Empowering students through holistic support and community engagement

Community School Salomé Ureña Leadership Academy MS 322, a state secondary school in New York City, USA, is a beacon of hope and resilience, particularly for immigrant families in its community through its holistic support. The school was catalysed by the urgent need for comprehensive educational and wellness support during the pandemic, which exposed significant socialisation and emotional distress among students. In collaboration with Children’s Aid, a non-profit organisation serving children and families, tailored programmes were created focusing on social-emotional learning, equity, and leadership to equip students to advocate for justice and equality.

The academy serves 280 students and integrates health and wellness services directly into the student experience. Children’s Aid school-based health centre and mental health services have proven pivotal. For instance, since the introduction of these services, the school has seen a remarkable reduction in school coexistence issues by 29% and disciplinary absences by 5% in 2023 alone. The school's promotion rate has soared from 93% to 96%, demonstrating the effectiveness of its holistic approach.

Administratively, the school's commitment to adaptability and inclusivity ensures programmes evolve with the community's changing needs. This proactive approach has solidified its role as a central community hub, providing crucial services like medical, dental, mental health, and nutritional support that many students would otherwise lack access to.

Building on its foundation as a community school, the academy has deepened its commitment through partnerships with Children’s Aid, local NGOs and businesses. Initiatives like career days and health workshops, specifically tailored to the needs of its diverse student body, have fortified community ties and fostered an environment where educational and holistic growth go hand in hand, enhancing the socio-economic landscape of the area.

Should Salomé Ureña Leadership Academy MS 322 win the World's Best School Prize for Community Collaboration, the school plans to further enhance its community support systems, ensuring that every student has the tools needed to succeed in all aspects of life. This funding would enable the expansion of their health services and the replication of its community school model, which has already inspired other educational institutions worldwide.