You're invited - Thursday at 6PM: Talking Racial Justice with Kids, plus Resources
Talking to Your Child About Racial Justice, 529 Day Recap, Community Scholarship for Astoria Houses, Additional Resources
Dear Parents and Families in the Save for College Community,
Amid these challenging and important times, we want to highlight a few things happening now in the Save for College Community:
– NYC Kids RISE stands in solidarity with the Black community and all those working toward racial justice and equal opportunity for all of our children. One way our community is addressing racial inequality is through a fundraising campaign by the Astoria Houses Tenants Organization to raise $1,000 for the NYC Scholarship Accounts of every K-2 student living in Astoria Houses. Anyone who would like to contribute to the campaign can do so here. And if you want to launch your own Community Scholarship campaign, please reach out to us. We would be glad to work with you.
– Check out some of the many wonderful highlights below from 529 Day (May 29th) – our schools and community came together in support of our children’s dreams for their futures. We loved seeing and sharing the photos and videos that so many of you posted!
– We continue to provide COVID-19-related family resources and information. If you are in need of financial support at this time and have not yet received a $150 gift card from NYC Kids RISE, please fill out the form here or contact us to join the waitlist for a card. You will also find more COVID-19 resources at the end of this email.
I hope that you will join us this Thursday at our town hall on how to talk to your child about this moment in history and racial justice. As we work towards building a better future for children and ensuring that Black children have access to the same opportunities, we will continue to share resources with our Save for College Program community on how to navigate these times and what steps families can take.With best wishes to you and your family,
Debra-Ellen and the NYC Kids RISE Team
Tune in Thursday at 6pm ET

RSVP Here
- Matt de la Peña – New York Times bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning author of children’s books
- Karen Fleishman – Founder of Racy Conversations, Mom and Activist
- Kenneth Hamilton – Third Grade Teacher and Equity Chair at The Dalton School
- Esu Ma’at – Manager of Diversity and Inclusion for the USTA and Dad
- Ebony Young – Former Executive Director LIC YMCA, Mom, and Community Builder
Community Scholarship for the Children of Astoria Houses


In Case You Missed It
On the eve of 529 Day, experts shared with families early savings options to consider and the benefits for each option, how to manage savings in times of crisis, and how to use NYC Financial Empowerment Center resources at this time. Click below to watch a recording of the Town Hall on Facebook:
Save for College Program Flashback


NYC Kids RISE Resources
Need support with setting up your child’s remote learning or information about resources in your neighborhood? Our team can help. Call (833) 543-7473 or Email [email protected]
- First-Come, First-Served – Emergency Cash Support – NYC Kids RISE is distributing $150 cash disaster relief gift cards to families in the Save for College Program. If you are in need of financial support at this time and have not yet received a $150 disaster emergency relief cash gift card from NYC Kids RISE, please fill out the short form as soon as possible to be added to a contingent waitlist for a gift card. Click here and fill out the form provided on this page. Filling out the form does not guarantee a cash disaster relief gift card will be provided to you. If your family is confirmed to receive a card because funding is available, you will be notified by email once a card has been shipped to you.
- Your child’s accounts – We continue to be available by phone and email to support you with your family’s scholarship and savings accounts. Please contact us for support with completing the 3 Building Blocks or other support with your accounts. We are invested for the long term in your child’s college and career training future.
- Remote Learning Support – Need support with setting up your child’s remote learning or information about resources in your neighborhood? Our team can help. Call (833) 543-7473 or email [email protected]
Important Resources Across the Community
Click on the need you have to see list of resources available.
– Housing
Did you fill out the Census?
Every New Yorker Counts. Filling out the Census is important for getting money into our community for schools, jobs, hospitals, and more.
Fill it out now at: My2020Census.gov
There are NO questions about immigration or citizenship. Your information is confidential and cannot be shared with anyone–not law enforcement, not the government, not your landlord.