History

In 1994, kindergarten teachers at P.S. 243 in Bedford-Stuyvesant were allocated just $12.43 per student. This amount was meant to cover each child's classroom necessities including essential learning materials such as pencils, paper, crayons, art materials, and science sets (read more about this incredible story). Realizing that the smallest amount of money — even a small amount of change — could greatly impact the quality of a child's education, Ted Madara and the founders of Change for Kids established a trust to provide supplies to the students of P.S. 243.

What began with school supplies has become a full-fledged educational movement. Now supporting four under-resourced schools (P.S. 243 in Brooklyn, P.S. 73 in the Bronx, P.S. 154 in Harlem, and P.S. 160 Queens), CFK has expanded its mission to provide not just supplies and resources, but vital educational programs in literacy, arts, and music.

In 1999, CFK piloted its first music program at P.S. 73 in the Bronx, after the school's violin program had been disbanded due to budget cuts. Over the last 10 years, we've added the Story Pirates literacy program, piano instruction, an arts collaboration with the Bronx Museum, the Pearson ABC Book Program, and a partnership with Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Today we work with schools, principals, teachers, and volunteers to provide access to school and art supplies, essential literacy workshops, hands-on arts courses, and personalized music instruction. With your support, we can continue to close the educational gap — and give kids the tools they need to express themselves and succeed.