Executive Summary

For decades, the LES had multiple boys’ clubs, but none for girls. In 1996, a group of mothers and activists decided to change that. LESGC’s founders went door-to-door to share that they were launching a program for girls. Although lacking a facility, LESGC quickly became a home–enabling members to create, collaborate, and establish meaningful, healthy relationships. After “making it work” in borrowed spaces, our members and community advocated to acquire the plot of land where LESGC now stands. Our 35,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility proves that imagination inspires change. Today, we are globally recognized for our unique program model. Over 450 youth participate in our innovative programs annually—from developing video games in our planetarium and harvesting bok choy on our rooftop farm to sustainable design, citizen journalism, digital media, music production, fine arts, civic engagement, leadership, and wellness—all through a lens of activism and efficacy. Their inner power and voices are amplified in a space where they are safe to dream, grow and thrive. In 2022, we expanded our mission and service population with the opening of our 5,000-square-foot adjacent Center for Wellbeing and Happiness, which provides free wellness services for over 1,000 community members of all genders and generations. But this is just the beginning. In 2024, the City of New York will break ground on a $125M facility modeled after LESGC in Brownsville, the City’s highest-needs neighborhood. Support from Yield Giving will build our operational capacity and extend Joy, Power, and Possibility to thousands more youth in NYC.

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