YWCA of the City of New York

The YWCA of the City of New York (YW-NYC) was founded in 1858 to provide a haven for young women by offering safe housing and educational resources. The organization quickly expanded to include typewriting and sewing classes and, in 1912, added a job training center and residences. In 1915, with the purchase of a building in midtown Manhattan, the YWCA expanded further and opened the first public swimming pool in New York State. With its historic mission to improve the welfare of girls and women and as a pioneer in race relations, labor union representation, and women’s health initiatives, the YW-NYC has been leading the way for women’s rights and social justice for 163 years.

Current programs are focused on high school girls’ leadership and empowerment and after-school youth development activities. The YW-NYC’s Girls Initiatives are free and open to all self-identified girls, and gender non-conforming youth (14-18) in New York City. Programs include bystander intervention, STEAAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Activism, and Math) classes, and college and career readiness. These programs ensure that every girl gains the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue the education, career, and life options of their choice.

Out-of-School Time (OST) programs create a safe and nurturing environment to support academic achievement, enhance social skills, and foster success in school and life. OST enrichment activities are offered to children K through 8th grade in six elementary and middle schools in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Programs include cultural diversity efforts to foster appreciation of difference and promote civic engagement, gardening projects, and mindfulness and self-expression.

Headquartered in lower Manhattan, the YW-NYC is governed by a 12-person Board of Directors and operates with a $4 million annual budget and a 100-person staff.   

YW-NYC is a member of YWCA USA, an association of more than 200 independent YWs serving more than 2 million individuals across the country. The YW-NYC is one of four YWs serving the greater NYC tri-state region.