Iraise Girls & Boys International Corporation

The Rise Afterschool Program continued its commitment to serving at-risk youth in Brownsville, Brooklyn during the 2022-2023 academic year. The program enrolled 61 students (K-5th grade) and provided a multifaceted, trauma-informed afterschool experience. This initiative focused on building academic readiness, artistic expression, and social-emotional development, particularly for students from low-income households and high-need environments. Program Components and 2023 Outcomes: Arts & Creative Development: Offered structured classes in dance, music, visual arts, Spanish, and creative writing. The program also featured a talent show, where students showcased their growth, with one student placing third in a borough-wide competition. Sports & Physical Wellness: The afterschool Wrestling Club continued to thrive, with three students placing at citywide matches - including two first-place titles. Soccer Club and fitness classes further supported physical engagement. Academic Support: Homework help and literacy reinforcement were embedded into the daily schedule. Personalized tutoring supplemented academic gaps, especially in math and reading. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): The program held 33 SEL sessions, facilitated by I'RAISE social workers, focusing on teamwork, empathy, and conflict resolution. These sessions helped students build communication skills and regulate emotional responses. Student Demographics & Attendance: Served 61 students total - 26 boys and 35 girls - with consistent attendance throughout the year, indicating strong family and student engagement. Individualized support ensured students felt seen, supported, and valued. Impact Summary: The Rise Afterschool Program advanced the academic, emotional, and physical development of vulnerable children in Brownsville. By combining arts, academics, athletics, and mental health support, the program provided a holistic growth environment. Families reported improved behavior, increased school engagement, and greater student confidence.

In 2022-2023, I'RAISE delivered a robust suite of online programs designed to meet the academic, mental health, and emotional needs of vulnerable youth and families across the U.S., particularly in New York City. These programs, collectively reaching over 6,000 participants, addressed persistent pandemic-related challenges and strengthened community resilience. Key Program Highlights: Expanding Educational Pathways: I'RAISE provided over 3,000 hours of virtual instruction to children ages 5-18 through its Virtual Academy, offering 15 unique courses including literacy, coding, cooking, fine arts, and Generation Z career tracks (e.g., law, entrepreneurship, and computer science). These programs ensured students remained engaged in learning outside the classroom while building new skills and digital fluency. Prioritizing Youth Mental Health: I'RAISE delivered over 2,000 hours of online mentorship, with a focus on youth affected by vicarious trauma and pandemic-related stress. Youth were paired with consistent, trained mentors who helped them set goals, build self-confidence, and navigate personal and academic challenges. Additionally, the organization hosted 50+ livestreamed mental health talks, interviewing experts and raising awareness about youth wellness strategies across diverse communities. These talks reached thousands online and contributed to a growing dialogue around culturally competent mental health care. Strengthening Academic Achievement: Over 200 children received one-on-one virtual tutoring across core academic subjects. This support was especially critical during periods of disrupted learning, helping students recover academically and rebuild confidence in remote settings. Empowering Parents and Girls of Color: More than 30 online parenting workshops were held, reaching 1,000+ parents nationwide. These workshops focused on navigating post-pandemic parenting challenges, supporting children with IEPs, advocating within school systems, and addressing caregiver burnout. Additionally, I'RAISE launched a dedicated online coaching program for middle school girls of color, serving over 50 participants. This initiative addressed racialized trauma, built self-esteem, and provided a safe, affirming space for identity exploration. Addressing Community Health Disparities: Through a COVID-19 Education and Awareness Campaign, I'RAISE reached over 2,000 community members with culturally relevant education on preventive care, long-COVID symptoms, healthcare access, and housing resources. The campaign included digital content, online forums, and printed materials. I'RAISE also conducted ongoing research into Black community hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccination, working to understand and reduce systemic barriers in healthcare access and trust. Impact Summary: Through its online programming, I'RAISE demonstrated a scalable, high-impact model that transcended physical barriers. These initiatives collectively supported youth, caregivers, and educators through academic recovery, trauma-informed mentorship, and wellness education-contributing to stronger, more connected communities during and beyond the pandemic.

IRAISE operated its Graduate intern program for the 8th year and hosted graduate interns from several universities including Fordham University, New York University, and Hunter College.

The Gen Z Career Pathways program expanded both virtually and in-person, serving youth ages 14-19 in public schools. In 2023, I'RAISE introduced a Mental Health Career Pathway, piloted at Health Opportunities High School with support from The Pinkerton Foundation. Students completed a college-level course on mental health, engaged in weekly mentorship from professionals, and participated in career exploration workshops across 7 sectors: Medicine, Mental Health, Law, Political Science, Entrepreneurship, Sports Management, and IT. Post-program surveys showed improved GPA and over 30% of students reported acceptance into training or postsecondary programs