Our Vision:
All New York City students receive the education they need to maximize their potential as adults
Our Mission
Advocates for Children of New York (AFC)’s mission is to ensure a high-quality education for New York students who face barriers to academic success, focusing on students from low-income backgrounds.
Our Model
AFC simultaneously works side by side with students and their families, providing the one-on-one guidance and advocacy they need, while pressing for systemic reforms that benefit all students.
Our unique and flexible approach to problem-solving gets students the support they need to succeed, educates and empowers families, and drives meaningful education reform.
Free advice and legal representation
We help families of students who are struggling or experiencing discrimination in school to protect their education-related rights and obtain the educational support their children need.
Free trainings and workshops
Our know-your-rights trainings for parents, communities, educators, and other professionals equip them to better advocate on behalf of students.
Policy advocacy
Based on our 50 years of on the ground experience, we conduct policy advocacy that spurs change in the education system and improves education outcomes.
Impact litigation
When real change will not happen without a court order, our impact litigation provides the most marginalized students protection under the law, gives them the opportunity to receive a quality education, and compels education reform.
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Kendall's Story
Kendall graduated from Cooke’s high school in spring 2015, and with AFC's continued assistance, is beginning the transition to adulthood in Cooke's SKILLs (Skills and Knowledge for Independent Learning and Living) program, which helps young adults with disabilities build independent living and vocational skills.
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Hamza's Story
“When I look back, what I mostly remember is being frustrated and angry that I wasn’t learning the way the other kids seemed to be. My mom knew from when I was in pre-school that I was not progressing the way I should be.”
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Steven's Story
AFC successfully fought to reverse the charges associated with Steven's unjust suspension. Today, Steven is a successful student at the prestigious Stuyvesant High School.
Learn more about the student populations we serve
Our staff of attorneys, advocates, and education specialists have successfully helped hundreds of thousands of families by providing free legal and advocacy services, including representation at school-related hearings and appeals, and teaching families what they need to know to stand up for their children’s educational rights.