New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC)

What New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC) does

New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2007 and headquartered in a WeWork co-working space in Times Square, New York City. It is the first undocumented youth-led organization in New York and operates with a staff of approximately 11 people (4 full-time including 2 co-directors, plus 5–7 part-time employees, contractors, and fellows). NYSYLC's mission is to give undocumented and immigrant youth the tools and space to organize and create change in their communities, organized around four programmatic pillars: Grassroots Organizing (Organizing Team, Advocacy Team, Dream Team Network of 11 school- and campus-based advocacy hubs), Leadership Development (Youth Empowerment Program, UndocuQueer Team, Undocu Support Group), Educational Advancement (Undocu Academy year-long college-access program with mentorship, Teach Dream educator network, College Access Resources, Undocu Grad School Guide co-produced with NYU School of Law Immigrant Rights Clinic), and Art & Self-Expression (creative writing, dance, photography workshops). Additional offerings include the Undocu-Hustle Grant ($1,000 micro-grants for undocumented entrepreneurs in New York State), fiscal sponsorship of the Undocu Spark Lab entrepreneur fellowship, an annual Immigrant Youth Empowerment Conference (IYECon), and advocacy resources such as Know Your Rights workshops, ICE Watch, and DACA support.

NYSYLC's business model is a community-led nonprofit with diversified revenue streams including individual donations (one-time and monthly sustaining donations through ActBlue), merchandise sales via a Bonfire online store, fundraising events (talent shows, benefit concerts, virtual auctions), and grants from a roster of 12+ foundations including North Star Fund, Pinkerton Foundation, New York Women's Foundation, New York Foundation, Prospect Hill Foundation, Cricket Island Foundation, Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation, Funders' Collaborative on Youth Organizing, Altman Foundation, Tikkun Olam Foundation, Lucius N. Littauer Foundation, with CCNSF and Hispanic Federation supporting strategic planning. Most programs are free to participants; the only paid components are micro-grants, stipended fellowships, and event tickets. Its go-to-market motion is community-led: members are recruited through schools, social media (Instagram, TikTok, Linktree), word-of-mouth, and earned media (Gothamist, CBS New York, Univision), and progress through a sociocratic governance leadership pipeline from participants to circle members to decision-makers.

In 2023, NYSYLC's operating budget was approximately $700,000 in expenses. The organization serves 500+ immigrant youth annually through workshops, meetups, and community events, with 70+ youth actively engaged in programming and project leadership, and partnerships with 20+ schools for Know-Your-Rights trainings. Following an organizational pause from May to August 2024, NYSYLC adopted a sociocratic governance structure in late 2024, replacing its prior co-director model with semi-autonomous operational circles. Tech stack is not disclosed and is not a meaningful component of the operating model.

Name

New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC)

Legal name

New York State Youth Leadership Council

Website

https://nysylc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

NYSYLC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2007 and the first undocumented youth-led organization in New York. It serves undocumented and immigrant youth in NYC through grassroots organizing, leadership development, college-access programming, and educator support.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Advocacy and Leadership Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Child and Youth Services (624110), Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Services (611), Human Rights Organizations (813311)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Justice, At-Risk Youth & Violence Prevention Nonprofits (BPAGADAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Refugee & Humanitarian Newcomer Orientation (Resettlement Support) (EDAAADAI), Youth-to-Adult Transition & Life Skills (Independent Living, Soft Skills) (EDAAAFAN), Newcomer & Refugee Student Support Programs (EDAJAGAH), Gender Equality, Inclusion & Social Protection Programs (BPADABAK)

Keywords

• Youth leadership development
• Immigrant rights advocacy
• Community organizing programs
• Educational access support
• Nonprofit youth services

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: NYSYLC accepts one-time donations and monthly sustaining donations. Donations help fund supplies, food for events, community building spaces, and outreach to undocumented and immigrant youth.
2. Merchandise Sales: The organization sells t-shirts and merchandise that serve as symbols of protest and solidarity. Merchandise is available through Bonfire online store.
3. Fundraising Events: NYSYLC organizes fundraising events including talent shows, punk benefit shows, backyard party fundraisers, bowling events, and virtual auctions.
4. Grants and Foundation Support: The organization receives grants from foundations including North Star Fund, Pinkerton Foundation, Lucius N. Littauer Foundation, New York Women's Foundation, New York Foundation, Prospect Hill Foundation, Cricket Island Foundation, Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation, Funders' Collaborative on Youth Organizing, Altman Foundation, and Tikkun Olam Foundation. CCNSF and Hispanic Federation supported strategic planning.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

NYSYLC delivers free youth empowerment programs for undocumented and immigrant youth in New York City through grassroots organizing, leadership development, educational advancement, and art/self-expression initiatives. Programs include the year-long Undocu Academy college-access program, the school-based Dream Team Network, the political-education Youth Empowerment Program, the merged Teach Dream educator support team, and the UndocuQueer support team. The organization is operated by and for undocumented youth using a sociocracy governance model adopted in late 2024.

Product overview

The New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC) is an undocumented youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates as a unified suite of youth empowerment programs rather than a traditional product platform. The organization's portfolio consists of interconnected programs centered around four pillars: Grassroots Organizing (Dream Team Network, Organizing Team, Advocacy Team), Leadership Development (Youth Empowerment Program, UndocuQueer Team), Educational Advancement (Undocu Academy with its Mentorship sub-program, Teach Dream educator network, College Access Resources, Undocu Grad School Guide), and Self-Expression (Undocu Support Group, art workshops, creative writing). Additional offerings include the Undocu-Hustle Grant for entrepreneurs, fiscal sponsorship of Undocu Spark Lab, annual IYECon conference, and advocacy resources including Know Your Rights workshops, ICE Watch, and DACA resources. The programs are designed as a leadership pipeline where members progress from participants to volunteers to decision-makers through circles using a sociocratic governance model.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Undocu Academy: A college access, career planning, professional development, and political education program for immigrant high school seniors
• Dream Team Network
• Teach Dream
• Youth Empowerment Program (YEP)
• UndocuQueer Team
• Organizing Team
• Advocacy Team

Products and services

• Undocu Academy Year-long college-access, career-planning, professional development, and political-education program providing undocumented high school seniors with mentorship and 1-on-1 support through the college and financial aid application process.
• Dream Team Network Network of 11 student-led school and campus-based advocacy hubs supporting undocumented students and building immigrant power through grassroots organizing.
• Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) Political-education series that develops immigrant youth's political analysis and equips them with tools to organize and become agents of change, regardless of immigration status.
• Teach Dream Educator team that creates safer schools and advocates for students of all immigration statuses by providing resources, training, and support for student-led activism. Teach Dream merged with NYSYLC in April 2020 after collaborating since 2013.
• UndocuQueer Team Team supporting undocumented queer and gender-oppressed immigrant youth through community building and advocacy.
• Undocu Support Group Monthly virtual talk space providing peer support to gender-oppressed immigrants of undocumented experience through grounding and intentional conversations.
• Immigrant Liaison Youth Fellows Paid fellowship for high school juniors and seniors (regardless of immigration status) supporting immigrant liaisons in NYC DOE schools through ~3 hours/week work over a 9-10 month contract, with stipends of $1,100/month or a flat $3,000 for the full term.
• Undocu-Hustle Grant $1,000 business grant for undocumented immigrant entrepreneurs in New York State whose businesses are less than 5 years old or brand new, prioritizing women-owned, queer-owned, and first-time applicants.
• Immigrant Youth Empowerment Conference (IYECon) Annual conference gathering immigrant youth, parents, educators, and allies for workshops on resources, immigrants' rights, history, systems of oppression, and strategies for change; pre-pandemic attendance reached 300 in-person annually.
• Organizing Team Team of undocumented youth organizing in their communities and building campaigns for immigrant justice, trained through Get Active workshops on community organizing and advocacy strategies.
• Advocacy Team Team developing NYSYLC's campaigns for systemic change and planning rapid-response actions on immigration issues.
• NYSYLC Merchandise Store Online merchandise store via Bonfire selling t-shirts, tanks, mugs, and apparel that function as symbols of protest and solidarity, with proceeds supporting NYSYLC's programming.

Quantifiable outcome

• 500+ immigrant youth served through workshops, meetups, and community events annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Youth Power CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 December 2024Youth Power Coalition shared insights about sociocracy, provided numerous resources, and modeled how sociocracy can work for organizations dedicated to youth-led collective impact. They were key partners during NYSYLC's strategic planning and organizational restructuring process.
• Sociocracy for AllsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSociocracy for All provided comprehensive materials and resources that helped NYSYLC learn and implement sociocratic governance principles during their organizational restructuring.
• Community Resource Exchange (CRE)supportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerJanine le Sueur from Community Resource Exchange initiated and supported NYSYLC's strategic planning process in 2023, facilitating surveys, focus groups, and retreats. This partnership was made possible through CCNSF and Hispanic Federation funding.
• Cecilia Lim (Conflict Practitioner)supportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCecilia Lim supported NYSYLC during their organizational pause in resolving interpersonal conflicts, developing healthier communication styles, and creating community agreements. This partnership was funded by New York Foundation.
• NYU School of Law Immigrant Rights CliniccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNYU Law School's Immigrants Rights Clinic collaborated with NYSYLC to create the Undocu Grad School Guide, with law students producing the guide under supervision of Jessica Rofé, Esq. This is an ongoing collaboration.
• John Jay College Immigrant Student Success CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJohn Jay College Immigrant Student Success Center collaborates with NYSYLC on programming including Undocu Student Meetups and support for undocumented college students.
• Brooklyn College Immigrant Student Success OfficesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrooklyn College Immigrant Student Success Office works with NYSYLC on immigrant student support initiatives and community events.
• VOLS (Volunteers of Legal Service)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerVOLS collaborates with NYSYLC on immigrant rights initiatives and provides legal support resources for undocumented community members.
• CUNY-IIE (Institute for Immigration Studies)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCUNY-IIE collaborated with NYSYLC and Teach Dream to launch the Immigrant Liaison pilot program in NYC DOE schools and create the Framework for Immigrant Liaisons report.
• LatinoJustice PRLDEFsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNYSYLC joined LatinoJustice PRLDEF and 18 other organizations to file an amicus brief supporting lawsuits to stop the DACA rescission in 2017. Baker & Hostetler LLP assisted with the legal filing.
• Teach DreamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeach Dream, formerly a working group of the New York Collective of Radical Educators, merged with NYSYLC in April 2020. They are now NYSYLC's educator team, providing workshops and support for teachers working with immigrant students.
• Undocu NaturesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerUndocu Nature, founded by NYSYLC members, partners with NYSYLC to host outdoor events like hiking trips, making nature accessible to undocumented community members.
• Minkwon CentersupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMinkwon Center collaborates with NYSYLC on social events for undocumented youth including cultural picnics, Korean drumming workshops, and art and poetry nights.
• Donoso Studio (Undocu Spark Lab)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerNYSYLC serves as the fiscal sponsor for Undocu Spark Lab, a program for undocumented entrepreneurs launched by Donoso Studio. The year-long fellowship helps entrepreneurs launch businesses and create sustainable growth plans.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Hispanic Federation: National Latino nonprofit service and advocacy organization providing grants and direct services including to immigrant youth. NYSYLC's existing strategic partner and funder; comparable in mission alignment but operates at a much larger scale across multiple states.
• FWD.us: National immigration advocacy organization with significant foundation and tech industry funding pushing for policy reform. Comparable to NYSYLC's broader advocacy and policy work, though operating at much larger scale with different tactics (tech industry advocacy vs. grassroots organizing).
• New York Immigration Coalition: Umbrella policy and advocacy organization for over 200 immigrant rights groups across New York State. Comparable to NYSYLC's advocacy work as a broader incumbent network operating in the same geography, with NYSYLC connected as a member organization.

Direct peers

• The Dream (formerly Define American): National nonprofit supporting undocumented youth with scholarships, fellowships, and media/leadership programs. Directly comparable to NYSYLC's Undocu Academy and leadership development offerings, operating at a larger national scale.
• Make the Road New York: Immigrant-led community organization operating in New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Virginia with member-led organizing, education, and legal services. Closely comparable to NYSYLC's immigrant youth organizing model in the same NYC geography and similar services to immigrant communities.
• Minkwon Center for Community Action: NYC-based Korean and Asian American community organization providing immigrant youth services, civic engagement, and cultural programming. NYSYLC's existing partner with shared programs for undocumented youth; directly comparable in service area and youth organizing model.
• United We Dream: The largest undocumented youth-led organization in the United States, operating a national network of affiliate groups. Directly comparable to NYSYLC as a peer immigrant youth-led advocacy organization with overlapping programs in leadership development, Know Your Rights, and policy advocacy.
• The Resurrection Project: Chicago-based immigrant-led organization with similar youth organizing, civic engagement, and community development programs. Comparable to NYSYLC's grassroots organizing model and immigrant youth leadership pipeline, though serving a different geographic region.
• Educators For Fair Consideration (E4FC): Formerly focused on undocumented students in California with leadership development, educator training, and resource materials. Highly comparable to NYSYLC's Undocu Academy and Teach Dream programming, especially the educational access and educator support components.
• Mixteca Organization: NYC-based nonprofit serving Latin American immigrant communities through education, organizing, and arts programming. Comparable to NYSYLC's community-based programming and immigrant youth services in overlapping Brooklyn and Manhattan geographies.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/nysylc
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@nysylc
• Instagraminstagram.com/nysylc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nysylc

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC)