From April through June, coast to coast, Citizen Schools celebrated the school year’s apprenticeship programs with two WOW!NOW breakfasts in Massachusetts and New York and a mock-trial themed benefitEd in California. These events mark the culmination of both the 10-week apprenticeships and also the school year.

In Massachusetts, hundreds of attendees gathered to view the WOW!NOW Gallery, hear Yvonne Hao from Pillpack speak about the importance of corporate citizenship and recognized all of the honorees for their contributions. The event raised $240,000 and was emceed by our 6th Grade Young Achievers student, Marlon and by board member and alumni, Elias Miranda.

California embodied “Celebrate. Connect. Transform.” with a mini-mock trial themed benefitEd, to rule on Citizen Schools vs. the Opportunity Gap. Students presented evidence, questioned witnesses and argued their cases. Pauline Vogl, a Cisco employee, was honored for her contributions to Citizen Teacher recruitment. The event raised $110,000 and brought together nearly 250 guests.

New York hosted its first annual WOW!NOW in June, gathering students, families, and corporate partners to showcase student apprenticeships and honor this year’s award winners. Joseph Colarusso, former Campus Leader and Isaac Newton Middle School, returned to speak about the power and impact community can have on creating change. Sponsors included Google and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.