Civics Readiness
Brooklyn Academy of Global Finance:
A NYS Civic Readiness School
Brooklyn Academy of Global Finance is proud to be recognized as a New York State Civic Readiness School. This means our school is committed to helping every student build the knowledge, skills, and mindsets needed to make a positive difference in their communities. Through our Civic Readiness initiatives, students will learn how to understand public issues, collaborate with others, take informed action, and reflect on their role as active community members.
What Civic Readiness Means
- Civic Knowledge: Understanding how communities work, how decisions are made, and how individuals can influence change.
- Civic Skills: Research, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and advocacy.
- Civic Mindset: Developing empathy, responsibility, awareness, and a belief that your voice matters.
- Civic Experiences: Authentic opportunities for students to participate in meaningful civic activities inside and outside of school.
Civic Learning Opportunities at BKAGF
As part of our Civic Readiness program, students will take part in:
Community Service
Students will complete service activities that support local needs—such as helping at senior centers, assisting food-related nonprofits like City Harvest, organizing school events, and contributing to community improvement projects.
Take Action Project
Students will research an issue affecting their community, develop a realistic solution, and then contact a stakeholder—such as a local official, community leader, or organization—to advocate for their proposed action. This project empowers students to make real change by using their voice, evidence, and creativity.
Project Soapbox
Project Soapbox is a public-speaking experience where students write and deliver a short, powerful speech on an issue they care deeply about. Students explain why the issue matters and suggest the appropriate action to be taken. The goal is to strengthen confidence, communication skills, and civic advocacy.
Participatory Budgeting
Participatory Budgeting (PB) gives students a real-world role in deciding how a portion of the school's or community's funds should be spent. Students propose ideas, debate their benefits, and vote on which projects should receive funding. PB shows students what democracy looks like in action.
The NYS Seal of Civic Readiness
Students who complete the required civic activities and demonstrate strong civic knowledge and engagement may earn the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness on their diploma and transcript upon graduation.
This is an official NYS endorsement that recognizes students as informed, responsible, and active citizens ready to contribute positively to society.
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The Brooklyn Academy of Global Finance
Location: 125 Stuyvesant Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11221
Phone: (718) 574-3126
Fax: (718) 574-3681