By Inayah Ansari and Tiffany Perry Across the country, many young people face challenges meeting grade-level reading proficiency. These national trends are pronounced in New York City, where the diverse
Deborah T. Velazquez, the President of the Altman Foundation, briefly talks about our decade-long partnership. Q&A Q: How did the Altman Foundation first connect with ExpandED Schools, and what inspired
Middle school students tour Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. By Alex Fendrich As the summer comes to a close, it’s impressive to see how many students participated in the Exploring
By Ava Lehner High-impact tutoring (HIT), also known as high-dosage tutoring, has emerged as a promising academic intervention method in the fight against pandemic learning loss. But what exactly makes
By Isabella Fante and Ashley R. Johnson, M.S.Ed. With the support of Google, ExpandED Schools sought to administer a cross-city survey targeting the presence of Computer Science (CS) programming across
By Natalie Colón Recently, ExpandED Schools’ MS ExTRA Initiative celebrated its 10th anniversary with the participation of over 13 middle schools from across the city in its annual Live Projects Convening.
By Alex Fendrich In April, ExpandED Schools, in partnership with the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development, hosted a “Careers in Sports” virtual panel aimed at bringing together sports
By Antoineta Meekins Photo courtesy of Keturah Pelle Born and raised in The Bronx, Keturah Pelle embarked on a mission fueled by her passion for empowering the next generation and
By Saskia Traill, PhD At the end of January, the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) hosted a second session for community partners about literacy before
Recently, Saye Joseph, Chief of Staff for Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse and I visited P.S. 222K in Brooklyn. We toured the school and witnessed the vibrant afterschool programming provided by Millennium Development, our longstanding partner that has been serving the community since 1993. The students played games such as Jeopardy and vibrantly participated in spirited, healthy competition during a math bee. The energy in the building was contagious, making it a memorable and inspiring visit.
Marleny Polanco has been with ExpandED Schools for over two years, overseeing literacy programs in the Bronx and Manhattan. With more than 17 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Marleny brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role.
Known for her meticulous attention to detail and sweet demeanor, Marleny is deeply committed to supporting educators and fostering student success. Her thoughtful approach ensures that literacy initiatives are implemented with care and precision, creating meaningful and lasting impacts in the schools she serves.
Allison Philippin has been a vibrant and dedicated member of the ExpandED Schools team for over three years. She oversees literacy programs in schools across Brooklyn, bringing her energetic and bubbly personality to every interaction.
Allison is passionate about cultivating strong relationships with educators and school communities, consistently pushing for greatness in literacy education. Her enthusiasm and commitment inspire those around her to strive for excellence, ensuring students and educators alike have the support they need to thrive.
Noel Morales has been an integral part of the ExpandED Schools team for over three years, bringing his expertise and dedication to literacy education. He oversees literacy programs in schools across the Bronx, supporting educators in creating dynamic and impactful learning environments for their students.
Passionate about equity and access in education, Noel is committed to helping schools implement innovative literacy strategies that inspire a love for learning. His collaborative approach ensures that both teachers, literacy educators, and students have the resources and support needed to succeed.
Alex De La Cruz has been a dedicated member of the ExpandED Schools team for over five years, specializing in literacy program support. As a senior team member, Alex oversees literacy initiatives in schools across Brooklyn and Queens, working closely with educators to foster impactful and engaging learning experiences for students.
With a deep commitment to education, Alex focuses on building strong, supportive relationships with schools and empowering literacy educators to achieve their goals. His work reflects a passion for ensuring that every student has access to the tools they need to thrive academically and creatively.
Inayah Ansari is a seasoned professional with more than a decade of experience in youth development. Throughout her career, she has focused on creating impactful programs and content, particularly in the areas of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and goal development. In addition to her expertise in program development, she has also supervised and coached teams, as well as collaborated with community-based organizations (CBOs) to enhance their efforts in supporting young people.
Inayah’s deep passion for reading books fuels her dedication to her work, especially in her current role with Lit C.R.E.W. She is committed to helping children unlock the joy of reading, believing it can open up a world of possibilities and learning for young minds. Her mission is to inspire and guide children in discovering the wonderful world of books, fostering a love of reading that will benefit them for a lifetime.
Tiffany Perry brings over 15 years of experience in education and a decade in the nonprofit sector to her role as Director of Lit C.R.E.W. at ExpandED Schools. She oversees programming in more than 15 schools across New York City, championing innovative literacy initiatives that inspire both educators and students.
A passionate advocate for literacy and creativity, Tiffany is dedicated to empowering young learners to unlock their potential through engaging and meaningful educational experiences. Her work is driven by a deep belief in the transformative power of reading and its ability to connect, inform, and inspire the next generation.
