It all began with an idea…
…an idea that grew from a small pilot program with six schools to the largest community school network in New York City powered by a team of passionate experts, educators, administrators, social workers, parents, and community leaders who are proving every day that the community school model works.

Rethinking what’s possible
The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) forms an exploratory group to reimagine a community approach to educating the whole child in public schools serving children and families with high needs.
Observing Examples
A group of key stakeholders including UFT President Michael Mulgrew, Vice President for Elementary Schools Karen Alford, Vice President of UFT Federation of Nurses Anne Goldman, Kathryn Wylde of the nonprofit Partnership for NYC, Timothy Freyd of Trinity Church, and New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn visit Cincinnati to observe its celebrated citywide community school model.
Launching the Initiative

The UFT, Partnership for NYC, Trinity Church and New York City Council officially form the NYC Community Learning Schools Initiative (eventually to become United Community Schools) with $600,000 in seed funding. Headed by UFT Vice President Karen Alford, the organization announces its first cohort of six community schools—three elementary schools and three high schools across four New York City boroughs.
Building Partnerships
The NYC Community Learning Schools Initiative finds its first anchor partners: PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Food Bank for NYC, and Lutheran Hospital.
Adding Social Workers to Our Model
Based on feedback from educators, the NYC Community Learning Schools Initiative works with the UFT to place social workers in schools for the first time. The impact is immediate, and embedded social workers become core to United Community Schools’ model.
Program Grows to 28 Schools
Within just three years, the NYC Community Learning Schools Initiative becomes the largest single network of community schools in New York City.
Influencing Policy

Third grade teacher, National Board Certified educator, and community school advocate Kishayna Hazlewood is appointed to the governor’s task force to revamp Common Core learning standards. She brings the practitioner perspective to the task force and helps grow awareness of the NYC Community Learning Schools Initiative and its mission.
Improving Attendance
The NYC Community Learning Schools Initiative partners with Attendance Works and launches an initiative to improve attendance in several cohort schools.
Garnering National Recognition
The NYC Community Learning Schools Initiative, now a recognized leader in community school best practices, facilitates a panel at the Community School National Forum in Albuquerque, NM.
Supporting Educators and Administrators
Recognizing the need for educator and administrator support, the NYC Community Learning Schools Initiative launches its first professional development and learning series for educators and principals.
Lobbying for Change

NYC Community Learning Schools Initiative joins the UFT political action effort helping to successfully lobby for a record $175,000,000 to support community school initiatives statewide.
Sharpening our Vision

Paving the way with extensive lobbying to change outdated regulations, the NYC Community Learning Schools Initiative opens the state’s first fully equipped, full-service school-based vision center at PS 188 in Coney Island. A second school-based health and vision center follows shortly thereafter at PS 18X in the South Bronx.
Amplifying Our Brand

Seeking to better convey its mission and embody its expertise, the NYC Community Learning Schools Initiative changes is its name to United Community Schools and launches an award-winning new brand identity.
Securing the Future

United Community Schools receives a prestigious $2.3 million five-year federal grant to provide mental health services, restorative practices and after-school programming at three of its Bronx schools.
Sharing Our Expertise

United Community Schools begins offering consulting services, implementation materials, and professional learning modules to schools everywhere.
Being a Lifeline For Kids and Families During the Pandemic
In this time of increased need, United Community Schools doubles down on its efforts, helping to feed more families than ever and adding to its services and supports virtual counseling and wellness check-ins, remote academic and enrichment programs, access to technology and internet connectivity, and much more.