Belong Brooklyn 2026
Youth Mentorship
Youth mentorship is essential to building a stronger Brooklyn because it gives young people the guidance, encouragement, and connections they need to recognize their potential and pursue new opportunities.
As part of Belong Brooklyn, the Social Justice Fund is granting $25,000 each to four Brooklyn-based organizations, recognizing their efforts to provide structured mentoring relationships, leadership exposure, development opportunities, college and career pathways, and social-emotional support.
Everyone can help—by volunteering as a mentor, supporting local youth programs, sharing professional skills and resources, or simply showing a young person that someone believes in them. When we invest in Brooklyn’s youth, we invest in the future of the entire borough.
Pratt Institute – Pratt Young Scholars
Pratt Young Scholars is a three-year scholarship and mentorship program that provides instruction in art and design, as well as college preparation, to motivated high school students.
PureLegacee has the mission to create safe spaces for girls and gender-expansive youth impacted by incarceration, foster care, and systemic trauma by providing restorative services and programs that equip them with the tools to heal and thrive.
Brooklyn Youth Sports Club’s mission is to provide educational, athletic, and developmental experiences that prepare youth for long-term success.
New Leaders Hoops is a non-profit youth basketball organization based in Red Hook that focuses on empowering children ages 8 to 15 in underserved communities by using basketball as a vehicle to connect youth to educational, financial, and leadership opportunities.