Project H.O.P.E. (Harboring Opportunities and Promoting Empowerment), funded by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), continues to thrive at Rachel Carson High School- offering students a safe, creative, and empowering space to learn, grow, and lead.

Under the exceptional leadership of Director Diane Martinez-Maben, Project H.O.P.E. has become an essential part of the school community, engaging more than half of the student body through academic support, enrichment programs, and cultural experiences. We are deeply grateful to Principal Stephen McNally and the Rachel Carson High School administration for their partnership and ongoing support in bringing this program to life.

Over the last few months, Project H.O.P.E. has been alive with creativity, learning, and collaboration — a true reflection of what happens when students, staff, and community partners come together with shared purpose. From artistic showcases and cultural experiences to hands-on science exploration, every event this season reminded us what makes Project H.O.P.E. such a special and transformative space.

The excitement began on May 15, 2025, when Project H.O.P.E. participants and staff partnered with the Rachel Carson High School community for an evening fashion show that brought together art, music, and dance. The event was a vibrant celebration of talent and teamwork, as students and staff took to the stage to showcase their creativity through original designs, choreography, and musical performances. The energy in the room was contagious — a powerful testament to how artistic expression builds confidence, fosters collaboration, and strengthens community.

A few weeks later, on May 31, 2025, Project H.O.P.E. staff and participants experienced a highlight of the year: a trip to see the hit Broadway musical Hamilton. The group was captivated by the performance and inspired by its themes of perseverance, leadership, and the power of storytelling. After the show, participants met with members of the cast, posed for photos, and asked thoughtful questions about the production. Back at the program, the experience sparked dynamic discussions about history, morality, and how individual voices can shape broader narratives. For many of our students, the visit to Hamilton was more than just a day out — it was a reminder that art can be both entertaining and deeply transformative.

To close out this stretch of programming, on June 21, 2025, the Project H.O.P.E. team headed to Splish Splash Water Park for a much-anticipated excursion. It was a day filled with laughter, friendship, and discovery. Beyond enjoying the sunshine and water rides, students also engaged in informal science experiments, measuring water temperatures and observing environmental patterns — blending recreation with real-world learning. The outing was a perfect mix of fun and education, reinforcing Project H.O.P.E.’s belief that meaningful learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom.

Together, these experiences capture the very heart of Project H.O.P.E.: a place where education, creativity, and connection intersect. Whether on stage, in the theater, or out in nature, our participants continue to grow as thinkers, creators, and members of a thriving community. The past few months have been a powerful reminder that when curiosity meets opportunity, incredible things happen — and at Project H.O.P.E., that’s exactly what we aim to inspire every day.

We are incredibly proud of Director Diane Martinez-Maben and her dedicated team for their vision and passion, and extend our deepest thanks to Principal Stephen McNally and the Rachel Carson High School community for their ongoing partnership and support.

👉 Want to get involved? Email us at info@jccgci.org or call 718-449-5000 for more information.

ABOUT JCCGCI

Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI) is a community-based organization with a citywide scope, providing a wide-spectrum of senior citizen, career, educational, crime-reduction, mental health, community revitalization and related services benefiting all segments of the population. JCCGCI is also a technical assistance provider, offering capacity building services to nonprofits in all five boroughs through its NonProfit HelpDesk division (www.nphd.org). With 40 program sites throughout New York City staffed by almost 400 social service professionals, JCCGCI assists an average of upwards of 2,500 needy individuals and families each day.

JCCGCI’s Holocaust Survivor Support Services is one of the largest in the world, providing critical assistance to over 4,000 Holocaust Survivors annually. Services include Homecare, Transportation, Case Management, Friendly Visiting, Medicaid Appeals, Socialization, and Home Delivered Meals.