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The Westchester Children’s Association (WCA) is proud to announce the launch of its Youth Civic Engagement Program in partnership with the Peekskill Youth Bureau, made possible through a grant from the Westchester office of The New York Community Trust (The Trust-Westchester) awarded in July 2025.
This innovative program empowers young people to become future voters, advocates, and community leaders by helping them understand how government works, identify civic barriers, and learn how to use data for effective advocacy.
Through a series of interactive workshops, WCA is working directly with youth to explore how power structures shape communities and how young people can play a role in improving them. The Peekskill workshop marks the official launch of the program, with sessions designed to engage high school participants in learning about local government, policy, and community action.
“The goal is to ensure young people see themselves not just as future leaders, but as current stakeholders in the decisions that affect their lives,” Adam Rabinovitch, Executive Director of WCA. “The support from The Trust-Westchester allows us to bring this model to communities like Peekskill, where youth have shown incredible enthusiasm for shaping the future of their city and county.”
"We are proud to support WCA's work in Peekskill," said Lauren Perkins, Program Director, The Trust-Westchester. "Through our focus on youth civic engagement projects in Westchester, our hope is that young people see themselves as civic leaders, understand that their voices matter, and help set them up for a lifetime of civic engagement."
The third workshop in the series will be held on Wednesday, October 15 at the Peekskill Youth Bureau 840 Main Street, Peekskill from 4pm-6pm, and members of the press are invited to attend. The event will feature youth participants, and community leaders discussing the importance of civic engagement among Westchester’s next generation.
WCA’s Youth Civic Engagement Program is part of its broader effort to promote data-driven advocacy and equitable youth participation in decision-making throughout Westchester County.
About Westchester Children’s Association (WCA) Founded in 1914, the Westchester Children’s Association is the leading independent voice for Westchester’s young people. WCA uses data, research, and advocacy to improve policies and programs that affect children’s well-being and ensure that every child in Westchester is healthy, safe, and prepared for life’s challenges. Learn more at www.wca4kids.org.
