{Kite}: prison parlance for letters
We all have a story to tell…
Current Programs
THE KITE @ City College
Horizons and Crossroads Juvenile Facilities
In-person workshops at HJC:
Literacy and Mentorship with Columbia MFA Grad Students
3-Credit College Course from Hunter
OSHA 40- Hour Safety Training with HOSTOS
In-Person Workshops at CJC
Literacy and Mentorship with Columbia MFA Grad Students
OSHA 40- Hour Safety Training with HOSTOS
Dog Care and Walking Work Pathways
Rikers Island
In-Person Classes at Rikers
Literacy and Mentorship with Columbia MFA Grad Students at multiple facilities
After-Care
PAID Internship Program
This paid Internship program includes work with the following:
Journalism and Podcasting
Job Conditioning: On-the-job training with small businesses
Personal Brand Marketing
UNICEF COHORT
Our fifth cohort with UNICEF is focusing on sustainable goals of fair education, climate change, and social justice.
College Immersion
Students interested in pursuing or learning about college attend immersive workshops with college students, professors, and advisors. Those who wish to enroll receive help with:
FAFSA Application (with both parent + Student)
Documentation Corraling
College Application Process
Scholarship + Grant Application Process
Course + Major Selection Mentoring
MAP LEAGUE
The Kite’s basketball team was killing it on the court in the 2020 MAP League. But no sweat, guys! We’ll be back on the court soon!
Writing is freedom…
“We write to contemplate on what we’ve been through because it sharpens our focus on where we’d like to go.”—-Gigi Blanchard, ED
There is healing in sharing our stories. We strive to create safe spaces on the inside where students can open up about the painful things that are often bottled up until they explode. Listening is a significant part of our job.
Our re-entry efforts include a networking behind bars series where we bring professionals to talk to students about how they broke into their fields. Mentorships created behind bars continue once the students return to the community.
3K +
Over 2K books donated
With the community’s help, we’ve brought thousands of novels, memoirs, YA, poetry and self-help books to our people on lockdown.
2K+
1k + Journals Donated
The average commissary sells notebooks for triple the price. All students receive a journal so that they can use their $ to buy sustenance for the body while we provide sustenance for the mind.
8,318+
New York’s Daily Jail Pop
Combined with hundreds more youth in the various detention centers. We have a lot of work to do!
Impacted by the justice system?
Submit Writing
We would love to hear your stories whether you’ve been incarcerated, worked in the system or are related to someone involved. Send work to thekitezine@gmail.com.
OPEN-MICS
Are you a musician, DJ, MC, Storyteller or spoken word artist? We invite pros to perform along side our student and to attend classes throughout the critique process. Hit us up! thekitezine@gmail.com
“
October 2017
In jail, people like to use your past against you but there’s healing power in sharing our truths. Nobody can use what I went through as a weapon now. -T.S. on Rikers Island
Get Involved
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Volunteer opportunities
From typing stories to building them, we can use your help!
Make a Donation
We cannot make this ripple a wave without you!