| I hope you and your family are doing well and enjoying the spring sunshine. Before March is over, I want to recognize Women’s History Month. When I think of women’s history, I also reflect on the women who make a difference in our community and parent outreach movement. That’s why I wanted to take this opportunity to give a shout-out to the Chancellor’s Parent Advisory Council (CPAC), an organization composed almost entirely of women. CPAC is a group of true champions for children’s education and a wonderful partner with the UFT. CPAC supplements funds to counteract budget cuts and help bring the fun back to school, shares best practices with parents to help them advocate for their children and works tirelessly to uplift public education. They’ve made a huge difference in NYC schools, especially during the height of the pandemic. Recently, CPAC worked with the Family and Community Empowerment Bridge Team to revise Chancellor’s Regulation A-660 and increase access to parent-teacher association meetings by adding virtual and hybrid options. We’ve already seen how this change has improved family participation and strengthened parents’ voices. You can read more about these amazing women and how you get involved in parent leadership by visiting the CPAC website. See more resources news you can use below. In unity,Nicholas CruzUFT Director of Community and Parent Engagement ncruz@uft.org  Summer programs Ladders for Leaders: Paid internships for high school and college students Ladders for Leaders is a nationally recognized program that offers outstanding high school and college students the opportunity to participate in paid professional summer internships with leading corporations, non-profit organizations and government agencies in New York City. Students between the ages of 16 and 21 are invited to apply before the deadline of April 22. Learn more and apply Summer Law Institute for 8th-grade students Legal Outreach’s Summer Law Institute invites 8th-graders to learn about law and the criminal justice system, meet attorneys, go on field trips and participate in a mock trial with a real judge during its five-week Summer Law Institute. The program runs from July 5 to Aug. 5, and applications are due by April 2. Learn more and apply Summer Youth Employment Program New York City’s annual Summer Youth Employment Program is back! New Yorkers between the ages of 14 and 24 may apply for paid jobs at participating community-based organizations. This year’s program includes two six-week cohorts beginning on July 5 and running through Aug. 20. Applications are due by April 22. Learn more and apply  News and Resources NYC Free Tax Prep Taxes are due on April 18. Due to a variety of changes to the tax code, you may have more opportunities to increase your refund, if you’re eligible for one. The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection and the City’s Annual Tax Season Initiative will offer free tax preparation and filing to New Yorkers who earned less than $71,000 in 2021. Learn more New IDNYC enrollment centers All New York City residents ages 10 and older, regardless of immigration status, are eligible for an NYC ID they can use to access a variety of programs and services around the city. There are 16 new enrollment centers throughout the five boroughs where you and your children can get your IDs. Capacity is limited and by appointment only. Find an enrollment center and book your appointment  Opportunities UFT Be BRAVE Against Bullying Video Contest Middle school students may submit videos to the UFT’s Be BRAVE Against Bullying Initiative’s annual video contest by April 29. The winners will receive cash prizes and accept their awards at a ceremony at UFT headquarters in May. Students must have a teacher sponsor their contest entry. Learn more and submit your video Earth Day poster contest for K-6 students The New York State Senate invites students in kindergarten through 6th grade to create a poster for its Earth Day campaign. This year’s theme is Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Contest submissions are due by April 13. Learn more and submit your poster Volunteer with the NYC Civic Engagement Commission The City’s Civic Engagement Commission needs volunteers to help connect New Yorkers with civic opportunities. The Commission is looking for participatory budgeting outreach volunteers, language assistance program outreach volunteers and volunteer leaders. Learn more and apply Paid internships for youth St. Nick’s Alliance invites New York City youth between the ages of 16 and 24 to apply for its 14-week paid internship program. Participants attend five hours of work readiness workshops and work 10 hours each week. They also meet with case managers to plan for their careers. Learn more and apply “Commissioner for a Day” essay contest for high school students High school students with an interest in emergency management are invited to enter the “Commissioner for a Day” essay contest for a chance to visit NYC Emergency Management headquarters and participate in an award ceremony. Essays must be submitted by April 1. Learn more and apply Apply for a job at a Fresh Air Fund camp The Fresh Air Fund, which runs free sleepaway camps in upstate New York for children who live in New York City, is looking for staff for its 2022 programs. Learn more and apply Apply for a job at an NYC park The NYC Parks Department has full-time, part-time and seasonal openings waiting to be filled by nature-lovers. Learn more and apply |
