Equity for Children is thrilled to announce that we are conducting research on the role
of New York City public schools in supporting newly arrived Latino-American migrant
children. This project is conducted in partnership with Inside Schools, part of The
Center for New York City Affairs at The New School.
Urgent Context – Why Now?
New York City is at the center of a historic new migration wave, with thousands of
newly arrived children seeking stability through education. Since mid-2022, over 42,000
students in temporary housing have enrolled in public schools (NYC Comptroller,
2024). However, systemic barriers continue to prevent many from accessing quality
and consistent education. Alarmingly, more than one in four families report being
unable to enroll all their children in school (Make the Road NY, 2023). Even more
concerning, by the end of 2023, nearly 1 in 6 migrant children living in shelters had
exited the public school system (City Legislature Hearing, 2024).
These statistics underscore a growing crisis: bureaucratic red tape, housing instability,
and systemic discrimination are disrupting thousands of children’s educational
pathways at a time when they need support the most. Without urgent action, young
learners risk falling through the cracks, losing not only academic opportunities but also
the sense of security and belonging that schools should provide.
What This Research Aims to Do?
Schools are more than places of learning; they are gateways to inclusion. This
research is built on the premise that:
✔ Schools play a pivotal role in fostering equality and belonging.
✔ Children are not just learners—they are key drivers of sociocultural integration within
their families and communities.
By focusing on migrant children and examining how they support their families’
integration through language, education, and community engagement, this study seeks
to uncover practical solutions for making schools more inclusive.
Our Goal
To help schools become true environments of equity and opportunity. We are
collaborating with scholars from institutions such as Bristol University, the City
University of New York, and The New School. Through this research, we aim to provide
actionable insights for educators and policymakers, ensuring that every child,
regardless of background, has their educational rights protected and upheld.
