The Urban Assembly

We were thrilled to welcome the Second Round Foundation, the nonprofit organization founded by New York Knicks captain Jalen Brunson, to visit Urban Assembly schools! 🏀🌱

Led by Nija Williams and Sandra Brunson herself, the Foundation spent time at UA Maker Academy and UA Early College High School of Emergency Medicine, seeing firsthand how our students are preparing for success through innovative, career-connected learning experiences.

Together, we toured the campus's hydroponic farm, where students gain hands-on STEM experience in sustainability, food systems, and entrepreneurship while growing fresh produce for their school and local community.

Thank you to the Second Round Foundation for spending time with our students and learning more about the incredible work happening across our schools.

And, of course—Knicks in 5! 🧡💙

In this special bonus episode of Innovations in Education, host David Adams sits down with Dr. Christina Cipriano (Director of the Education Collaboratory at Yale) for a live fireside chat recorded straight from the ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego in April! ☀️✨

David and Dr. Cipriano engage the audience to tackle the most provocative questions facing educators today: Could AI replace teachers or therapists? Should it?

This thought-provoking conversation dives into how K-12 schools can move beyond the hype of artificial intelligence to use technology in ways that expand access, strengthen human connection, and advance equity for every learner.

🎧 Listen to the full episode and join the conversation shaping the future of learning:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0QF3nSLH2NjjHvcnXsA2nc?si=Ym-G6qftTPyMjtWUQspJtg

PRS Tips: Strengthening Postsecondary Support Networks 🎓 Supporting students through their first year of college is key to persistence and success.

Try these strategies:
🔹 Peer mentorship
🔹 First semester resource guides
🔹 College success workshops
🔹 Accessible support channels
🔹 Campus-based peer connections

When graduates stay connected, they’re more likely to thrive.

🌱 Photo from The Urban Assembly Maker Academy’s Junior College and Career Workshop, where students are building the skills and connections that support postsecondary success.

While the national average for postsecondary advising is just 41 minutes per year, students using CounselorGPT engaged for an average of 20 minutes per week. 📉📈

We are thrilled to see the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) highlight the impact of CounselorGPT in their latest field report. By acting as a 24/7 co-pilot for counselors and students, CounselorGPT uses large national datasets to help students explore careers and colleges.

With embedded labor market data, 80% of students are discovering high-wage, high-growth career paths they might have otherwise missed. We’re excited to showcase how our advising tool create more equitable outcomes for all students by giving them the guidance they need, exactly when they need it. 🌟

Read the full article on our work here: https://www.ncan.org/Web/News/CounselorGPT-Pilot-Shows-Increased-Student-Engagement-with-Advising.aspx

At Bronx School for Law, Government and Justice, an Urban Assembly School, we’re proud to honor the Class of 2026 and all they’ve accomplished so far. And there’s even more to celebrate:

✨ FAFSA completion has reached 85%—over 25 percentage points higher than the NYS average
✨ 94% of students have completed their CUNY applications
✨ Seniors are already giving back, connecting with 9th graders and building a lasting legacy at LGJ

The Class of 2026 is on fire for success, and we can’t wait to see how they continue to grow and thrive beyond high school. 🔥

Last month, two of our Postsecondary Readiness and Success (PRS) schools Urban Assembly Institute of Math and Science for Young Women (UAI) and Urban Assembly School for Leadership and Empowerment (SLE) partnered to bring students to the UFT Headquarters for an inspiring Women’s Mentorship event 💼✨

Students had the opportunity to explore their goals, build networks, and connect with women professionals across NYC through mentoring conversations and workshops focused on leadership, connection, and career readiness 🌟

At PRS, this is what we strive for: building networks, sharing resources, and creating opportunities for schools to support one another. This is the power of The Urban Assembly network and the PRS team; bringing schools together to expand opportunities, build connections, and support student success.

Meet our Director of Postsecondary Readiness and Success: Michael Manipakone!✨

Mike brings years of experience in the postsecondary success field, with a strong background in the CUNY system and higher education. He leads with collaboration, values feedback, and is always striving for growth—both for himself and the teams he supports. Outside of work, you can find Mike painting, engaging with his gaming community, or getting back into martial arts.

Thank you, Mike, for all that you do! 🎉