How Brooklyn Friends Students Lead Through Service

In a powerful display of youth leadership and community commitment, students at Brooklyn Friends School are stepping beyond the classroom to make a measurable impact throughout New York City. Through a growing number of student-driven service initiatives, young leaders are organizing projects that address food insecurity, environmental sustainability, and neighborhood support.

This fall, BFS’ Middle and Upper school students launched partnerships with local organizations including food pantries, senior centers, and environmental groups. From assembling weekly care packages for families in need, to coordinating clean-ups at the Quaker Cemetery in Prospect Park, students are taking ownership of projects from planning to execution.

“Our students understand that leadership means recognizing a need and responding with compassion,” a BFS colleague said. “Their work shows that community engagement isn’t an add-on—it’s part of who they are.”

Last month, the Office of Global Social Impact announced the second cohort of the Social Justice Incubator. Upper School students Dylan D. ’27., Harper L. ’27, Rex R. ’27 and Milo S. ’27 are passionate about food justice and creating sustainable gardens that increase access to fresh, nutritious food in food swamps and communities with limited access to resources. Cata S. ’28 and Darwin C. M. ’27 are shedding light and uplifting the many Latinx voices impacted by the slew of legislation hyperfocusing on Latinx immigrants, migrants and citizens. Elle M. ’29, Cai N. ’29 and Pippi B. ’29 are thinking critically about the representation of Black women in film and believe film can not only be a tool for entertainment but a vehicle for social change. They want to make a film sharing the stories of historically underrepresented voices. The diversity and specificity of this year’s cohort’s projects is emblematic of the awareness, creativity and drive for social change that our students at BFS wholeheartedly possess. We are also excited to announce that we will be introducing a version of this program in the Middle School as a PEP in the second semester and more details to come.

“Our students understand that leadership means recognizing a need and responding with compassion,” a BFS colleague said. “Their work shows that community engagement isn’t an add-on—it’s part of who they are.”

Many students say the service experiences help them connect classroom learning to real-world challenges. “It’s empowering to know we’re making a difference,” said one student leader, who was one of 17 Upper School students and three colleagues made the educational journey of a lifetime—spending 10 amazing days in Ghana. The program, which was organized through BFS’ Office of Global Social Impact by its director, Kevin Murungi, is the first of what we know will be many journeys to come. This particular program had students examine Ghana’s efforts in combating the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism, and securing its resource sovereignty. “When we work together, even small actions can have a big impact.”

As this school year continues, Brooklyn Friends students plan to expand their outreach, demonstrating that meaningful change can start with young people who are ready to lead.