NYC DYCD Youth Connect Newsletter

National Book Month is in October

National Book Month is held each October and focuses on the importance of reading, writing and literature. Embracing linguistic diversity in education and literacy development are central to addressing literacy challenges and to achieving Sustainable Development Goals. If you or someone you know is looking for a literacy program, there are FREE programs for adolescents and adults. For more information on the DYCD-funded literacy programs, check out discoverDYCD!

October is National Bully Prevention Month

Every October, schools and organizations across the country observe National Bullying Prevention Month. The goal: encourage schools, communities and organizations to work together to stop bullying and cyberbullying and put an end to hatred and racism by increasing awareness of the prevalence and impact of all forms of bullying on all children of all ages.

Under NYC Department of Education (DOE) policy, students may not harass, intimidate, bully and/or discriminate against other students. There are four ways to report bullying:

File a complaint online.
Contact a staff member or Respect for All liaison at your school
Call 718-935-2288 or 311
Email respectforall@schools.nyc.gov

DOE reviews and addresses anonymous complaints regarding bullying. You can report bullying anonymously, but you are encouraged to provide your contact information so the DOE can follow up with you about your report. For more information on reporting bullying, visit the officail DOE website.

Law Student Internships &
College Student Internships

The Legal Aid Society has an extensive internship program for law students in the Civil, Criminal and Juvenile Rights Practices. Many staff attorneys at the Society are former law school interns. Also, The Legal Aid Society’s Investigator Internship Program, within its Criminal Defense Practice, provides undergraduates and graduate students who are interested in law and social justice with an exciting, hands-on, in-the-field experience.

NYC WELL Crisis Services

NYC offers many kinds of help in a crisis, but it is sometimes hard to know which is right for you or a loved one. Visit NYC Well or call them at 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355) and they will help you find what you need.

Educational Resources

CUNY Prep
CUNY Prep is an innovative college preparatory program that offers out-of-school youth an alternative pathway to college. They were founded in October 2003, as a collaboration among the New York City Department of Education, the Department of Youth and Community Development, and The City University of New York.

STRIVE
STRIVE is the nation’s leading solution for people who face the biggest obstacles to employment. Their proven model propels students into careers that lead to upward mobility and define the promise of the American Dream. When people are determined to lift up their lives, STRIVE provides the path to a career that changes everything. To learn more about participating in STRIVE’s programs, email info@strive.org or call (212) 360-1100.

Internships

Brooklyn Collegiate Internship Opportunity

Sign up to participate in Brooklyn Collegiate Preparatory High School’s internship program. Students will receive 80 hours of paid internship experience at no cost to your organization.

2020 Engineering & Architecture Associates Program

The Port Authority of NY & NJ is looking for career-minded individuals with a passion and commitment to public service to join their distinguished Engineering & Architecture Associates Program! This is a two-year rotational program designed for students who expect to receive their degree in Fall 2019 or Spring 2020.

Metropolitan Museum of Art Spring Internship

Current students and recent graduates can learn about museum practice and gain professional skills in a variety of fields through unpaid internships at The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters during the academic year.

Volunteer Opportunities

CASA-NYC’s Volunteer Advocates

CASA-NYC’s Volunteer Advocates are a diverse group of more than 200 civic-minded New Yorkers who come together for the unique purpose of working on behalf of New York City’s foster children. Supported by licensed social workers and attorneys, Volunteer Advocates make a thorough assessment of the needs and best interests of each child, collaborate with case workers, family members and attorneys, and report to the court at every hearing to provide critical information to assist judges in making informed decisions. They help children and families access needed services such as physical or mental health services, substance abuse counseling or special education, and monitor each child’s situation to ensure they remain safe.

Court Navigation Program

Court Navigators are trained volunteers who provide non-legal support to unrepresented litigants. Court Navigators gain real-world experience by interacting with judges and attorneys to address the needs of people who come to court without a lawyer.

Events

Youth Group at Masa

Are you interested in building your leadership skills this school year? Would you like extra support to reach your goals? Want to learn more about your culture and community? If you are interested in participating in a safe space with other youth your age, then the Youth Group at Masa is for you! The Youth Group at Masa is a free, bilingual (Spanish-English) program created for youth ages 14-18, where you’ll have the opportunity to: Build strong bonds with other youth leaders, Develop your leadership skills, Learn more about your culture and important social justice movements in Latin America and the Caribbean, Develop a critical lens around issues that impact your community, Access support to achieve your academic and professional goals, including college access support. Interested in learning more? Please contact Jasmín Durán, the Youth Program Coordinator, at 917-865-6989 or email at jduran@masany.org.

October 2019

Youth
Connect

E-blast