Teens Take the City by Storm
Ys Works 2023: A Year of Impact
Teens Take the City (TTC) is a free program that educates teens in civic engagement and NYC government, empowering them to make a difference in their local communities. Students are tasked with examining the root causes of NYC’s most pressing issues and proposing solutions through policy.
On Saturday, March 25, 154 students from TTC clubs across the five boroughs came together at Brooklyn Borough Hall to present their policy proposals and run for youth elected offices. For the special event, they were joined by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and New York City Council Member Rita Joseph (40th District).
In a culmination of many months of hard work, students then presented the top six proposals at the 17th annual New York City Hall event on Thursday, May 11 to their peers, advisors, elected officials, and Y staff. Joined by City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams and Council Member Gale A. Brewer, students presented, debated, and voted on policies as if they were elected officials. The proposals were nothing short of impressive—tackling challenging issues like access to hygiene products in schools, public transportation accessibility, and nutrition-poor school lunches, with thoughtful, creative solutions.
Congratulations to all the TTC students who participated, ran for elected positions, and made proposals to improve NYC!