Urban Dove & UD Team Charter Schools

07/29/2026

A major milestone for Urban Dove and Memphis! We are proud to celebrate the approval of Urban Dove Team Charter School Memphis I and II, including the significant endorsement of both applications by MSCS staff.

Congratulations to our founding school leaders Terri Gaston and James Bacchus, and thank you to the families, community leaders and supporters, funders, MSCS, and Groundswell Network who helped make this possible.

We can’t wait to welcome Memphis students in fall 2027.

06/22/2026

Last week, Urban Dove hosted the 2026 Corporate Softball Challenge at the Great Lawn in Central Park, bringing together corporate partners, alumni, staff, students, and supporters for a day of teamwork, community, and friendly competition.

Congratulations to Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R), our 2026 champions, and Ernst & Young (EY), this year’s runner-up! Thank you to everyone who showed up and stepped up to help make this year’s event a success.

At Urban Dove, we energize, educate, and empower over-age, under-credited high school students through team sports, mentoring, restorative practices, and college and career readiness programs- helping young people build confidence, graduate, and believe in what comes next.

06/08/2026

Last week, Seniors from across all four Urban Dove Charter Schools came together for a night to remember at Senior Prom. From the moment students walked through the doors, the energy was incredible. The photo booths were busy, and the room was filled with laughter, music, and celebration.

It was great to see students from across the network connecting, making memories, and enjoying this special milestone together. Whether they were showing off their dance moves, posing for pictures with friends, or simply taking in the moment, our seniors made the most of the evening.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! We are so proud of everything you have accomplished and excited for everything that lies ahead. Thank you for bringing your energy, style, and spirit to a truly memorable night. Your Urban Dove family is cheering you on as you take your next steps toward the future.

05/29/2026

This week, we proudly celebrated Urban Dove’s 24th Annual Evening with the Dove! It was an inspiring evening as we came together to celebrate Urban Dove’s national expansion and honor the incredible individuals and partners who help make our everyday mission possible.

We are deeply grateful to our honorees: Senior Vice President of Strategy & Finance of JetBlue, Mr. Dave Clark; UD Team Brooklyn student, Jasmine; UD Team II Bronx student, Ricardo; UD Team III Queens student, Ty’Aire; and UD Team IV Manhattan student, Kimora, for their leadership, commitment, and impact. Congratulations!

Additionally, congratulations to our JJR Scholars- UD Team Brooklyn student, Jasmine; UD Team II Bronx Student, Emmanuel; UD Team III Queens student, Jonathan; and UD Team IV Manhattan student, Chastity.

Thank you to our board members, supporters, sponsors, and community for standing with us as we continue creating opportunities for New York City youth to build confidence, develop life skills, and reach their full potential. Together, we are expanding possibilities.

05/08/2026

This week, we celebrated Decision Day with the students of UD Team Brooklyn and UD Team IV Manhattan. Each acceptance and commitment reflects the hard work, resilience, and dedication our students have shown throughout their journey.

We are incredibly proud of every student taking the next step toward their future, whether that path leads to college, a trade program, military service, or a career opportunity. The Class of 2026 continues to show what is possible through perseverance and community support.

Congratulations to all of our seniors. Your Urban Dove family is proud of you and excited to see all that you accomplish in the years ahead.

05/05/2026

This Teacher Appreciation Day, we celebrate the educators who make a lasting difference in the lives of young people. At Urban Dove, we witness every day the impact of teachers who lead with dedication, compassion, and belief in their students’ potential. They do more than educate; they build trust, foster resilience, and help shape brighter futures.

We are deeply grateful for the teachers, mentors, and youth advocates who show up with purpose and passion. Your work matters, and your impact extends far beyond the classroom. Thank you for all that you do.

05/01/2026

On School Leader Appreciation Day, we are proud to celebrate the extraordinary leaders who make Urban Dove’s work possible every day. Our school leaders lead with an unwavering commitment to students. They create spaces where students feel seen, supported, and inspired, and where teachers and staff can do their best work.

We are also grateful for our Founder and Executive Director, Jai Nanda, whose vision and dedication continue to guide and strengthen Urban Dove’s mission. As Urban Dove prepares to expand beyond New York City, first in Memphis and, over time, to other states, its leadership and vision are helping bring this powerful model to more young people and communities.

To all of our leaders: thank you! Your leadership changes lives, and we are deeply grateful. Happy School Leader Appreciation Day!

04/24/2026

Proud to see this important work moving forward. Leadership grounded in community, opportunity, and belief in young people is exactly what creates lasting change. Excited to follow what’s ahead.

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04/17/2026

On Director Appreciation Day, we want to recognize all of the extraordinary directors across our network. Your work is not easy, and your impact is immeasurable. Every day, you lead with heart, vision, and unwavering commitment to the young people, creating safe spaces, building trust, and reminding our students of their strength and potential. Thank you for showing up consistently for our students and staff, leading with purpose,
and creating environments where young people can grow, heal, learn, and thrive. We are deeply grateful for your hard work, sacrifice, and steadfast belief in every young person
we serve. Happy Director Appreciation Day.

04/17/2026

On Director Appreciation Day, we want to recognize all of the extraordinary directors across our network. Your work is not easy, and your impact is immeasurable. Every day, you lead with heart, vision, and unwavering commitment to the young people, creating safe spaces, building trust, and reminding our students of their strength and potential.

Thank you for showing up consistently for our students and staff, leading with purpose, and creating environments where young people can grow, heal, learn, and thrive. We are deeply grateful for your hard work, sacrifice, and steadfast belief in every young person we serve. Happy Director Appreciation Day.