Nelson Palacios, Director of Education and Youth Services
Phone: (718) 590-3881
Email: npalacios@bronxbp.nyc.gov
Unit Overview:
The Education & Youth Services (EDU) unit of the Office of The Bronx Borough President aids students, families, educators, and others in attaining educational resources necessary to improve their learning environment. This unit, along with the office’s appointees to the Community Education Councils (CEC) and the Panel for Educational Policy, reviews educational policy issues and concerns regarding Bronx School Districts 7 through 12.
EDU works closely with agency and nonprofit partners to direct resources, amplify services available to youth and families, and create opportunities for youth throughout the Office of the Bronx Borough President through internships and initiatives.
Ways to Serve: Borough President Appointees:
Community Education Councils
Community Education Councils (or CECs) are like school boards and act as the governing structure of New York City Public Schools. CECs are made up of elected parent members whose children attend school in the District as well as two members appointed by the Borough President. CECs advocate and provide support for parents through their work with District Support staff and conducting school visits, as well as provide feedback on the Superintendent, and host town halls and public hearings.
- https://www.schools.nyc.gov/get-involved/families/Community-and-citywide-education-councils-cecs
- Application: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/get-involved/families/current-education-councils-cecs/currently-available-council-seats
To be considered as a Borough Appointee, contact our Education & Youth Services Unit
Current Appointees
| CEC | First Name | Last Name |
| 7 | VACANT | |
| 7 | Lisa | RIVERA |
| 8 | Aurora | Ronda |
| 8 | Austin | Rodriguez |
| 9 | Aracelis | Figueroa |
| 9 | Jamel | Allah |
| 10 | Emma | Green Allotta |
| 10 | Amy Ming | Tsai |
| 11 | Adeyemi | Oloruntoba |
| 11 | Danielle | Vera |
| 12 | Joscelyn | Mahon |
| 12 | Sharon | Rowell |
Neighborhood Advisory Boards (NAB)
Neighborhood Advisory Boards are made up of 7-12 community members who reside in low-income neighborhoods where additional resources and supports have been identified for community development. NAB members must reside in the Neighborhood Development Area the board represents and help identify community needs for DYCD to consider when allocated federal resources.
Important Education Resources + Contacts
NYC Schools
The Department of Education (DOE ) Parent and Families page provides a plethora of useful information regarding NYC public school education, summer opportunities for children, and even parent leadership involvement. For more information:
For families navigating the NYC Public Schools system for the first time, Family Welcome Centers operate in every borough to offer support with the enrollment and admissions process.
NYC Schools Account
NYC Schools Account keeps families connected with their child’s school, and teachers and access agency wide updates. Families looking to enroll children in 3k and 4k are also encouraged to create an NYC Schools account to manage their enrollment and waitlist placement.
FACE Parent University
The Office of Family and Community Empowerment works as the bridge between parents and families and NYC Public Schools creating community partnerships and supporting the Community Education Councils citywide.
Resources for Special Education assistance:
Advocates for Children
District 75
Continuing Education:
The Office of the Bronx Borough President is proud to support the borough’s institutions of higher learning through the Bronx Higher Education Task Force. Together with representatives from all of our Bronx colleges we are committed to spotlight opportunities and create pathways to college and careers through higher learning and continuing education.
Higher Ed: Link to list of Bronx Colleges
| Albert Eisntein College of Medicine | https://einsteinmed.edu/ |
| Boricua College | https://www.boricuacollege.edu/ |
| Bronx Community College | http://www.bcc.cuny.edu/ |
| College of Mount Saint Vincent | https://mountsaintvincent.edu/ |
| Hostos Community College | https://www.hostos.cuny.edu/ |
| Yeshiva University Ferkauf College of Psychology | https://www.yu.edu/ferkauf |
| Fordham University | https://www.fordham.edu/ |
| Lehman College | https://www.lehman.cuny.edu/ |
| Manhattan College | https://manhattan.edu/ |
| Metropolitan College | https://www.mcny.edu/ |
| Mercy University | https://www.mercy.edu/campus-locations/bronx-campus |
| Monroe College | https://www.monroecollege.edu/student-life/bronx-ny-campus |
| SUNY University of New York Maritime | https://www.sunymaritime.edu/ |
Continuing Education
SUNY Bronx Employment Opportunity Center
CUNY on the Concourse
Bronx Fathers Taking Action
Bronx Fathers Taking Action is an initiative devoted to support, educate and empower fathers in the Bronx community. The committee seeks to proactively help fathers become successful parents and restore the positive image of fatherhood in The Bronx. This committee of Bronx fathers focuses on proactively engaging, empowering, educating and encouraging fathers through events, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Coming Soon:
Registration for the Bronx Week 2024 Parade – May 19th 2024 – Click Here to Register
Follow us on Instagram @BronxEducation for information on upcoming events + and additional resources.