AF Aspire Elementary fourth-grader Navaeh was one of TWO AF scholars recently selected to participate in the BET Digital Series “Are You Kidding Me?” an educational news program featuring children’s perspectives on topics related to politics, media and pop culture. We sat down with Navaeh to hear more about her. Tell us about yourself. What’s […]

AF Bushwick Middle fifth-grader Kavon was one of TWO AF scholars recently selected to participate in the BET Digital Series “Are You Kidding Me?” an educational news program featuring children’s perspectives on topics related to politics, media and pop culture. We sat down with Kavon to hear more about him and his experience. Tell us […]

We sat down with Christopher, a third grader at Achievement First Iluminar Mayoral Academy, to learn more about what Hispanic Heritage Month means to him. Tell us about yourself, Christopher. My family is from the Dominican Republic, and also from Colombia. I like speaking two languages because I get to help Spanish people speak English. […]

What does team president Esmeralda love about Speech & Debate? “It is a time where I command the stage, and I have time to share my family’s story.” AF Brooklyn High’s renowned Speech & Debate program has made waves at competitions across the country. Now, watch them speaking up about the importance of sharing their […]

In every school there are hundreds of stories of perseverance, triumph, and amazing growth. Shiloh’s story is one of those. We sat down with Shiloh, a fourth-grader at AF Hartford Academy Elementary, and her mother Prudence, to hear her story. Tell us about yourself! How do you describe yourself? Shiloh: I am funny. Funny and […]

In every school there are hundreds of stories of perseverance, triumph, and amazing growth. Angel’s story is one of those. We sat down with Angel, a third-grader at AF Aspire Elementary, and one of his teachers, Whitney Neitzel, to hear his story. When did you come to Achievement First, and what was it like for […]

14-year-old Julie, a student at AF Bridgeport Academy Middle, is involved with local civic engagement groups such as Bridgeport Generation Now and Greater Bridgeport Young Democrats, and recently spoke at several community events.  For as long as I can remember, people have told me I need to leave my community to succeed—but I’m choosing to […]

Can kids get passionate about learning — and develop the persistence to follow where it leads? One school has a plan By: Brenda Iasevoli The third- and fourth-graders at Elm City College Prep, clad in protective goggles and facemasks, studied their preserved frogs with the seriousness of med students facing their first cadaver. They had […]