Serving Our Community
Harlem Week
UFT member and parent volunteers handed out about 250 backpacks filled with school supplies to famiiies during Harlem Week festivities on Aug. 18.
Staten Island Back-to-School BBQ
More than 1,000 families received backpacks and other school supplies at the union's fourth annual back-to-school supplies giveaway and barbecue on Aug. 7 at PS 21 on Staten Island.
Albert Shanker College Scholarship Awards 2025
The UFT gave out $5,000 college scholarships to 200 high school seniors and nine graduate students at the 56th annual ceremony on June 3 at UFT headquarters.
Giving a world of learning
Retired high school math teacher Mark Grashow supports the education of thousands of students in rural communities throughout Africa and the Middle East through the nonprofit he founded after retirement, the US-Africa Children's Fellowship.
Schools to be closed on Dec. 23 for the winter holiday
Monday, Dec. 23, will now be a school holiday, thanks to union advocacy, parental support and a student petition backed by UFT members from across the city. UFT President Michael Mulgrew, New York City Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos and Mayor Eric Adams announced the agreement at a press conference on Oct. 30 at UFT headquarters.
Thanksgiving Luncheon and winter coat drive
Nearly 180 children living in temporary housing gather at UFT headquarters for the union's annual Thanksgiving Luncheon. They enjoyed the dozens of activity tables and an early Thanksgiving dinner before leaving with a new coat, gloves and hat.