What PENCIL does

PENCIL is a New York City-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1995 by Lisa Belzberg, with its mission centered on connecting public school students to success through structured partnerships with the business community. The organization serves three primary constituents: NYC public school students (particularly ages 16-24 seeking college and career readiness), public schools and administrators seeking external resources for career programming, and corporate partners seeking meaningful employee volunteer and CSR opportunities. PENCIL's core portfolio includes four program lines: Principal For A Day® (an annual one-day immersive experience pairing business and civic leaders with schools, a registered trademark running since 1995), School Partnership Programs (year-long engagements featuring workshops, career panels, and mentoring delivered by corporate volunteers), Ladders for Leaders (a paid six-week summer internship program administered under contract with the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development), and Career Explorers (paid work-based learning in industry cohorts such as technology, business, law, and healthcare). Together these programs have engaged more than 50,000 students since inception, with 12,649 served in the 2024-25 school year across 238 businesses and 1,000+ NYC schools.

PENCIL operates as an intermediary or "liaison" rather than a service-as-software product; its underlying technology is relationship-driven coordination rather than a proprietary platform. There is no app, SaaS product, or API offering — distribution occurs through direct staff-to-school and staff-to-employer relationships. Revenue is generated entirely through donations and grants (corporate giving at eight tiers from $1,000 to $100,000+, individual donations at six tiers, foundation grants from entities such as Bloomberg Philanthropies and The Pinkerton Foundation, government contracts from NYC DYCD, and event revenue from the annual Celebration of Success Gala and charity race partnerships with the NYC Marathon, Half Marathon, and Five Boro Bike Tour). All programs are provided free of charge to schools and students; no fees are charged to participants.

The organization is led by CEO Gregg Betheil (joined 2015, former NYC DOE Senior Vice President) and President Jessica Bynoe, supported by a leadership team of approximately 17 core staff and governed by a Board of Directors with sector representation spanning finance (JPMorgan Chase, Houlihan Lokey, PwC, EY, GoldenTree), law (Paul Hastings, Mayer Brown, Mintz Levin, Perkins Coie, Weil Gotshal), technology (Google, Salesforce, Olo), and government (NYC DOE, Mayor's Office). Major institutional supporters include JPMorgan Chase (Valedictorian tier), Bloomberg Philanthropies, Google, DTCC, Infosys Foundation USA, and Deloitte.

Name

PENCIL

Legal name

PENCIL, Inc.

Website

https://pencil.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

PENCIL is a NYC-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 1995, that connects public school students with business and civic leaders through programs including Principal For A Day, school partnerships, and paid summer internships (Ladders for Leaders), serving 12,649 students annually.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Corporate Donations and Sponsorships: Corporate partners make financial contributions at various tiers (Valedictorian $100,000+, Honor Society $50,000-$99,999, Dean's List $25,000-$49,999, etc.). Major corporate supporters include JPMorgan Chase, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Google, DTCC, and many financial services, law, and consulting firms. Sponsorships also come from gala events and charity race partnerships.
2. Individual Donations: Individual supporters contribute at various levels (Dean $25,000-$49,999, Champion $15,000-$24,999, Leader $10,000-$14,999, Advocate $5,000-$9,999, etc.).
3. Government Grants and Contracts: PENCIL is a provider for the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development's Ladders for Leaders program. Also receives support from DYCD as Valedictorian-level supporter.
4. Event Revenue: Annual Celebration of Success Gala generates ticket sales and sponsorship revenue. Charity race partnerships (Marathon, Half Marathon, Bike Tour) involve fundraising commitments from participants.
5. Foundation Grants: Support from foundations including Bloomberg Philanthropies, Infosys Foundation USA, The Pinkerton Foundation, and others.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

PENCIL is a NYC 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates structured programs connecting public school students with the business community. Core offerings include the annual Principal For A Day® visit program, year-long School Partnership Programs (workshops, mentoring, career panels), and paid summer internships/career exploration through Ladders for Leaders, Career Explorers, and the Public Sector Pathways Program. All programs are delivered free of charge to NYC public schools and students, with funding sourced from corporate sponsors, foundations, individuals, and NYC government contracts.

Product overview

PENCIL is a New York City-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates a portfolio of educational programs connecting public school students to success through business partnerships. The organization offers three primary program types: Principal For A Day (an annual one-day immersive experience pairing business leaders with schools), School Partnership Programs (ongoing year-long engagements with workshops and career panels), and Internship Programs (including the Ladders for Leaders paid summer internship and Career Explorers work-based learning). Additional offerings include the Legal Industry Advisory Group, Women's Leadership Initiative, App Creation Competitions, and Team PENCIL fundraising events. All programs aim to provide students access to relationships, skills, and opportunities for college and career success.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Principal For A Day®: A signature PENCIL program where business and civic leaders visit NYC public schools as principals for a day, running since 1995.
• Ladders for Leaders
• Career Explorers
• School Partnership Programs

Products and services

• Principal For A Day® Annual initiative since 1995 where business and civic leaders visit NYC public schools as principals for a day, offering students insight into career paths and opportunities across industries. Free to participating NYC public schools and students; funded through corporate sponsorships.
• School Partnership Programs Ongoing year-long partnerships connecting corporate volunteers with NYC public schools through workshops, career panels, mentoring, resume and interview preparation, and points of engagement that build college and career readiness skills. Free to NYC public schools.
• Ladders for Leaders Nationally recognized paid six-week summer internship program for NYC high school and college students (ages 16-24) with leading corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies. Includes pre-employment training (over 20 hours). PENCIL is an approved provider for the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development's Ladders for Leaders program.
• Career Explorers Paid work-based learning experience that promotes career awareness, exploration, and preparation. Students complete industry-specific cohorts in technology, business, law, or healthcare over a six-week period, culminating in capstone projects.
• Public Sector Pathways Program Internship program dedicated to public service careers, developed in collaboration with the Mayor's Office and the Pinkerton Foundation, ensuring high-quality experiences for Ladders for Leaders interns placed in city agencies.
• Legal Industry Advisory Group Coordinated effort among NYC law firms and general counsel offices to invest in early career exposure, mentorship, skill development, and internships for PENCIL students.
• Women's Leadership Initiative Initiative launched in 2023 to support and inspire female students in NYC public schools, spearheaded by prominent finance and technology leaders.
• App Creation Competitions Programs including the Google App Creation Competition and Infy App Challenge that challenge students to identify social issues and develop apps addressing community needs, with mentorship from technology professionals.

Quantifiable outcome

• 50,000+ students connected to success since 1995
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1995DYCD is a Valedictorian-level supporter and the government agency behind the Ladders for Leaders program. PENCIL serves as an approved provider, placing hundreds of NYC students in the city's official summer youth employment program. Partnership includes support from the NYC Center for Youth Employment and the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City.
• The Pinkerton FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPinkerton Foundation provides support for the Public Sector Pathways Program, a pilot initiative ensuring high-quality experiences for high school Ladders for Leaders interns placed in city agencies.
• Infosys Foundation USAflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides funding for PENCIL's school-year programming and the Infy App Challenge program where students develop socially conscious apps. Partnership has expanded to serve students at Thomas A. Edison CTE High School, High School of Telecommunication Arts and Technology, and The High School of Arts & Technology.
• JPMorgan ChaseflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerValedictorian-level supporter ($100,000+). Executives participate in Principal For A Day. Partnership includes board representation and employee volunteer programs across multiple PENCIL initiatives.
• RXRflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerRXR Reality supports the PENCIL RXR Career Explorers Program, a paid project-based internship for New Rochelle High School students in the real estate industry. Includes site visits to RXR developments and career mentorship from RXR executives.
• GoogleflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerHonor Society-level supporter. Google provides mentors for the App Creation Competition where students from Young Women's Leadership School of Astoria and Urban Assembly Gateway School develop technology projects.
• Paul Hastings LLPflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerHonor Society-level supporter. Paul Hastings hosted the Principal For A Day Summit and provides ongoing legal industry advisory group support.
• Paul Hastings LLPflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost of the annual Principal For A Day Summit, providing venue and support for executive and educator orientation.
• SalesforceflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvocate-level supporter. Partnership with Dual Language Middle School (DLMS) with monthly virtual engagements supporting students, particularly strengthened during challenging years.
• Deloitte LLPflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerChampion-level supporter ($15,000-$24,999). Deloitte employees mentor students and host PENCIL interns. Top fundraising team during Great Give campaign.
• JetBlueflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeader-level supporter ($10,000-$14,999). JetBlue Foundation provides grants. Executives participate in Principal For A Day and volunteer programs.
• SnøhettaflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerChampion-level supporter ($15,000-$24,999). Multi-year partnership with New Heights Middle School where students design and build projects (birdhouses). Receives Veteran Partnership Award for continued STEM inspiration.
• Maslansky + PartnersflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerChampion-level supporter ($15,000-$24,999). CEO Michael Maslansky serves on PENCIL Board. Partnership brings communication strategy expertise to student programs.
• Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLPflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerHonor Society-level supporter ($50,000-$99,999). Law firm hosts PENCIL interns, participates in Legal Industry Advisory Group, and mentors students.
• Liberty Dental PlanflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmerging Partnership Award winner. Partnership with Union Square Academy for Health Sciences featuring career exploration in dental healthcare and oral health projects.
• L+M Development PartnersflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvocate-level supporter. Partnership with Murray Hill Academy focused on inclusive real estate development, providing students career exposure and mentorship.
• GoldenTree Asset ManagementflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeader-level supporter ($10,000-$14,999). President Christopher Hayward honored for 20-Year Journey with PENCIL, demonstrating long-term commitment to education equity.
• OloflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerChampion-level supporter ($15,000-$24,999). COO Joanna Lambert serves as PENCIL Board Chair, bringing restaurant technology expertise to the organization.
• NYC Department of EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner providing access to NYC public schools and students. DOE Chancellors have served as PENCIL Ex-Officio Board members. Schools across all five boroughs participate in PENCIL programs.
• Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerChampion-level supporter ($15,000-$24,999). Law firm provides volunteer support and participates in Legal Industry Advisory Group.
• Perkins Coie LLPflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerChampion-level supporter ($15,000-$24,999). Hosted Legal Industry Advisory Group session on generative AI and hosted diversity panel.
• Morgan StanleyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFriend-level supporter ($1,000-$2,499). Executives volunteer with PENCIL programs.
• Outfront MediaflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerChampion-level supporter ($15,000-$24,999). Employees Bryan Rojas and Brianna Kostecka recognized with Volunteer Awards for engaging students with career exploration at corporate office.
• Northwell HealthflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeader-level supporter ($10,000-$14,999). Healthcare system provides internship and volunteer opportunities.
• NBAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeader-level supporter ($10,000-$14,999). Sports league provides career exposure opportunities.
• LEK ConsultingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeader-level supporter ($10,000-$14,999). Consulting firm supports student career programs.
• OgilvyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvertising agency partnership with P.S. 123 where students visit the global headquarters weekly to learn about advertising industry.
• New Visions Charter SchoolsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing students with career panels, resume workshops, interview skills practice, and career plan development. Jennie Soler-McIntosh serves as partnership contact.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City: NYC-based youth mentoring nonprofit connecting professionals with public school students for sustained career and personal development — directly comparable model of volunteer-driven business-to-student bridgework, and PENCIL's own VP of Philanthropy previously led this organization.
• Junior Achievement of New York: Delivers workforce readiness, financial literacy, and career exploration programming to NYC public school students through corporate volunteers — near-identical mission to PENCIL's career readiness focus with a similarly school-and-business partnership structure.
• iMentor: NYC-based nonprofit pairing college students with mentors from corporate partners to support college and career success — same target demographic (NYC public school students), same volunteer-driven business-education intermediary model.
• New York Cares: NYC's largest volunteer nonprofit mobilizing corporate employees for service in public schools and nonprofits — operates the same community-led model of recruiting and matching business volunteers to NYC school-based programs.

Broad incumbents

• Year Up: National workforce development nonprofit placing young adults from under-resourced communities into paid corporate internships and career training — overlaps PENCIL's Ladders for Leaders internship placement and Career Explorers programs at larger national scale.
• Per Scholas: National nonprofit providing tuition-free technology training and career placement to under-resourced job seekers — comparable career-readiness and employer-engagement model, though focused on tech rather than the cross-sector exposure PENCIL provides.
• Junior Achievement USA: National parent organization of JA NY and similar affiliates delivering career exploration, financial literacy, and work readiness to K-12 students — established incumbent in the same career-readiness volunteer-driven education space PENCIL occupies at NYC scale.
• United Way of New York City: Major NYC-based nonprofit intermediary that aggregates corporate workplace-giving campaigns and grants to education and youth programs — operates adjacent to PENCIL's role as a corporate-Education bridge and competes for the same corporate CSR dollar.

Emerging players

• After-School All-Stars: Provides comprehensive after-school programming including career exploration to middle and high school students in urban schools — overlapping school-based youth development space with PENCIL but broader programmatic scope.

Others

• NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD): NYC government agency that funds and administers Ladders for Leaders and other youth employment programs — though a public-sector entity rather than a peer nonprofit, it sets the funding framework within which PENCIL operates and is explicitly listed as a Valedictorian-level partner.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pencil
• Instagraminstagram.com/pencilorg
• Xx.com/pencilorg

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about PENCIL