City Year

City Year is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing educational equity and developing diverse leaders through national service. Founded in 1988 by Michael Brown and Alan Khazei, the organization unites young adults aged 18 to 24 for a year of full-time service in schools and communities across the United States and internationally.

The organization's mission is twofold: to expand educational opportunity by supporting students who are furthest from resources, and to develop leaders through national service who can work across lines of difference.

City Year's primary program involves AmeriCorps members serving as Student Success Coaches in under-resourced K-12 schools. These corps members provide holistic support to students, focusing on academic assistance, social-emotional development, and fostering positive school climates.

By addressing early warning indicators such as attendance, behavior, and course performance, they aim to keep students on track for high school graduation and future success.

Key Areas of Impact

• Influencing Education Policy: Advocating for systemic changes to promote educational equity.
• Innovating School Design and Improvement: Collaborating with educational institutions to develop and implement effective support strategies.
• Growing National Service: Encouraging young adults to participate in service as a means of personal and professional development.
• Developing Diverse and Equitable Pathways into Teaching: Creating avenues for diverse individuals to enter the teaching profession.
• Supporting Professional Development and Talents of Corps and Alumni: Providing ongoing training and resources to enhance the skills of current and former corps members.

Locations

City Year operates in 29 cities across the United States, including:

• Boston
• Chicago
• Detroit
• Los Angeles
• New York City
• Washington, D.C.
• Bellevue, WA
• Hialeah, FL
• Kansas City, MO
• Nashville, TN
• Augusta, GA
• Montclair, CA
• Providence, RI
• Surprise, AZ
• Tulsa, OK
• San Francisco, CA
• Akron, OH
• Columbus, OH

Internationally, it has affiliates in London, England, and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Through its comprehensive approach, City Year strives to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have the support and resources needed to succeed academically and become active, engaged citizens.