Entrepreneurial Skills
- Business fundamentals
- Entrepreneurship
- Financial literacy
- Business planning
- Innovation thinking
Brownsville Ascend Charter School
Free SONYC-Biz afterschool program empowering middle school students with leadership, teamwork, and entrepreneurial skills through hands-on projects in Brownsville.
SONYC-Biz is an afterschool program created by the Central Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation (CBEDC) to empower middle school students with leadership, teamwork, and entrepreneurial skills. Rooted in the Brownsville community, SONYC-Biz provides a safe and engaging environment where young people explore their interests, build confidence, and connect learning to real-world opportunities through hands-on projects that blend academics, creative expression, and business fundamentals.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1501 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212 |
| Borough | Brooklyn (Brownsville) |
| Provider | Central Brooklyn Economic Development Corp |
| Program Type | School’s Out New York City (SONYC) |
| Website | cbedc.org |
| Cost | Free |
| Ages Served | 11-14 years old (Grades 6-8) |
Leadership Development
- Leadership skills
- Team building
- Decision-making
- Goal setting
- Confidence building
Hands-On Projects
- Real-world learning
- Business projects
- Creative expression
- Academic connection
- Practical application
Community Connection
- Rooted in Brownsville
- Local partnerships
- Community engagement
- Civic awareness
- Neighborhood pride
Brownsville Ascend SONYC-Biz participants engage in:
- Entrepreneurial Learning: Business fundamentals and entrepreneurship skills for real-world success
- Leadership Development: Activities that build leadership abilities, confidence, and self-advocacy
- Teamwork Skills: Collaborative projects that strengthen team dynamics and cooperation
- Hands-On Projects: Practical experiences that blend academics, creativity, and business concepts
- Real-World Connections: Learning tied to actual business and economic opportunities
- Safe Environment: Engaging space where students feel secure and empowered
- Interest Exploration: Opportunities to discover passions and career pathways
- Community Roots: Programming deeply connected to Brownsville’s culture and needs
- Creative Expression: Activities that allow personal and artistic development
Central Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation (CBEDC) has served Central Brooklyn communities since 1997, providing economic development, workforce training, youth programs, and business support services. CBEDC created SONYC-Biz specifically to empower Brownsville youth with entrepreneurial skills and economic literacy. Their unique approach combines youth development with business education, preparing young people to become community leaders and future entrepreneurs.
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Verify Enrollment This program serves students enrolled at Brownsville Ascend Charter School (grades 6-8).
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Contact CBEDC Reach out to Central Brooklyn Economic Development Corp at cbedc.org for information.
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Complete Application Fill out the SONYC-Biz registration form.
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Submit Documents Provide required documentation including proof of enrollment, emergency contacts, and medical information.
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Begin Participation Start building leadership, teamwork, and entrepreneurial skills through hands-on projects!
- Completed application form
- Birth certificate or proof of age
- Proof of enrollment at Brownsville Ascend
- Emergency contact information
- Medical information/allergies
- Parent/guardian photo ID
- Proof of address
Betsy Head Park
Large neighborhood park with pool, playgrounds, sports facilities, and recreation center.
Brooklyn Public Library
Stone Avenue branch offering books, technology, homework help, and community programs.
Local Businesses
Pitkin Avenue commercial corridor with shops, services, and entrepreneurial activity.
Community Resources
Brownsville has strong network of community organizations supporting youth and families.
Last updated: November 25, 2025
Program details subject to change. Please contact the provider directly to confirm current offerings, schedules, and availability.