life skills (career-mindedness, communication, leadership, problem-solving, decision-making, and goal-setting).



2After School Mentoring For Life Change.

Note: Dr. Del Elliott, director of the Surgeon General’s report on youth violence concluded that “in order to have a chance at a productive life, a child must have at least one adult relationship that is positive, caring and long-term.” (2001).

Staff members spend up to 80% of Elevate time mentoring students outside of the classroom through after-school activities and events. Mentoring is done primarily by our full-time teachers, and augmented by business professionals in the community and it is designed to challenge students to grow academically and as productive citizens in their communities.. Students have constant access to their teachers and mentors, because life doesn’t stop at the end of the school day or semester.



3Adventure Growth Through Challenge.


Elevate students participate in year-round, primarily outdoor activities that develop leadership and teamwork. Activities are a way to get students outside their familiar environment to teach them that they actually can do things that they’ve never attempted or considered possible.



4Post-Secondary Personal Advancement Through Higher Education.


Students receive post-secondary training and admissions preparation for pursuits ranging from trade certifications to four-year degrees and beyond. Training allows students to learn how to take standardized tests, write a college essays and be successful in a university interview setting.

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