Building Tomorrow’s Leaders

South Bronx Community ("SBC") is a public high school founded with the belief that school must prepare young people with personal, professional, and academic skills to succeed in our rapidly changing society. SBC graduated its first class in 2020 as the first wave of the pandemic was affecting education and post-secondary prospects for young people across the globe. SBC’s emphasis on academic and personal growth in a rigorous, highly responsive learning environment, along with our strong bonds among students and staff provided a lifeline for our graduates during uncertain times. And now, as we emerge from the most difficult challenges of the pandemic, we are eager to return to our signature "Rites of Passage" program experiences.

The "Rites of Passage" program is a four-year learning journey that fosters leadership development, self-advocacy, confidence and preparation for the real world. Each academic year culminates in an excursion that builds critical mindsets and social/emotional skills through real world experience.

• $50 supports our incoming freshmen with a Summer Bridge experience to build early relationships with staff and a sense of belonging at SBC
• $100 supports our rising sophomores on an overnight camping trip, which fosters bonding and team leadership
• $250 supports our rising juniors on their first overnight college tour, which includes visits to several public and private institutions to explore their post-secondary options as they find the right college "match" and "fit"
• $500 supports our rising seniors as they participate in international service-learning and cultural immersion experiences, which lead to a deeper understanding of the world and of themselves while supporting another community in need

With each year of their four-year journey at SBC, our students develop a personal support network, receive meaningful early college exposure and engage in an enriching global service project. Our Rites of Passage Program impacts each student at SBC every academic year and provides them with the personalized support network that will sustain them through challenges. Now, more than ever, our young people deserve the opportunities to see the world beyond their neighborhood and develop a sense of purpose as they grow into the leaders our community needs.

Please join me to support our South Bronx scholars! Every contribution will ensure these young people have a support network that will propel their future success!