New York Edge, a local non-profit, has created a new podcast where city kids can interview leaders in business, science, the arts and more.

The podcast, “Formative,” launched its first episode this week featuring Bronx resident Kevin, a seventh-grader who interviewed Grammy-nominated artist, Kaitlin McGaw.

“I’ll probably become a reporter, I feel like I’m a natural, at least some of my teachers say that,” the student reporter says. “The way she helped other people and gave other people chances to make a difference; she makes music that inspires other people to not give up.” [read more]

Click Here for More Info!

Kevin Hauss was the first college graduate in his family, and it wasn’t easy: He worked for six years before enrolling, and his father dipped into retirement savings for tuition. “My dad died before I graduated, but from that point on, I wanted to keep learning and doing things to make a difference,” Hauss recalls. The experience made him a lifelong learner – and ultimately led him to New York Edge, one of New York City’s largest nonprofit providers of school-based afterschool and summer programming, in 2015. Read the full article here.

The past 20 months have demonstrated, more than ever before, that after-school programs for our children are not a luxury, but a necessity. And the time has come for our city to commit itself to providing quality, free after-school programs to all children and families who seek it, in the schools they attend. [read more]

“Miss Bunna Cupcake dreams of being young enough to ride rollercoasters again.

The problem is, now that she’s over 80 years old the attendants at the amusement park will not let her ride her favorite rides.

But, Miss Bunna Cupcake is determined to relive this special experience from her youth – even if it costs her.”

*This story was created by an AMAZING group of 8-12 year olds in New York in collaboration with award-winning author, Jesse Byrd, via a workshop powered by the non-profit New York Edge. Click here to pre-order your copy!

New York Edge, the city’s largest provider of after-school programs, surprised a teacher in Jamaica with a “Thank You Meal” from McDonald’s on Oct. 16. 

Kadianne Gordon, a dance teacher at P.S./I.S. 116Q, was presented with an award by Evelyn Garcia, supervisor of the McDonald’s restaurant at 181-25 Hillside Ave. Garcia thanked Gordon on behalf of McDonald’s and delivered free breakfast meals for the class. [read more]

Listen below to New York Edge CEO, Rachael Gazdick, discuss the importance of afterschool programming with 1010 WINS.