GLOBAL KIDS CHRONICLES:
SUMMER 2025 UPDATE
Dear Global Kids Community,
As our summer programming continues, we’ve witnessed the incredible power of connection, collaboration, and youth leadership as Global Kids students from New York City and Washington, D.C. came together in the nation’s capital to advocate for change. Over the course of two transformative days, students confidently stepped into their roles as leaders, advocates, and change-makers – engaging in civic dialogue, building cross-city community, and raising their voices on the issues that matter most to them.
The Global Kids Youth Summit & Capitol Hill Advocacy Day marked a critical milestone in our students’ summer journeys – building on months of leadership development and global education. Through thoughtful dialogue, immersive learning, and direct engagement with policymakers, students not only deepened their understanding of government and global issues, but also affirmed their capacity to lead change within their communities and beyond.
Read on to learn how our students are making an impact this summer!
Elevating Student Voices at the 2025 Global Kids Youth Summit
The 2025 Global Kids Youth Summit kicked off with a dynamic day that empowered youth from D.C. and NYC to share, learn, and lead. Global Kids youth gathered at Catholic University to tackle shared challenges and exchange bold solutions. Students from Washington, D.C. proudly presented action projects they developed during the school year, sparking meaningful dialogue and peer-to-peer learning with the NYC delegation.
The day also featured inspiring talks from Desirée Cormier Smith, a former U.S. diplomat and current global equity leader at the Alliance for Democracy and Justice, and Jose Segarra, a youth advocate and founder of a gun violence prevention initiative. Both shared powerful stories of overcoming adversity and leading change in their communities—inspiring our young people to see themselves as vital voices in the ongoing fight for justice and equity.
In between workshops, the NYC delegation visited iconic landmarks including the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Capitol Hill, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture – enriching their understanding of history, civic responsibility, and social activism.
From Learning to Leading: Global Kids Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill
On day two of the Youth Summit, students brought their leadership to Capitol Hill, engaging firsthand in the democratic process. In small teams, they met with the offices of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand; Representatives Dan Goldman, Nydia Velázquez, Jerrold Nadler, Ritchie Torres, and Hakeem Jeffries; and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton. During these meetings, the students led thoughtful conversations on urgent, youth-centered policy issues – including education equity, climate justice, and gun violence prevention.
Amid their busy day on the Hill, students regrouped at our office base in the Rayburn House Office Building to reflect on their experiences and take part in workshops designed to strengthen their advocacy skills and confidence. The day concluded with an exclusive policy briefing with staff from the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who offered valuable insights into diplomacy, global cooperation, and the important role young people play in shaping a more inclusive future.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Get in a round of golf while supporting Global Kids youth in New York City and Washington, D.C. at Global Kids 4th Annual Golf Classic on September 30th at Pelham Country Club!
Not a golfer? Join us at the reception for dinner, a silent auction, and a brief presentation about our work to educate, inspire, and mobilize youth.
Click to sponsor, register your foursome or as an individual golfer, or purchase a reception-only ticket!
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