For nearly 40 years, Early Steps has been a voice for justice, equity and inclusion in NYC, working with families and schools to help thousands of young children of color enroll in independent schools. We believe all children deserve an excellent education that will challenge and inspire them, and open doors to new possibilities and opportunities. And we know that racial and cultural diversity in our schools benefits everyone. Students, as well as teachers and staff, learn from and about one another, fostering an environment of racial acceptance and understanding that is carried forward beyond K-12, beyond college. These experiences and opportunities are how we create empathetic leaders and build strong, diverse communities.
 
With 4,000 success stories resulting from the proactive recruiting efforts of our organization and our K-12 member schools, we are certainly disappointed and disheartened by the Supreme Court decision to reject race-conscious admissions in higher education. It is a rejection of our efforts to remove unnecessary and unfair barrier and burdens, and of our dream to have diverse voices, thoughts and leadership styles in every classroom, and every conference room. As this ruling will likely have the deepest impact on our nation’s most elite and selective institutions, and these schools produce many of our top business and government leaders, we are deeply concerned about the potential effect this decision will have on enrollment and opportunities for people of color. 
 
So, what next? We will rise above our fears and disappointment, and redouble our commitment to improve opportunities for students of color. We hope you will, too. After all, the young children we meet today will be college applicants before we know it. If you want to help, please refer as many families as possible to Early Steps. Our program is free, and provides 9 months of step-by-step guidance through the process of exploring, applying to, and enrolling in NYC independent schools. For children who will enter kindergarten or first grade in fall 2024, now is the time to apply to Early Steps. Learn more here.