How to Support Students in New York City
Stronger students build stronger communities. Here’s how you can help create more opportunities for young people in New York City.
Every day, students across New York City are working toward their futures. They’re studying for exams, balancing responsibilities at home, and preparing for what’s next.
But student success isn’t built in the classroom alone.
Young people thrive when they have opportunities to lead, supportive communities that believe in them, and experiences that help them discover their strengths. When students have those opportunities, the impact extends far beyond graduation.
If you’re looking for meaningful ways to support students in New York City, you’re in the right place.
Stay Connected to Students Making a Difference
Want to learn how students are creating change in New York City and how you can support their success?
Sign up for buildOn emails to receive inspiring student stories, updates from buildOn in the Bronx, and meaningful ways to help our movement.
Sign Up for Email Updates
Why Does Supporting Students Matter?
Students aren’t just tomorrow’s leaders. They’re already strengthening their communities today.
Research consistently shows that young people are more likely to succeed when they feel connected, supported, and empowered to lead. Experiences that foster belonging, leadership, and purpose help students stay engaged in school and build confidence in themselves and their future.
Supporting students helps young people realize they can make a difference.
How Can You Support Students in New York City?
Supporting students takes many forms, and every action helps strengthen communities.
You can support organizations that expand educational opportunity, invest in youth leadership programs, advocate for students, and stay informed about the challenges and successes facing young people across New York City.
These investments help create environments where students can grow as leaders, build meaningful relationships, and prepare for whatever comes next.
How Does buildOn Support Students in New York?
For more than 30 years, buildOn has partnered with students in the Bronx to help them grow as leaders through service and education.
Students strengthen their communities through hands-on service while developing leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Along the way, they build lasting relationships and discover they have the power to create positive change.
An independent study of buildOn’s programs in the Bronx found that participating students graduated at higher rates, attended school more consistently, experienced lower rates of chronic absenteeism, and were more likely to enroll in college than comparable peers. National research from Gallup also found that young people who participate in service are more likely to feel connected to their communities, develop confidence, and feel prepared for future careers.
Together, these findings reinforce a simple truth: when students are given meaningful opportunities to lead and serve, they thrive.
Join the Movement
Every day, buildOn students are strengthening our city while also building brighter futures.
If you believe every student deserves the opportunity to thrive, we’d love to keep you connected.
Sign up to receive inspiring student stories, impact updates, and meaningful ways to support students in New York City.