Break the cycle of local poverty by training the next generation of ethical, entrepreneurial, and environmental leaders.
Why is it important?
In the heart of New York City’s Lower Eastside, a neighborhood rich with history yet marked by generational poverty, the Lower Eastside Girls Club (LESGC) stands as a transformative space for young women. Before its founding in 1996, services for girls in the community were scarce, despite overwhelming need. More than half of families with children in nearby census tracts lived below the poverty line, schools were overcrowded, and graduation rates lagged far behind the citywide average. Today, LESGC provides a safe and inspiring center where girls and young women can access after-school and weekend programs in STEM, arts, wellness, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With initiatives like the Center for Community, the Alphabet City Art School, and a state-of-the-art planetarium and maker lab, the Girls Club fosters creativity, confidence, and career readiness. Equally vital are its wellness programs, which emphasize mental health, nutrition, and mindfulness, empowering members to build resilience and envision brighter futures. By offering mentorship, academic support, and opportunities for global exchange, LESGC breaks cycles of poverty and opens doors to possibility—nurturing not just the next generation of leaders, but a stronger, more equitable Lower East Side.
