My Brother's Keeper Longwood
Recognizing the disparities in participation and opportunity, particularly for young men and boys of color, Longwood CSD took proactive steps to address these challenges by pursuing the New York State My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Family and Community Engagement grant.
In 2017, Longwood became a proud recipient of this grant, launching an initiative aimed at strengthening family engagement and school-community relationships. Since its inception, the Longwood MBK Family and Community Engagement Initiative has grown exponentially. Today, the program provides mentoring, enrichment experiences, and exposure opportunities for young men and boys from grades 2 through 12. Through structured mentorship, educational trips, and guest presentations, the program empowers students to explore new possibilities, develop leadership skills, and build pathways to success. Longwood CSD remains committed to equity, inclusion, and student empowerment, continuously seeking innovative ways to support and uplift every student in its community.
Action Plan
Click the image above to access the MBK Action Plan.
Community Partners
- Minority Millennials
- EOC of Suffolk County
- Gordon Heights Chamber of Commerce
- Family Service League
- O'High Technologies
- The Center for Social Justice & Human Understanding, SCCC
- Longwood Public Library
- YMCA
- Community Baptist Church
- Gordon Heights Fire Department
- Urban League of Long Island
- Dare to Dream
- Stony Brook University
- First Up Realty
- Dr. Lance Lohman - Superintendent LCSD
- Daniel Rodriguez - LOTE Dept. Chairperson, LHS/MBK Mentor
- Shani Little - MSK Program Manager
- Sam Ahmed - Building Principal, LHS
- Tracy Adams - Asst. Principal, WMI
- James Crenshaw - Assistant Superintendent, Instruction & Learning
- Scott Schuster - Director, College & Career Pathways
- Brittany Stewart - Early College High School, LHS
- Jon Gress - Work-Based Learning, LHS
- Clayton Hudson - Longwood Public Library Board
- Jill Santiago, Resident
- Tracy Toscano - SBU
- John Borromeo - Patchogue YMCA
- Nancy Uzo - Mather Hospital
- Amy Branca - Resident
- Robyn B - Family Service League
- Unity Watts Bailey - SBU
- Christine Acevedo - Academic Academy Advisor, LJHS
- Donna Lee Mahabeer - SBU
- Ann Dumay - First Up Realty
- Marvin Smith - Men of the Future
Building Mentors
Contact:
Elrich Bowlay-Williams
MBK Program Manager
elrich.bowlay@longwoodcsd.org
(631) 345-9200
Shani Little
MSK Program Manager
shani.little@longwoodcsd.org
(631) 345-9200
Click the image above for the community welcome acceptance letter!
National MBK Milestones
- Entering School Ready to Learn
All children should have a healthy start and enter school ready, cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally.
- Reading at Grade Level by Third Grade
All children should be reading at grade level by age 8 – the age at which reading to learn becomes essential.
- Graduate from High School
All youth should receive a quality high school education and graduate with the skills and tools needed to advance to postsecondary education or training.
- Complete Postsecondary Education or Training
Every American should have the option to attend postsecondary education and receive the education and training needed for the quality jobs of today and tomorrow.
- All Youth Out of School are Employed
Anyone who wants a job should be able to get a job that allows them to support themselves and their families.
- All Youth Remain Safe from Violent Crime
All youth and young adults should be safe from violent crime, and individuals who are confined should receive the education, training, and treatment they need for a second chance.
NYS MBK Priorities
- Ensuring equitable access to high-quality schools and programs;
- Expanding prevention, early warning, and intervention services;
- Using differentiated approaches based on need and culture;
- Responding to structural and institutional racism;
- Making comprehensive and coordinated support services widely available; and
- Engaging families and communities in a trusted and respectful way.