We Need Your Help!

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

WHO ARE WE?

East Side Community School is a Title 1 school located in the Lower East Side of NYC. We believe, as a community, that education, opportunity and exposure to the arts, history and travel can change a student's life. We started the travel abroadart program 15 years ago. We have taken over 150 students abroad, many of whom have gone on to study abroad in college and travel on their own as adults.

In April, we plan to take 20 students from 9-12th grade to France and Spain on an art history tour through Paris and Barcelona. The students will learn about the rich history of Western Art, visit historical sites, such as the Louvre, Monet’s Garden, Versailles, Picasso’s museum , park de Guell. They will

also try new foods, learn the basic language so they will be fully immersed 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 we will match their fundraising efforts. This will cover the cost of the 9 day program for travel, boarding and food.

EVERY DONATION and WINNING BID HELPS

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 Community High School And Promoting The General Welfare Of The School And Surrounding Community

Support East Side Arts and Travel Program