New Community Scholarship Launches for Red Hook Houses Kindergartners

In January 2026, every kindergartener who lives in Red Hook Houses and attends a New York City public school will receive a $1,000 contribution towards college savings, thanks to a new community scholarship launched by Red Hook Initiative, NYC Kids Rise, and local philanthropists. 

The Red Hook Initiative Community Scholarship 2026 builds on the NYC Kids Rise Save for College Program, a citywide scholarship and savings program that provides families, schools, and communities a way to come together to invest in children’s futures.  

The program began in 2017 in Queens and expanded in 2021 to include all kindergarten students enrolled in NYC public schools. Almost every 1st through 4th grader has a NYC Scholarship Account with funds for their futures. To date, there are nearly 280,000 scholarship accounts totaling almost $50 million for students across the five boroughs. 

The $1,000 that will be deposited into the Red Hook kindergarteners’ NYC Scholarship Accounts in January is in addition to the initial $100 seed they receive when their savings account is opened. 

“This investment is a down payment on the futures of Red Hook’s youngest learners,” said Michael Partis, Executive Director at the Red Hook Initiative. “It sends a clear message: We believe in you and your potential. By providing these resources early, we’re opening doors for children and families that have historically been left behind.” 

“The Save for College Program has been designed to allow every part of a child’s community — from schools, to philanthropy, to local businesses, to civic organizations and places of worship — to come together to show support for their children and invest in their futures together,” said Debra-Ellen Glickstein, Founding Executive Director of NYC Kids RISE. “We all have a role to play to make sure our kids are set up for success. Thank you to the Red Hook Initiative for this pioneering investment and the incredible community of support in Red Hook Houses.” 

To read more about the Red Hook Initiative Community Scholarship 2026, visit: Red Hook Houses Kindergartners Will Receive $1,000 Each for College and Career Training Through Red Hook Initiative Community Scholarship 2026 – NYC Kids RISE