In partnership with the United Way of New York City, we are excited to announce our support for the “March United for Public Schools,” a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to celebrate public education and our dedicated teachers and talented students. The March will start on October 13, 2019, at 9 a.m., beginning at Foley Square, and will continue across the Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn Borough Hall.
The March will also serve as a fundraiser supporting United Way of New York City’s programmatic work with the New York City Department of Education including ReadNYC, an initiative started in Mott Haven to improve early-grade reading, and EducateNYC, which supports the NYC Community Schools Initiative.
“This March is a call to all New Yorkers to support our city’s students and teachers,” said Sheena Wright, President and CEO, UWNYC. “I am so grateful for the enthusiasm we are already seeing from not only our partners and sponsors, but from New Yorkers across the city as well. United Way of New York City invites all New Yorkers to come join us on October 13th as we march to support our public schools.”
This celebratory March kicks off with a VIP invite only breakfast honoring teachers at the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) NYC headquarters and concludes with an open-to-the-general-public K-12 family festival with student performers, bands, cheerleaders and choirs.
The “Future Festival” will feature a curated art tent showcasing the best art submitted and judged by a prominent committee and an arts and crafts zone where kids may make their own. The story time tent presented by Scholastic, Age of Learning, and Amazon will feature children’s authors reading throughout the day. Featured readers will include TODAY’s Willie Geist. The Future Festival will also showcase a pop-up shopping village, presented by CHASE and Essence Magazine, featuring small, local, women, minority and veteran-owned businesses. The festival is from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., free and open to the general public.
Age of Learning is proud to be partnering with UWNYC to support NYC students and teachers and will be on site demonstrating how ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy’s research-validated curriculum engages and educates young learners.
“We share United Way of New York City’s commitment to fundamentally improving early reading skills by effectively supporting students, families, and teachers,” said Doug Dohring, founder and Executive Chairman of Age of Learning. “Expanding on the thousands of classroom teachers and tens of thousands of families in New York City that are currently using ABCmouse and ReadingIQ, we are excited to grow our partnership with the United Way to help more young students build a strong foundation for academic success.”
The festival will include special performances by: 10-year-old DJ Annie Red, 12-year-old Drag Kid “Desmond is Amazing”, Coney Island’s teen rapper Lil Dee, LaGuardia High School Show Choir, LaGuardia High School Jazz Band, Brooklyn School of the Arts Creative Artist Ensemble, Brooklyn Tech’s Organized CHAOS, Brooklyn Tech’s Lady Dragon Steppers, The Big Apple Circus, Rock Bands for Kids, Dancing Classrooms Youth Dance Company. Panel discussions and VIP interviews led by 13-year-old Scholastic Kids Press reporter Amelia Poor will take place on the main stage. Come meet PwC’s Code-E the Robot and join 12-year-old “Chelsea Chats” talking Currency Conversations with her mom and grandmother. Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Dental Van will provide free dental education, screenings and treatment referrals to children up to 12 years old.
For more information on how interested individuals and companies can join in marching, starting a fundraising team within their organization, performing at the festival, or becoming a sponsor, email jwaks@uwnyc.org. Everyone is invited to march with no fundraising minimum. Key person interviews available in advance or on-site day of event.