Global Kids, a nonprofit organization that develops youth leaders through global education and leadership development programs, will host its annual 5K walk/run at Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Saturday, Oct. 15.
The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Queens Museum and will continue around the park. Children of all ages are invited to attend for free. First, second and third place winners will receive an award.
Global Kids Executive Director Dominique Jones said she’s excited to bring New Yorkers together from across the city, especially the organization’s alumni and Young Professional Council members in the spirit of health, fitness and community.
“It’s an opportunity to reengage a number of folks who are connected to the organization in a low-cost, but high fun and high energy way,” Jones said.
This year’s event will benefit Global Kids College and Career Readiness programs, which prepare high school students for success in college and beyond.
“Our college and career programming is really infused in everything we do. We have an expectation from all of our young people to have some positive post secondary outcome — whether it be college, a career or the military,” Jones said. “We’re helping our young people understand an awareness of those options, as early as they come into our programs.”
Global Kids works primarily with middle school and high school youth in underserved communities. The organization serves students in New York City and has expanded to Washington D.C. where they now serve hundreds of youth.
Currently, only 75% of NYC public high school seniors graduate each year and only 1 in 4 has skills necessary for college success, according to Global Kids. Yet, last year in spite of COVID and additional mental health challenges, almost 100% of the organization’s youth graduated from high school with 85% heading to college.
Funding for Global Kid’s College & Career Readiness program ensures youth are supported through all steps of the process, from learning about colleges and majors, to creating a college list, to applying for financial aid and scholarships, to career workshops and exploration, and so much more. City budget cuts continue to threaten these essential programs, and donations will ensure the most vulnerable students don’t get left behind.
According to Jones, Global Kids’ goal is to make sure that well over 10,000 youth, both in NYC and Washington D.C., know that they have access to opportunities and choices.
“Global Kids is a 33 year old organization that works with tens of thousands of young people to effect change in their community,” Jones said. “I’m so proud to lead the organization as it goes into its 34th year, and we’re excited about all of the work we’re doing in NYC public schools and D.C. public schools. Our hope is that people continue to support us, whether they come to walk or run at the 5K and give a donation online at www.globalkids.org.”
For more information or to register for the Global Kids 5K run/walk, click here.
