The Pinkerton Foundation

This week, Vinny Schiraldi joined The Imprint Weekly’s Senior Editor John Kelly for a conversation on how his early years shaped his journey to becoming a leading voice for justice reform. In part one, Vinny reflects on his Brooklyn adolescence, his first job working with youth in a New York group home, and the mentors and moments in the field that challenged and changed him. Don’t miss part two of Vinny’s story next week — and learn more about the newest member of the Pinkerton team in the podcast episode here:  https://lnkd.in/eut5EfNB 

It’s called “Summer Melt.” The phrase describes what happens when high school graduates who’ve been admitted to college simply fail to show up in the fall. What can be done to reverse the trend? One New York City program has produced promising results: ensuring that more students start college and, even better, persist once they are there. We’re proud to publish Reimagining the Summer after High School through Career-Connected Learning. Written by our colleagues at College Access: Research & Action (CARA) and CUNY School of Professional Studies, the report introduces the Summer College and Career Intensive, an innovative program that turns the summer after high school graduation into a launchpad for college success. By combining paid summer employment, college coursework, career-connected learning, and orientation to college life, Summer CCI prepares students to step more confidently into college.   Read the report here: https://lnkd.in/evVMkEgG  

A wonderful evening under the Big Blue Whale. Congratulations to all the doctoral and master's recipients.

Last night, Pinkerton president and CEO Rick Smith received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the American Museum of Natural History, honoring his leadership of the foundation and its role in launching the NYC Science Research Mentoring Consortium. To date, 5,500 high school students have completed a program that includes rigorous academic training and work on an authentic research project. Smith was joined in celebration by AMNH President Sean Decatur and Pinkerton's Laurie Dien and Jennifer Negron, both key players in the consortium's success.   Congratulations to all the 2025 graduates of the Richard Gilder Graduate School! Photo credit: A. Keding/© AMNH 

Pinkerton grantee UpBeat NYC was recently featured on the TODAY show for its inspiring work providing free after-school music education to young people in the South Bronx. Founders Liza and Rich Miller are joined by former student Krystal Ortiz to discuss the program's impact with TODAY's Jenna Bush Hager and Tom Llamas.    Watch the segment here: https://lnkd.in/ewxJXYjK

Vincent Schiraldi, the former head of Probation and Corrections in NYC and a leading advocate for criminal justice reform, has joined the Pinkerton Foundation as a Visiting Fellow. “Vinny is a dedicated, innovative, outspoken, and sometimes controversial advocate for young people involved in the justice system,” said CEO Rick Smith. “We are delighted to welcome his strong voice and good heart to Pinkerton.” Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/eq5-wUnk