Leaders Beyond Borders 2026

Empowering Youth in New York City, Dominican Republic, & Puerto Rico

Help Us Reach Our $100,000 Goal This Year

After a successful 2025 summer in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic we’re growing — and we need your help to raise $100,000 to fully fund our expanded vision for 2026.

This year, we're returning to the Dominican Republic, expanding our New York programming and launching our first-ever summer camp in Puerto Rico — bringing enrichment, opportunity, and joy to youth.

We’ve already made incredible progress thanks to our community's generosity. Now, we’re launching a new campaign. Help us fund our vision and change lives.

About Building Young Leaders (BYL)

BYL is a nonprofit dedicated to serving under-resourced youth, ages 10–13, through mentorship, academic support, leadership development, and the creative arts. We help young people Grow, Lead, and Thrive — in their communities and beyond.

NYC 2026:

Throughout the year, Building Young Leaders continues its mission across New York City through workshops, after-school programs, and community events that nurture creativity, leadership, and entrepreneurship in youth ages 10–13.

Our NYC 2026 programming will deepen this impact through:

Leadership & Entrepreneurship Labs focused on teamwork, innovation, and financial literacy
Creative Arts and STEM Projects designed to inspire problem-solving and exploration
Mentorship & Community Engagement connecting students with local educators, business owners, and civic leaders

Together, these efforts prepare young people in NYC to become global thinkers and compassionate leaders — setting the stage for our international summer experiences.

Leaders Beyond Borders 2026:

Two Countries, One Mission

This summer, Leaders Beyond Borders will serve youth in:

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic — July 6 to August 7, 2026
Puerto Rico (New Site Launch)

Both camps offer full scholarships and a transformational experience for youth ages 10–13. Participants will take part in STEM, entrepreneurship, arts, leadership, and sports programming, creating meaningful cultural exchanges between students from the Caribbean and the diaspora.

What Your Support Makes Possible

Creative & Performing Arts (including ballet and folkloric traditions)
Sports & Team Building (tennis, flag football, and more)
STEM & Entrepreneurship (Minecraft coding, business pitch workshops)
Social-Emotional Learning and Career Exploration (via our Career Ballad series)
Cultural Exchange & Immersive Field Trips
Passionate U.S.-based Volunteers leading all session

Join Us.

Together, we can open doors and build a brighter future for youth who deserve the chance to lead, grow, and thrive — across borders.

Follow us on Instagram!

https://bylcommunity.org/

Building Young Leaders Sip & Pava Paint

Fundraiser

Team Members