School Beautification and Engagement Program

What problem would you like to solve?

We want to increase engagement and invest in our South Bronx community.

Why is it important to solve? Why is it relevant for the community?

The founder and namesake of our school, Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health and Science Charter School, was a pillar in the community who envisioned quality free education and affordable care in his South Bronx community. Since the school's opening, we have steadily moved the needle toward achieving his goal of providing quality education. To fully close the gap, we want to increase student and community engagement. This is important for our community because the more students want to be at school and the more the community at large is involved, the more synchronous our goals will be, and by extension, the safer our community would become.

What idea do you have to address the problem?

To that end, we would like to start a school beautification and engagement program by asking our scholars and involved community members to actively help with these projects. Such undertakings would include school murals, a community garden, sprucing up our auditorium, gym, and other shared spaces, afterschool access to technology (and the creation of a STEM room) that isn't just limited to our students, and creating and maintaining a proper food pantry.

Who would that help?

This would help our students, their families, and the community at large.

What NYC borough would benefit from your idea?

Immediate benefit would be the Bronx, but New Yorkers from other boroughs would be able to participate.