New York Programs

Publicolor
Publicolor uses a unique approach to engage students in their education. Using the powers of color and collaboration, Publicolor mobilizes students, parents, and teachers to paint all the public spaces in their school with warm, vibrant, stimulating colors. The effects are tremendous, as students experience firsthand how their hard work and collaboration can produce change in their environment, resulting in increased self-worth and pride in their school. The Walt Disney Company was so impressed with the impact of Publicolor that its employees volunteered for six consecutive weekends at P.S. 90 in Washington Heights to paint alongside the students, helping to transform the school into a bright and energized space that the students could claim as their own.

New York Scores
New York SCORES, the New York division of America SCORES, mixes soccer and writing programs in a winning combination that educates, energizes, and inspires public school students. Currently working with 6 elementary schools in Washington Heights, New York SCORES serves a total of 224 children, teaching them to use the teamwork of soccer to reach their educational goals. The Walt Disney Company has proudly sponsored New York SCORES' Jamboree as well as its annual Poetry Slam, where New York SCORES student-athletes recite their original poetry in front of a packed audience of parents, teachers, friends, and community leaders.

Girls, Inc.
For over 55 years, Girls Incorporated has been dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Through research, advocacy, and programs, Girls, Inc. prepares girls to live successful, fulfilling lives. The Walt Disney Company is proud to contribute to Girls, Inc. educational programs, which reach millions of American girls, particularly those in high-risk, underserved areas. With over 1,000 program sites that serve more than 350,000 young people, their programs encourage girls to take risks, resist peer pressure, participate in sports, gain math and science skills, and develop leadership skills.

Central Park Conservancy
The Central Park Conservancy, founded in 1980, manages Central Park and enables millions to enjoy its many wonders. The Walt Disney Company is proud to support the Conservancy's environmental education programs as well as its work to maintain and preserve the park that is integral to New York City's environment and beauty. For Make A Difference Day 2003, The Walt Disney Company partnered with the Central Park Conservancy for a special lunchtime gardening opportunity, helping to add beautiful Vinca plants to the Park that holds such importance to the community.

Only Make Believe
Only Make Believe brings the magical world of interactive theater directly to chronically-ill and disabled children. Actors arrive at the hospital with a trunk of costumes and props, performing an exciting show in which each child takes a part, renewing the child's sense of self-esteem and joy. Disney's interest in theater and compassion makes the partnership with Only Make Believe a perfect fit. This holiday season, The Walt Disney Company will team up with Only Make Believe to bring theater parties to children at New York's Foundling Hospital and the Incarnation Children's Center, ensuring that their holiday will be filled with creativity and laughter.

High 5 Tickets to the Arts
High 5 is a non-profit organization dedicated to making the arts accessible and affordable for teens. Through High 5, any teen can buy $5 tickets to hundreds of New York's best dance, music, theater, film, museum and spoken word events. The Walt Disney Company's dedication to youth and the arts makes High 5's teen programs a terrific choice for support. High 5's teen programs provide the opportunity to learn about critical writing from working artists and critics. At special High 5 Teen Scene events, there are scores of teens in the audience, so that young people who are interested in the arts can enjoy the show with like-minded peers.

CityKids Foundation
CityKids uses the arts to engage and train youth to create change in their communities. The Walt Disney Company is excited about supporting programs such as the CityKids Repertory Company, in which youth carry CityKids' positive message to others by turning their feelings and experiences into powerful music, dance, and dramatic pieces, which are then performed at schools and community centers. Hyperion Publishing, a division of The Walt Disney Company, partnered with CityKids this year for a mentoring program in which youth from CityKids came on-site to learn about the different publishing departments directly from Hyperion employees.