Schools Chancellor Aviles-Ramos Announces Signature Initiative To Address Systemic Inequities in Schools

NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos today launched New York City Public Schools Cares (NYCPS Cares), a suite of signature initiatives designed to address systemic inequities, promote safer and more supportive school communities, and empower families through improved access to city resources. Rooted in equity, NYCPS Cares will launch with a multi-phased rollout that includes the Family Connectors initiative and a student-led anti-bullying and anti-vaping campaign — each designed to create safer, more supportive school environments and strengthen the connection between families, schools, and city services.

“From day one of our administration, we have gone out into the community to hear from families across all five boroughs about the issues that matter most to them. The families of our New York City Public School students care deeply about student wellbeing, school safety, and food insecurity. These conversations haven’t led to vague promises or just words on paper — we are taking real, concrete action to ensure New York City is the best place to raise a family,” said Mayor Adams. “The release of this report — following a comprehensive listening tour — will help us remove barriers to learning and further support our students and their families. Our administration will continue to listen to New Yorkers and invest in our schools to provide students with a world-class education.”

“Having served in the New York City Public School system for almost two decades, I know firsthand that our children cannot learn—and our parents cannot fully engage with their school community—when they are worried about safety, housing, or their next meal,” said Schools Chancellor Aviles-Ramos. “For a school community to truly thrive, basic needs must be met. NYCPS Cares is designed to confront these challenges head-on through a coordinated suite of initiatives and partnerships focused on the neighborhoods that need them most.”

"The launch of NYCPS Cares exemplifies our administration's commitment to transforming how New York City supports families and students through meaningful action rather than empty promises," said Deputy Mayor Camille Joseph Varlack. "By connecting schools directly to vital city services and empowering community members, we are effecting Mayor Adams' vision for a government that responds directly to the needs expressed by New Yorkers themselves. This innovative approach demonstrates what becomes possible when we actively listen to communities and deliver bold, targeted solutions that meet families where they are."

"NYCPS Cares represents a transformative step forward in our city's commitment to addressing the longstanding challenges that have hindered the potential of our students and their families," said Deputy Mayor Ana J. Almanzar. "By fostering stronger connections between schools, families, and community resources, we are addressing immediate needs and laying the groundwork for long-term, sustainable change. This initiative embodies Mayor Adams' and this administration's deep commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed."

The Family Connector initiative is a “whole child” approach to boost academic achievement, improve attendance, and reduce school-based violence by linking families to vital city services. Starting today, family members of current New York City Public Schools students can apply to serve as Family Connectors — trusted community members who support other families in their school by providing information, resources, and referrals to partner agencies and community-based organizations.

This spring, Family Connectors will undergo five weeks of comprehensive training, equipping them with the tools to support other families. The training covers critical areas such as housing stability, food access, public benefits, legal aid, and more, ensuring that Family Connectors not only serve as trusted community advocates, but also gain direct access to life-changing information and resources for themselves and their families.  Training will be delivered in collaboration with key city agencies, including the Department of Youth & Community Development, Housing Preservation and Development, and the Department of Small Business Services.

As part of NYCPS Cares, New York City Public Schools will launch a student driven anti-bullying and anti-vaping initiative, beginning in the 2025-26 school year, with design efforts beginning this spring. These campaigns will not be created for students — they will be created by students, putting young people at the center of the conversation and empowering them to drive change in their own school communities. This bold initiative goes beyond raising awareness. It will equip students with real tools, real training, and real opportunities to lead, with a focus on peer-to-peer advocacy, culturally relevant messaging, and youth leadership development. Through hands-on training, students will gain the knowledge and confidence they need to take a stand against bullying — with a particular focus on cyberbullying, and vaping — while inspiring healthier, safer environments for themselves and their peers.

The first phase will focus on schools in 12 districts — 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 19, 23, 24, 31, and 32 — selected through a rigorous analysis of community needs. These districts were identified through a comprehensive analysis of chronic absenteeism rates, the number of students experiencing housing instability, and other key social indicators that impact student well-being and academic success. NYCPS Cares was created in direct response to the voices of families, educators, and students across the city, who called for stronger support systems, deeper investment in their communities, and partnerships that meet them with dignity and purpose. This initiative is about showing up where the need is greatest — and staying the course with real, lasting solutions.

This new body of work stands as a direct response to what families shared during the Chancellor’s Five Borough Listening Tour, where time and time again, parents, students, and educators called for safer schools, stronger connections, and more support. Themes of family empowerment and school safety emerged as urgent, citywide priorities. NYCPS Cares reflects those voices and turns them into action: meeting families where they are, investing deeply in communities that need it most, and laying the foundation for lasting change. Today, the just-published Five Borough Listening Tour Report is available here.

"Regardless of a child's race, ethnicity, ZIP code or socioeconomic status, they deserve a high-quality education that prepares them for the real world," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "NYCPS Cares works to address the longstanding systemic inequities that prevent may of our children from getting the kind of education they are owed, and I am proud to support its efforts to ensure every child can succeed academically and in life."

“We understand that navigating school in this day and age can be difficult and challenging. That is why over a year ago, we launched our Mental Health Blueprint, to prioritize our students’ mental health. The NYCPS Cares program dovetails with our Mental Health Blueprint by offering mindfulness training and equipping teachers with the knowledge and tools necessary to help students overcome those challenges. We applaud and fully support this initiative. Thank you to Mayor Adams and Chancellor Aviles-Ramos for helping to educate and provide support for students and their families,” said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella.

“The launch of NYCPS Cares is a monumental step in our city's commitment to addressing systemic inequities and creating safer, more inclusive educational environments. As we work to empower our families and scholars, initiatives like Family Connectors and the anti-bullying campaign will not only foster stronger connections between schools, families, and city resources but also ensure that every child in the Bronx and beyond has the support they need to succeed," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.

“As Chair of the Education Committee in the New York State Assembly, I applaud NYCPS Cares for putting families and students first,” said New York State Assembly Member Michael Benedetto. “This is how we build stronger and safer school communities.”

“As a former educator and a mother, I know firsthand how vital it is to create a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for our students, families, and educators,” said Council Member Rita Joseph. “NYCPS Cares is a critical step toward making that vision a reality by prioritizing school safety, mental health, and real community engagement. Coming out of the Five Borough Listening Tour, it’s clear that families and staff want action and Chancellor Aviles-Ramos is delivering. I look forward to working alongside our schools to ensure every child, teacher, and parent feels supported and empowered.”

“Every child deserves to learn in an environment where they feel safe, supported, and valued. NYCPS Cares is a critical step toward breaking down barriers and ensuring our schools are equipped with the resources necessary to uplift students and families,” said New York City Council Member Althea Stevens. “By addressing systemic inequities and fostering real community engagement, we are not just shaping the future of education—we are strengthening the very foundation of our city.”

"There is nothing more important than providing students equitable access to vital services that can have lasting impact on their wellbeing both in the classroom and out in the world,” said Greg W. Faulkner, Chairperson of the NYC Panel for Educational Policy (PEP). “Initiatives such as NYCPS Cares should be a national model for engaging the community and incorporating evidence-based lens that emphasizes bridging together holistic, community-driven support networks for students and families with specifically expressed student and family needs. We're seeing, live and in action, the unprecedented step of meeting families where they are and growing together to catalyze lasting and sustainable change across NYCPS."

"The thoughtful format of the Five Borough Listening Tour not only encouraged us to voice our concerns but also empowered us to contribute ideas for real solutions,” said Randi Garay, First Vice Chair, Chancellor’s Parent Advisory Council (CPAC). “One moment that stood out was when Chancellor Aviles-Ramos and Christina Foti noticed a parent struggling with their child. Without hesitation, they stepped in to offer support. That simple yet powerful act of kindness spoke volumes about their leadership, compassion, and commitment to our families and children. It was a beautiful reminder that true leadership is not just about policies—it’s about people.”

“The Five Borough Listening Tour was more than a conversation; it was a commitment,” said NeQuan C. McLean, President, Education Council Consortium. “True leadership begins with listening, and Chancellor Aviles-Ramos has not only heard the voices of students, parents, educators, and local leaders but is turning those insights into action. With their perspectives at the heart of the work ahead, New York City Public Schools is building a stronger, more responsive education system for every child in New York City.”