New York Edge – New York City’s largest provider of on-site afterschool programs – has been awarded a $100,000 grant from National Grid’s Grid for Good initiative to provide tools, resources and employment opportunities to help hundreds of students across the five boroughs pursue successful careers in the energy industry.

“It is vital that our students have access to programs and tools that will enable them to expand their horizons, discover their passions, and ultimately achieve their greatest potential,” said Rachael Gazdick, CEO of New York Edge. “National Grid’s generous donation will enable us to provide students across New York City with the resources to gain invaluable skills and explore careers within one of the fastest growing fields. We are grateful to National Grid for this partnership and look forward to working together to prepare our city’s young people for future success.”

Grid for Good is National Grid’s new flagship corporate responsibility community investment program, and New York Edge will serve as one of its charity partners through this grant.

The grant will allow New York Edge to provide industry specific skills and training to hundreds of its students from ages 16 – 24 to help them gain meaningful resources and employment opportunities in the energy field. The Grid for Good program is a unique pathway to employment comprised of industry knowledge training, peer networking, work readiness training, mentoring, internship opportunities, and more.

New York Edge provides thousands of students from more than 100 schools in grades K-12 across the five boroughs with engaging programs that will enhance their learning, enable them to grow academically and personally, and help them develop the passion and perseverance to meet their goals. From robotics classes, to leadership programs, to chess club, fencing, step club and beyond, New York Edge’s groundbreaking initiatives are customized to integrate the school day curriculum and lead to improved academic performance at every level.