Westchester Children’s Association is proud to officially announce that we are one of five organizations to receive a 2025 Youth Civic Engagement grant from the The New York Community Trust – Westchester.
With this grant, WCA will partner with the Peekskill Youth Bureau, Black Diamonds Academic Success, and the Peekskill School District to deliver a civics and advocacy curriculum to Peekskill youth. The program aims to deepen students’ understanding of civics, civic engagement, and their role in driving change through voting, leadership, messaging, and mobilization.
WCA will lead interactive sessions focused on how government works, the importance of voting, and how to effectively advocate to decision-makers. Students will also gain valuable skills in data fluency and literacy, learning why evidence-based data is essential in advocacy and beyond.
As part of the program, students will develop a personal advocacy goal and learn how to advance it through coalition-building, storytelling, and strategic communication. They will also have the opportunity to engage directly with local lawmakers. We are excited to work alongside community partners and help our county’s youth learn to use their voices to speak up for their own needs and the needs of others.
And, we are forever grateful for the support the New York Community Trust has given to Westchester’s children.