Innovative program empowers approximately 740 NYC Youth and Educators to Act Locally on Global Issues through Engagements with the United Nations and the World
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New York, NY
Commissioner Edward Mermelstein of the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs marked the start of the 9th program year of NYC Junior Ambassadors with the unveiling of the 2024 cohort of participating classrooms representing public schools and afterschool programs across the five boroughs of New York City. This announcement continues Mayor Eric Adams and the Administration’s commitment to young New Yorkers and their engagement in global affairs and community advocacy. The 2024 cohort is diverse across subject areas, topics of interest, learning abilities, and other socio-economic spectrums. It will include approximately 21 classrooms from 7th, 8th, and 9th grades, totaling nearly 740 students and educators. The 2024 program year will run from January to June. The program is possible through a grant from the New York City’s Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City via the MSC Foundation.
“Our administration is creating opportunities for young New Yorkers every day, and the NYC Junior Ambassadors program delivers that for over 742 young people and educators,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “When young people engage as citizens, they learn how to advocate for themselves and their communities. I want to congratulate the new cohort of NYC Junior Ambassadors — thanks to you, our city and our world will be in good hands.”
“My team and I are thrilled to welcome the 2024 cohort of NYC Junior Ambassadors. Empowering young New Yorkers is a core part of our mission. We are happy to collaborate with our sister agencies, the United Nations, and other stakeholders to give our youth and educators unprecedented opportunities to experience life beyond their zip code,” said Edward Mermelstein, Commissioner, NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs. “This program transforms the lives of participants by broadening their perspectives and empowering them to trust their voices while acting for the good of their communities and the world. We are grateful to Mayor Eric Adams for his vision for New York City youth and educators. Together, we are creating a legacy of global citizens.”
“New York City is truly an international city due to its unique relationship with the United Nations, its diverse immigrant communities from across the globe, and its booming tourist sector serving thousands of visitors from abroad,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar. “As a result, the city’s young people are well-positioned to become future leaders in public service, business, and environmental justice. I know firsthand from my own experience at the United Nations during college that programs like NYC Junior Ambassadors are instrumental in exposing our students to challenges across the globe and allowing them to participate in developing their own solutions.”
“The NYC Junior Ambassadors program embodies our dedication to amplifying youth voices in conversations that resonate, from local neighborhoods to the global stage,” said Christie Saint-Vil, Director of Strategic Relationships, NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs. “The program exposes our youth to different experiences that will shape their outlook on the world for years. We’re excited to welcome the 2024 cohort of students and educators to our 9th program year. Let’s empower the next generation to shape a world that listens to their insights and dreams.”
“I was very pleased to learn that we will be a NYC Junior Ambassador classroom again this year. The program brings such great benefits to the students. The most important one is that students get to see how what we are learning relates to other people outside the classroom”, said Jeff Utz, Science Teacher at The Montauk-Junior High School 223 (Brooklyn). “They will also learn about the United Nations and the Sustainable Development Goals and their importance. Of course, I will teach them about this, but when they leave the classroom and visit the UN as well as have an ambassador visit, they experience their learning differently. Finally, working with other teachers around the city enhances my teaching and learning as well.”
“Eagle Academy for Young Men, Southeast Queens, is excited to be a part of the 2024 cohort of NYC Junior Ambassadors! Empowering young men to be “Globally Conscious, Globally Competitive” is a core part of our mission,” said Patrice McCullough, Educator, Eagle Academy for Young Men III (Southeast Queens, Queens South District 29.)
“Eagle SEQ Scholars are taught to take pride in their families, friends, community, and most of all, themselves. Through their leadership, they blaze a trail for others to follow. Partnering with The NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, the Department of Youth and Community Development, the United Nations, and the United Nations Foundation further supports Eagle Academy SEQ’s mission to expose our young men to opportunities and a world that goes beyond the walls of their inner-city community.”
