Our Mission Statement
ESPI aims to address inequity of educational opportunity for academically advanced students, particularly from Black and Latino families, in racially isolated and low income elementary and middle schools in New York City.
ESPI is committed to propelling our students’ futures & creating support in our students’ lives
About Us
The City Smart Scholars Program
ESPI, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) founded in December 2014, was formed through the partnership efforts of concerned alumni, parents, and community leaders who believe it is critically important to increase the admission rates of under-represented students of color in the Exam Schools.
ESPI’s City Smart Scholars year round 5th through 8th grade program is intended for students from families who cannot afford private tutoring and are from communities that are under-represented in New York City’s selective high schools
Student Trajectories
Students generally enter ESPI’s City Smart Scholars Program during 5th grade. We look for students with the commitment and creativity needed to take on challenges and the readiness to set ambitious goals. Most of our students show achievement above grade level in their schools before they come to us, but we also look for talent not yet shown in grades or test scores. Outreach is done mostly to schools in Districts 4 through 10, but partnerships do occur with schools in other areas of NYC.
All phases of the City Smart Scholar program feature small group math problem solving and writing workshops with high school near-peer mentors and college teaching fellows to supplement classroom learning and build student agency. Midweek after school office hours online provide check-ins on ESPI homework and individualized support in advance of high-stakes tests.
A healthy lunch is provided and a break is given for mindfulness exercises and recreation. In spring, afternoon electives are offered to students in topics that so far have included debate, documentary story telling, and introductory engineering.
