Culturally Affirming Education

Provides academic instruction in Spanish and English to prepare students in grades 6–12 for college and leadership, using a dual-language model and co-teaching approach to support mutual language development and academic excellence.

Implements a co-teaching model in which two teachers collaboratively plan and deliver instruction, monitor student progress, and manage classrooms to enhance learning outcomes.

Offers grade-specific college counseling starting in junior year, organizes college visits beginning in 9th grade, hosts college representative sessions, provides parent workshops on financial aid and applications, and delivers one-on-one senior counseling to support college readiness and transitions.

Operates soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball, basketball, and flag football teams for male and female students at both middle and high school levels.

Encourages and prepares all students to earn the New York State Seal of Biliteracy, recognizing graduates who attain high proficiency in English and one or more world languages.

Provides nutritious meals to middle and high school students to support physical and cognitive development, academic performance, and overall well-being.

Conducts monthly field lessons and operates a two-week June Mini-Mester program with field trips to culturally significant sites such as the Statue of Liberty, the Bronx Zoo, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia to apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts.

Administers interim assessments every six weeks using Scholastic Reading Inventory, Scholastic Math Inventory, and NWEA tools to monitor student progress and inform instruction.

Leads the Black Restaurant Coalition to advocate for greater diversity, equity, and professional opportunity within the culinary sector.

Conducts interactive community-based programs and educational initiatives to promote youth development, bridge generational gaps, and empower participants through connection and leadership.

Operates a 60-seat barbecue restaurant and NSL Childcare as platforms for youth workforce development and program delivery, integrating real-world business experience into programming.

Offers paid internships to at-risk youth that integrate hands-on business experience with one-on-one mentorship and intervention counseling, supporting personal and professional development.

Provides mentorship, intervention-based counseling, and community engagement initiatives for at-risk, street-involved, and justice-involved youth, with a focus on breaking negative cycles and fostering personal growth through structured support.

Provides free professional modeling coaching, comp card design, and portfolio development for youth, culminating in a live fashion show with audience of over 200 to launch their modeling careers.

Supports middle school students in earning high school credit by enabling them to pass Regents exams early, advancing their academic trajectories.

Operates a free after-school program for grades K-8 that includes homework help and a range of extracurricular activities such as athletics, debate, robotics, STEM, dance, cheerleading, and performing arts.

Holds daily community and character-building sessions Monday through Thursday and hosts weekly Friday community meetings featuring student performances, celebrations, and school spirit activities to foster a positive school culture.

Organizes 3 to 4 field trips per grade annually and provides out-of-state overnight trips for 4th and 8th grade students, including college visits aligned with the academic program to broaden student experiences.