East Side Community High School Parent Association

East Side Community School is a 6-12th grade Title I public school located in the Lower East Side of New York City. We are planning on taking a group of 55-60 students from our diverse community, and the cost per student is $1,200. 60% of the students do not have the opportunity or means to travel. Several educators at our school are sponsoring and chaperoning a school trip for students to visit New Orleans as a means to literally and figuratively expand their world and dive into the rich history and culture that New Orleans has to offer.

Students, some who have never traveled outside of New York, or the Lower East Side, will spend 5 days and 4 nights in New Orleans. We will tour the city, learning about the rich history, culture, and cuisine. During their stay, students will visit a plantation for a educational tour on the history of the Antebellum South, enjoy a river boat jazz dinner, cemetery tour, a night ghost tour, visit a New Orleans staple--Cafe du Monde, visit the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium, take the trolley to the Audubon Zoo and enjoy delicacies at the French Market.

We have many students who want to attend, but unfortunately even after fundraising, they cannot afford to do so because of the rising costs for families living in NYC. Your donation would help provide a scholarship to an eager and grateful young person and change their world by allowing them to experience something that they did not think was attainable. Thank you so much!

We Need Your Help!

All donations are 100% tax deductible (501c3 organization) and are eligible for MATCHING donations through many companies!

WHO ARE WE?

We are teachers at East Side Community High School located in the Lower East Side of NYC. Our students come from loving, hardworking homes, but many struggle as low income families. The pandemic has made their struggles even greater. We believe as a community that education, opportunity and exposure to the arts, history and travel can change a student's life. We started this travel abroad program 13 years ago. We have taken over 150 students abroad, many of who have gone on to study abroad in college and travel on their own as adults.

In April, we plan to take 25 students from 10-12th grade to Italy on an art history tour through Venis, Florence and Cinque Terra. The students will learn about the rich history of Western Art, visit historical sites, try new foods, learn the basic language so they will be fully emersed in the experience. These students have been working hard to raise the money for this trip. Most of our students come from low income families, but this is not stopping their dream of exploring the world-- nor should it. In order to make this life changing trip- a dream come true for these students, your kind donation is needed to help achieve their fundraising goals.

A former student wrote and said, "Growing up in the projects, I thought traveling to Europe was what other people did-never thought it would be me. Then I got a scholarship to Europe through the Art History program when I was a senior. It was the most eye-opening experience of my life. I decided to study abroad in college and haven't stopped traveling. That trip changed my life and what I thought was possible."

FUNDRAISING EFFORTS

We require that the students work for the majority of the money that they are putting towards the trip. The students are hosting bake sales, selling chocolate boxes, summer and after-school jobs. In addition to fundraising, the students will be participating in book clubs, special cultural food experience, and language lessons to truly experience the different cultures they will come in contact with while abroad. Being able to travel abroad is a life changing and educational experience. We are hoping that their familes financial struggles will not prevent these students from being able to experience this opportunity.

A short story about a student who went on the trip a few years ago. Many/Most of the kids will have very little or no help from their families to pay the money for this trip, but are committed to raising it themselves to get there. Today, one of the students came in to give in some of the money for the trip. She explained she worked two jobs (one at our school and one in Williamsburg, Brooklyn) and this was all the money she earned for the summer. She was very excited and showed me a notebook she kept to tally her earnings each week. I asked a little more about her job and she told me the job in Williamsburg gave her a stipend, so she didn't have money to take the train. She walked back and forth from 10th St. to Williamsburg each day (8 miles a day) to get to work. Her mom said she shouldn't do it. "It's not worth it." Her response to her mom was, "I have to do it, mom. It's my only way to Paris". She is so proud of herself and I am so lucky to be taking such an awesome and dedicated student!

YOUR DONATION:

Will go directly to granting scholarships for the students most in need and that have wil match their fundraising efforts. This will cover the cost of the 9 day program for travel, boarding and food.

EVERY DONATION COUNTS NO MATTER THE AMOUNT!

ALL DONATIONS ARE FULL TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

YOUR DONATION WILL HELP OUR STUDENTS REACH THEIR GOAL!

More information about East Side Community High School Parent Assocation: To Offer Charitable And Educational Support For The Children At East Side Commuinity High School And Promoting The General Welfare Of The School And Surrounding Community

East Side Community School is a 6-12th grade Title I (Over 60% of students eligible for free lunch) public school in the Lower East Side of NYC. In a school system that is unfortunately quite segregated, East Side is a rare public school where the population is truly diverse and mirrors the neighborhood and the city.  As a Facing History partner school, students study history as a way to impact the present and future.

 

In May, we will be taking forty 9th,10th, and 11th-grade students on a week-long trip to learn about the Civil Rights Movement and its legacy and lessons for today. On this trip to Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, students will visit many historical sights and museums, meet and learn from past and present history makers and activists, visit colleges, meet with other high school students, and deeply reflect on their experiences. The students who join us will use what they experience and learn to lead peers in learning and action. The NYC DOE recently opened up out of state travel, and our staff worked hard to reschedule and plan this trip for this spring. However, due to the economic needs of our students and the short notice of this trip, we are looking for funding to help provide scholarships and offset the base cost of the trip.

 

A few examples of things we will be doing:

 

For more information please email fhdr-[email redacted]. 

Help Our Students Experience a Life-Changing Journey!

All donations are 100% tax-deductible and eligible for matching!

Who We Are:

We’re teachers at East Side Community High School in NYC’s Lower East Side, supporting students from hardworking, low-income families. For 16 years, we’ve run a transformative travel program, taking over 200 students abroad. Many have gone on to study and explore the world on their own thanks to this experience.

Our Goal:

In April, we’re taking 25 high school students on an art history tour through Portugal. They’ll explore iconic sites and immerse themselves in history, art, and culture. This journey offers a unique opportunity for our students to see the world, often beyond their families’ financial reach.

Student Fundraising Efforts:

Our students are determined to make this dream a reality. They’re working hard through bake sales, after-school jobs, and more. Their commitment is inspiring—one student walked eight miles daily to her job, determined to fund her dream of visiting Paris.

Your Impact:

Your donation will go directly to scholarships, helping these students reach their fundraising goals and covering essential costs for travel, lodging, and meals. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference!

Thank You for Making This Possible!