NYC Ladders for Leaders is an innovative program that was created to educate New York City youth about the importance of obtaining a college degree as a fundamental step towards accomplishing their future career goals.

A joint initiative of the New York City Commission on Women's Issues and the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, NYC Ladders for Leaders was initially launched as a pilot program to create a new pipeline of diverse, talented young high school women from areas of need into corporate and government sector jobs under the name of "NYC GirlsREACH."

After the success of the pilot program, "NYC GirlsREACH" first expanded to include young men and then merged with another pilot youth initiative, opening the doors of the newly titled NYC Ladders for Leaders program to both New York City high school and college participants alike.

NYC Ladders for Leaders pairs participants with mentors in a professional seven-week summer internship. The internship experience is bolstered by regular gender-specific workshops on a variety of issues such as financial literacy, health and well-being, and leadership development as well as through SAT and college preparatory classes which are offered free to any participant of the program. At the end of the summer internship, participants have the opportunity to receive a college scholarship as well as the chance to apply for round-trip airline tickets to visit colleges throughout the continental United States.

NYC Ladders for Leaders is funded through private sector support. To make a donation or partner on this program, please contact the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City at (212) 788-7794