Latinidad in Schools
A collaborative initiative working to expand the study, celebration, and understanding of Latinidad across New York City public schools.
Latinidad in Schools brings together United Way of New York City, Hispanic Federation, and the Edmund W. Gordon Institute for Advanced Study at Teachers College, Columbia University to support a more inclusive and representative educational experience for students, educators, families, and communities.
Why This Work Matters
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Latino students make up a major share of New York City’s public school population, yet Latino histories, cultures, leadership, and contributions have often been underrepresented in classroom materials and curriculum.
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Latinidad in Schools responds to this need by supporting educators and school communities with resources that better reflect the diversity, complexity, and contributions of Latino communities in New York City and beyond.
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A curriculum that more fully represents students and their communities can help young people see themselves in what they learn, build stronger connections to school, and develop a deeper understanding of the city and world around them.
Shape the future of Latinidad Curriculum in our schools!
“We don’t really learn about our culture…”
Hear from students, educators, and nonprofit leaders about why a Latine curriculum called Latinidad in Schools is so important.
400,000 students in New York City schools identify as belonging to Latine communities.
There are more Latine students in New York City schools than all students enrolled in the entire Chicago public school system.
Learn more about the term “Latine” and the diversity within the Latine community here.
How do we prepare teachers for this work?
We are proud to partner with New York City Public Schools to offer a unique resource for teachers. Their Hidden Voices series is written to help teachers learn more about their students’ cultures and identities.
“At a time when efforts to erase identities from our classrooms, our library shelves, and our websites have become commonplace, we say no. Not in New York City.”
Grace Bonilla, President and CEO at United Way of New York City
New York City Council Members Jennifer Gutiérrez, Alexa Avilés, and Oswald Feliz
We cannot do this without you. Your ideas, voice, and support are essential.
Sign up here so we can send you updates about the project, including events and other ways to get invovled as the curriculum launches in the 2026-2027 school year.