Dance Culture in New York City, a free elective for students in grades 8–12, takes place on Saturdays, November 5, 12, December 3, 10 and 17 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Students will learn about the history of New York City’s diverse population and rich immigrant cultures through the lens of dance, examining dance cultures in New York City including swing, salsa, bomba, bachata, merengue, and urban party dances from the 1980s and 90s. Classes will include dance movement, discussions, and film clips. In addition, students will record oral narratives with legendary artists based in New York City. No dance experience necessary to apply. Complete an online application. Questions can be directed to Pilar Jefferson (917) 492-3387, pjefferson@mcny.org or to Derrick Washington (310) 694-7439, dwashington@mcny.org.

The Comparative and International Education Society African Diaspora (AD) with support from the Institute for Urban and Minority Education, Teachers College, Columbia University, are pleased to announce the inauguration of its AD Emerging Scholars Award. Annually, this award will recognize scholars whose scholarly and/or artistic cutting-edge contributions of inventive, creative works, emphasizing comparative studies and/or artistic accomplishments (i.e. documentary, visual, or musical) have the potential to impact positively the educational, economic, and artistic lives of African descendants across the African Diaspora. A completed nomination form and required documents are due December 1, 2016 by 11:59 pm.  

Through the NYC College Access & Success Mapping Project, GraduateNYC surveyed programs across the city to create an interactive map illustrating the breadth and depth of college access and success work across New York City. More than 200 college access and success programs responded to a survey and can be found on the map with information on their services, the individuals they serve, and where they are providing college access and success support in New York City.

Released by the Children's Cabinet, the Growing Up NYC digital tool is a new resource for New York City parents and caregivers. The tool serves as a one-stop shop, integrating and curating content around City resources including health, education, child development and safety, and recreation. Users have the opportunity to refine content to meet the specific ages, needs and interests of the children (ages 0 - 12) in their family. The tool is a “mobile first” digital platform that is equally accessible via smart phone, tablet or computer.

The Afterschool Alliance and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation are accepting nominations for the Dollar General Afterschool Literacy Award. Eligible afterschool programs have the chance to win $10,000. This year, the focus of the award is on afterschool programs that provide integral literacy support to English language learner students and have demonstrated success improving students’ literacy skills —including reading, writing and comprehension. Program staff and directors are allowed and encouraged to nominate their own program, but you do not have to be officially affiliated with a program to nominate it. Nominations are due December 16, 2016.

Child Trends conducted a ninth national survey of child welfare agency expenditures, for SFY 2014. This survey round revealed a 1 percent decrease in total spending (as compared to the previous round), with a decrease in federal funds spent by child welfare agencies, and a slight increase in state/local funds. However, a more dramatic picture emerges when trends are examined over the past decade. The Child Welfare Financing SFY 2014: A Survey of Federal, State, and Local Expenditures report is one of an array of resources compiled from the survey’s findings. Others include a national overview and state-level data. Visit the Child Trends website to access all the resources.

The Center for Gender Equity in Science and Technology at Arizona State University and the Center for Digital Media Innovation and Diversity at George Mason University have release an executive summary and full report on research entitled, The Digital Lives of African American Tweens, Teens, and Parents: Innovating and Learning with Technology. Made possible by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the study was designed to understand the degree to which and in what ways African American families are using and learning with technology outside of formal learning environments such as schools. Their findings support the notion that the shortage of young African Americans going into STEM fields is not due to lack of interest in, enjoyment of, or confidence about using computers, but rather the insufficiency of resources to support their aspirations.

Achieve NYC: A Complete Guide to New York City Public Schools has the most current information regarding the City’s public schools. The guide contains important dates, details about enrolling in City schools, who to speak to in schools when you have concerns, grade-specific learning expectations, transportation options for students, and how to obtain financial aid for college. Achieve NYC is available online in multiple languages.