Teens raise $35,000 for college readiness program

Students from across New York City ran past the Unisphere and other Queens landmarks during the 2019 Global Kids 5K Run/Walk at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Photo courtesy of Global Kids.

By Victoria Merlino

Students from across New York City showed up at Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Oct. 12, raising over $35,000 to youth leadership organization Global Kids’ college and career readiness program.

“It’s critical for our youth to receive guidance as they explore and apply to college,” said Evie Hantzopoulos, executive director of Global Kids. “We are so grateful to everyone for supporting this important event.”

Over 250 runners, walkers and volunteers zoomed through the 3.1-mile course, passing iconic Queens landmarks like the Unisphere, Fountain of the Planets and the New York State Pavilion. The event, which is in its sixth year, included students from Long Island City’s William Cullen Bryant High School and Ozone Park’s John Adams High School. 

The career and college readiness program facilitates college tours for students, one-on-one scholarship and financial aid application assistance, career day events, internships and job training.