The Scholarly Newsletter
Fall 2025 Edition
Welcome Back Scholars!
Our Scholars 25-26 Academic year is in full swing! Scholars received their Fall Semester Academic kits filled with books, school supplies and merch to kick off the school year. This fall, we have trips and workshops planned along with debate, leadership and college seminar classes!
Expanding our Classroom: Welcome Ejden Brahimi to the Scholars Family
We’re thrilled to introduce Ejden as our newest addition to the Gotham Scholars family. Ejden is a dedicated student from Manhattan Hunter Science High School who consistently maintains an A average. He brings a brilliance to our classroom, staying deeply engaged in every aspect of the program.
A look Into Student Life
Our scholars engage in plenty of other enrichment programs outside of the classroom, gaining hands-on experience and prepping for life in college.
A Look back at Summer
Summer was filled with thought provoking classes such as Literary Analysis where students read George Orwell's 1984 and Introduction to Coding where students coded their own game inspired by Choose Your Own Adventure books. Scholars had the privilege of taking music production at Atlantic Records in NYC and presenting their final works in their studio space. Students took a college trip to Sarah Lawrence College and reflected on what they look for in their post secondary education.
​
We also attended the graduation for 3 of our senior scholars, Janice, Otis & Victor. We wish them the best of luck as they embark on their post-secondary education and will be right by their side providing support.
This summer, we had our first Summer Celebration, celebrating the achievements of our scholars, our graduates and the growth of our small but mighty non-profit at Chavela's in Brooklyn, NY. It was a rainy afternoon but inside was nothing short of family, gathering and connecting over delicious food. Our first scholar, Nateesha Campbell spoke about being the inspiration for what this organization has become and Shian James Harden, College Scholar at Spelman College spoke about what being a part of Gotham Scholars has meant for her personally, academically and now professionally. Finally, our partner from United Community Schools, Alex Nzeutem, spoke about our beautiful relationship over the years and the work we have accomplished together. ​​
Scholar Spotlight: Jayla
This semester, our spotlight falls upon our determined scholar Jayla. Jayla has emerged as a leader in all of our classes, always engaged, always listening, always ready with a sharp insight or a helping hand. She has been honing her debate skills throughout the summer and we hope for great thing in the 25-26 year tournaments she participates in.
​
As Jayla reflects on her experience at Gotham Scholars, she states: "The biggest thing I learned from this program is how to show up for yourself. Nobody can want the opportunity more than you."
Whole Student Support
As part of our mission of supporting the whole student, we are grateful for our partnerships with Home Power Yoga and City Center Psychotherapy. In 2025, will be adding a new academic pillar in the Performing Arts to allow students the opportunity to find their voice, express themselves creatively and bring more of the arts into their academic journey.
A Look Into the Classroom
.webp)
What's Coming Next
PERFORMING ARTS AND LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP
On Oct 25th, we will kick off our Performing Arts Academic Pillar with a workshop on acting skills, improvisation, and more.
​
Adding this pillar, our teacher, Ciaran McConville, aims to help students develop the ability to lead any group, be yourself in any room, and stay calm when things change.
UPCOMING TRIPS:
November 1st - Students will be heading to Town Hall on Broadway with their College Seminar Class for a viewing of Walt Disney's "Coco" and analyzing the art of resilience as depicted in this movie.
​
November 8th - Students will be visiting Swarthmore College.
Support Gotham Scholars
Gotham Scholars does not charge tuition or program fees. Your gift is critical to the programming we provide our students from technology to teachers and college visits to extracurricular activities. From the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate you belief in what we do, your passion for equity in education and most importantly our scholars!
