IRVIN STERN FOUNDATION GRANTEE SPOTLIGHTS

BROOKLYN BOATWORKS

Founded in 2005, Brooklyn Boatworks (BKBW) is a youth development organization that utilizes the unique craft of wooden boat building and maritime-centered exploration to serve our mission which is to inspire young people to uncover the confidence, skills, and courage to chart pathways to success in and outside the classroom.  The Explorers Program at Brooklyn Boatworks is a transformative journey for underserved 7th-9th grade students, empowering them with hands-on STEM learning, problem solving, and critical Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) skills.

iMENTOR - CHICAGO

iMentor Chicago works to support Chicago’s young people living on the South and West sides as they navigate their complex and individual journeys toward their highest post-secondary aspirations. Through 1:1 mentorship, post-secondary curriculum, career connected learning opportunities, and social capital building, iMentor is ensuring more students access economic mobility for themselves in their families.

J. STREET EDUCATION FUND

Through a wide variety of programs and initiatives, the J Street Education Fund works to educate and mobilize our key constituencies behind a strategic effort to end the current violence and bring the remaining hostage’s home, deliver critical humanitarian aid to Gaza, effectively address the broader regional crisis, and establish a bold and comprehensive plan for regional security that promotes stability, self-determination, democracy, and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

CHAPTER 510 - OAKLAND

Founded in 2013, Chapter 510 is a made-in-Oakland youth writing, bookmaking, and publishing center. Our teaching artists and volunteers work side-by-side with educators to provide a safe space and supportive community so Black, brown, and queer youth ages 8-19 can bravely write. Chapter 510 is the only organization providing Oakland youth with in-depth writing and publishing opportunities.  Programming is designed to invite, support, inspire, and publish young BIPOC and queer students, particularly those living in destressed neighborhoods who have almost no access to free creative enrichment activities.  Each year they serve 450 youth and their families through short- and long-format writing, audio storytelling, bookmaking, and publishing workshops.

LURIE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL - FREE FAIR CLINIC

Fostering resiliency after tremendous adversity, the free FAIR Clinic is open to people from all ethnic, religious and political backgrounds, and seeks to become a regional hub for children, adolescence, and families by providing imperative evaluation, support for child health and well-being, and training for the next generation.