exalt

We are thrilled to share highlights from exalt’s Transfer Tuesday, part of our Back-to-School Initiative led by our dedicated Education Advocate, Melinda Cosme, and our education team. As one of a series of events supporting our educational goals, this vibrant day brought together students and alumni, many preparing for transfer schools or new beginnings with tutors, advocates, and educators from across New York City. For some of our youth, this was their very first back-to-school kickoff, and the energy was inspiring. We are grateful to our incredible partners who made this launch such a success: NYC Public Schools Petey Greene Program Advocates for Children John Jay College of Criminal Justice Together, we created a powerful day of encouragement, resources, and celebration—reminding our young people that they’ve already proven their ability to succeed in learning environments at exalt, gained worker identities through internships, and are now taking the next step toward their academic and career goals. This event is only the beginning. With your support, exalt continues to build pathways that ensure court-involved youth not only return to school, but thrive once they’re there.

The results speak for themselves. This past year, exalt students defied the odds: 98% re-engaged in school 100% matched with paid internships 95% did not recidivate 75% achieved sentence reduction Now, we’re welcoming a new class of youth into our classrooms — where they are seen as students, leaders, and scholars in the making. But many arrive facing deep economic hardship — without a MetroCard, laptop, or the essentials to succeed. That’s where you come in. Let’s do it again. Help us raise $50,000 to provide: MetroCards Back-to-school materials Paid internships Academic support Every gift sends our students back to school with dignity, purpose, and a belief in their own brilliance. Donate today here: bit.ly/supportexalt

We are hiring for a Court Liaison! Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/ecNtsYas

Thank you to City & State for interviewing our CEO, Dr. Gisele Castro, on how to effectively forge pathways for young people out of the justice system. https://lnkd.in/efZ3R2YX

You Opened the Door — They Walked Through. They stepped into the real world — and thrived. At exalt, our students don’t just imagine a different future — they get to live it. But none of this happens without your support. Because of you, our youth are: - Interning at real workplaces - Learning to navigate challenges with confidence - Pursuing college and career paths they never thought possible And there’s still time to make a difference. Help us raise $50,000 by August 15 to support their future. Every dollar you give today helps launch a young person into the school year with the resources, belief, and opportunity they deserve. Donate today: bit.ly/supportexalt

Join Us for a Powerful Youth Art Showcase! Experience the transformative power of youth art at A Note From the Field 003: The Story From Within, facilitated by multi-medium artist and exalt’s Director of Education, Keshad Adeniyi. Through poetry, painting, and storytelling, these young artists share powerful reflections on healing, community, and the sociopolitical realities faced by youth involved in the criminal legal system. Date: Wednesday, August 13th Time: Gallery opens at 4:30 PM | Program begins promptly at 6:30 PM Location: Seven Gallery House | 35 Meadow Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206 Come support these young voices and engage with art that inspires change. RSVP now: bit.ly/ife-art

Because Someone Believed in Me Momentum is building—and it’s because of you. Every day, exalt youth are rewriting their stories. With academic tutoring, legal advocacy, MetroCards, and mentorship—they're stepping into their futures empowered. But transformation doesn’t happen alone. It happens when someone believes in them. “exalt saw something in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself.” – Princess Kelly, exalt alumna Help us raise $50,000 by August 15 to support more youth like Princess. Donate today here: bit.ly/supportexalt

Let’s do it again! Help exalt students start the school year strong. A new school year is on the horizon—and exalt students are ready. But they need the resources and support to set them up for success. With your help, we can make sure every student feels prepared and seen. We’re raising $50,000 by August 15 to help them start strong. Back to School. Forward with Purpose. Donate today and be part of a powerful fresh start: bit.ly/supportexalt

Last week, exalt was proud to participate in the 2025 NYS Youth Justice Summit hosted by the New York Youth Justice Institute YJI of the University at Albany. Our very own CEO, Dr. Gisele Castro, joined a powerful panel exploring the transformative role of education in the lives of system-impacted youth. We’re honored to be part of a statewide conversation that centers opportunity, equity, and healing. Shoutout to Dr. Eddie Fergus for moderating an insightful session on the Y-Facts Data Center, and big thanks to New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Joseph Popcun, Commissioner Rossana Rosado, and the entire team at YJI (particularly panel organizers Alysha May and La-Meik Taylor) for making space for dialogue and change.