NYC ICO Agencies
NYC ICO works with a number of social service agencies and schools. If you are interested in becoming a partner agency and getting your students out, please check out our Get Involved page or email our NYCICO Chair at sierraclub.nycico@gmail.com
Catrock Youth Leadership Academy
Catrock Ventures is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization investing in youth. They provide transformative outdoor experiences, community service learning opportunities, and academic support to help young people become socially responsible change makers. NYCICO partners with Catrock Ventures on the Catrock Youth Leadership Academy, a select group of students who demonstrate a passion and commitment to the outdoors and have a desire to learn more. Click here for more information. Currently we are working with students from two schools: West Bronx Academy for the Future and Kappa International High School. The CatRock students attend monthly outdoor expeditions and leadership trainings, become certified in first aid and CPR, and will go on to assist on outdoor trips. Most importantly, alumni serve as role models and mentors to younger students.
Certified Leader: Craig Meisner craigadammeisner@gmail.com
Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School
Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School is a co-educational, college-preparatory, Roman Catholic high school located in the historic heart of Fort Greene, Brooklyn. The school serves students in grades 9 through 12. Loughlin was founded in 1851 and has a long and proud history- the school band played for Lincoln's funeral procession in 1865- but today, our vibrant school is home to one of the finest STEM programs in New York City, a renowned music program, and has one of the most decorated athletic programs in the country. The school graduates at least 99% of its senior students with at least 97% of graduates matriculating to college each year. In 2023, Loughlin enrolled nearly 600 students, making it the fifth-largest Catholic high school in Brooklyn and Queens.
Certified Leader To Be: Micah Effron micah.effron@gmail.com
Democracy Prep
Democracy Prep educates responsible citizen-scholars for success in the college and careers of their choice AND for lives of active citizenship. In close partnership with families, we empower young people with the skills, habits, and values to flourish not only as future leaders and workers, but also as neighbors, voters, and community leaders who will strengthen our American democracy and change the world! Democracy Prep students learn to make a positive difference in their communities and the world. They perform acts of service to others, register voters, lobby for policy change, and use their voices and talents for the greater good.
Democracy Prep schools are safe, supportive, joyful spaces where we tend to all aspects of child development. We are excited to partner with ICO in order to provide opportunities to our scholars in the outdoors!
Certified Leader: Christina Pagan christina.n.pagan@gmail.com
The Heights Urban Empowerment
The Heights Urban Empowerment is a premiere Traditional Scouting Program for All. We are based in Washington Heights and serve young men and women from ages 11-17 in the New York City Area. Our program focuses on leadership, stewardship and outdoor skills utilizing the Baden-Powell Service Association (BPSA) curriculum. The program is maintained by volunteers. Of whom have their own respective professional careers and want to share their experience and expertise with the youth of 718th New York City. We camp, hike, cycle, volunteer and much more. Come join us! Both youth and adults are welcome!
Certified Leaders: Antonio Camacho antonioac@thuenyc.org, Lizzette Perez lizzettep@thuenyc.org
Humanities Prep
Humanities Prep, a small progressive high school in the Bayard Rustin Educational Campus in Chelsea, provides an academically challenging and welcoming alternative to traditional schools. It is the mission of the Humanities Preparatory Academy to provide a philosophical and practical education for all students. We agree with Socrates that the “unexamined life is not worth living,” and it is our desire to prepare students to live thoughtful and meaningful lives. Getting outside and participating in challenging adventures is aligned with Prep's mission, so they are excited to be partnering with ICO and introducing their students to the world of hiking.
Certified Leader: Christina Pagan christina.n.pagan@gmail.com
James Baldwin Outdoor Learning Center
Intersection of Goulden Avenue and Sedgwick Avenue and W Mosholu Parkway South Bronx, NY 10468
The James Baldwin Outdoor Learning Center
Certified Leader: Abiola Van O Soy-Bruce vanosoy30@gmail.com
Keaton's Kids
Keaton's Kids provides underserved kids with transformation outdoor adventures and experiences in nature. Their motto is: "Adventures that change hearts, minds, and lives." Keaton's Kids has found a number of organizations whose work it is to take at risk or underserved kids on adventures of a lifetime. They work with them to get kids surfing, snowboarding, and hiking.
Leaders: Cat Guthrie, Kevin Spath keatonskids@gmail.com
Manhattan Academy of Technology
80 Catherine Street
New York, NY 10038
Manhattan Academy of Technology is a middle school located in Manhattan on the Lower East side in Chinatown, an area which is classified as a high-poverty neighorhood. We work with MS 126 through the Sophie Gerson Healthy Youth Program.
The school serves 830 children of which half are in grades 6 through 8. The school adjoins both the Alfred E Smith public housing project and a major family homeless shelter. Over 90% of the children are eligible for free breakfast and lunch. The school student population consists of 23% classified as needing special education services and 16% classified as English Language Learners.
Certified Leader: Nick Radulescu nrad493@yahoo.com; Diana Stern dianalee312@gmail.com
MS 167 The Robert F. Wagner School
220 East 76th Street New York, New York 10021
The Wagnar School is a vibrant and welcoming school that serves a diverse community of students. The school is committed to collaborating with one another to meet the academic, behavioral and social-emotional needs of students. The students appreciate that they are challenged academically in an environment where teachers take the time to get to know them personally. They also like all the opportunities that are available to them in a big school setting including after-school, band, sports, and outdoor adventures and wilderness programs. Parents appreciate the diverse student population and dedicated staff. They value the accessibility of the administrators and teachers. In addition to a strong core curriculum, Wagner has one of the largest music programs in the city, providing approximately 500 students with instrumental classes. We work with MS 167 through the Sophie Gerson Healthy Youth Program.
Certified Leader: Jenni Dyer jdyer2@schools.nyc.gov
MS 302
681 Kelly St, Bronx, NY 10455
MS 302 Luisa Dessus Cruz is dedicated to the academic and personal development of students who will become tomorrow’s leaders in the fields of mathematics, science, technology, and social service with the support and respect of the school community. In an atmosphere like that of a family, both caring and firm, students are challenged to question, anticipate, problem-solve, effectively communicate, assume personal responsibility to build strong character and emerge as enthusiastic life-long learners and independent thinkers motivated by the pursuit of academic excellence and social responsibility. We work with MS 126 through the Sophie Gerson Healthy Youth Program.
Certified Leader: Nick Radulescu nrad493@yahoo.com; Diana Stern dianalee312@gmail.com
PS 10
511 7th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215
PS 10, a Magnet school for Science and Technology in Park Slope has a program called the "Green Dreamers" group; a group of ~60 kids, ages 10-11, who continually engage in environmental and socially progressive projects.
Certified Leader: Justin Zucker zuckzuck@gmail.com
PS/ MS 57 James Weldon Johnson
James Weldon Johnson serves a diverse students population in East Harlem. We currently have 568 students in grades 3k- 8th grades. The education of our children begins in the home and is continued through a partnership between parents, educators, and the community. We believe that all children will achieve when provided with active learning experiences that challenge and build real-life connections. Children must be empowered to become full participants in their education.
Certified Leader:
P.S. 100 Isaac Clason
800 Taylor Avenue, Bronx NY 10473
PS 100 is an elementary school that is committed to building a safe and supportive environment, where the school community works together to prepare young leaders for tomorrow. This is done by giving the opportunity to NYC Inspiring Connections Outdoors to help the students become future leaders and contribute to the environment. We have fourth and fifth graders who participate in our program and their faces light up when they have the opportunity to be in the outdoors. PS 100 students are happy to have NYCICO experiences and access to the outdoors. The trips work to promote positive wellness, connection, and leadership skills that are then transferred in their school and home lives.
Certfied Leader: Angelica Ortiz Aortiz7718@gmail.com
PS 159
2315 Washington Avenue
Bronx, NY 10458
PS 159 is our youngest agency, made up of third to fifth grade classes from the Bronx. We introduce the kids to outdoor activities that most have never had an opportunity to experience, while teaching about different topics that affect the environment. We stress teamwork and respect for the environment & each other on our trips. The kids are extremely excited to participate in the program and come ready to learn and explore.
Certified Leaders: Sally Bojorquez briggs.sally@gmail.com Laura Shanon laura_shanon@yahoo.com
PS 241
240 West 113th St.
New York, NY 10026
PS 241 is the longest-running NYC ICO agency, at 16 years. It is a STEM school and we serve the fourth and fifth grade classes. We aim to get this lively group of ten year olds as much experience as possible in nature to gain outdoor skills - culminating in an overnight trip in June. We tend to get repeat volunteers throughout the year, which is great for the kids to develop consistent relationships. Join us on our next trip!
Certified Leaders: Lizzie Hummer hummer.elizabeth@gmail.com
TRUE Mentors
Hudson County, New Jersey
TRUE Mentors, Inc. helps young people develop healthy, strong relationships, allowing them to realize and reach their full potential. TRUE stands for TRUE Relationships Unearth Excellence. We partner participants with adult mentors, volunteers, and employers within the same community. Offering one-to-one, group, educational and professional mentoring programs to youth between the ages of 7 and 18 (or through high school senior year) residing in Hudson County, New Jersey.
Certified Leader: Anna Jenks anna.jenks@gmail.com
The Young Women's Leadership School of the Bronx
1865 Morris Avenue
Bronx, NY 10453
The Young Women's Leadership School of the Bronx (TYWLS Bronx) is a unique all-girls school founded to educate young women and give them the confidence and skills necessary to succeed in college, in their careers, and in their communities. The mission of the The Young Women's Leadership School of the Bronx is to develop a community of self-confident and innovative young women, empowering them to be tomorrow's leaders, particularly in the fields of math, science, engineering and technology. Join this excited and energetic group on their next outdoor adventure!
Certified Leader: Sandhya Kolge sdkolge@yahoo.com
Kinship Climbing Collective
Kinship Climbing Collective (KCC) is a rock climbing and leadership development program serving young women and gender expansive youth from NYC public schools. YWWC empowers its participants to recognize their own power and potential through climbing, mentorship, and community. YWWC’s curriculum is designed to help young women recognize their own strength and realize their potential through a discipline they may not have experienced before: climbing. The YWWC program empowers girls to become not just climbers, but leaders in both their communities and the outdoors.
For more information contact: Alexis Krauss alexis.krauss@gmail.com