Melisha 'Mel' Jackman

For more than 129 years, the mission of BKS has been to provide children from families who are low-income with access to a high quality education in a nurturing environment – an environment that cultivates their curiosity and extends the skills they need to succeed well beyond school. As a matter of compassion, justice, and solid public policy, BKS believes that every child deserves the opportunity to fulfill their potential. We also believe in a work and learning environment based upon mutual trust and collaboration. That spirit of trust extends from the Executive Director and Board of Directors through to the staff, teachers, children, and families of BKS, creating a sense of community and shared responsibility between all stakeholders. Children at BKS receive full-day educational classes with age-appropriate, evidence-based curricula and enrichment programs such as Spanish language music class, dance, the visual arts, and soccer. Beyond educational excellence, BKS also provides family services and support throughout the year. Our Early Learn centers are open 12 months a year, 10 hours a day. BKS early childhood learning centers are located in public housing in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Crown Heights, Brownsville, and Historic Weeksville Gardens. Each year our centers serve nearly 400 children and their families. New York City relies heavily on organizations like BKS to make wider access to early childhood education available through Pre-K For All and 3-K For All.