Ascend Public Charter Schools is a nonpartisan and non-political 501 c3 organization that does not endorse or oppose any candidate for elected office or political party.
AscendAdvocates
Empowering Families, Strengthening Communities
AscendAdvocates is our new initiative to inform and engage Ascend families on issues that matter to our communities.
Here, you can find information on how to advocate and get involved.
Navigating uncertain and complex times.
We aim to support all Ascend families in a variety of ways. Here is a list of resources that we’ve compiled regarding immigration.
Immigration Advocates Network –For a list of local organizations that support individuals and families on various immigration issues, please visit the Immigration Advocates Network.
Know Your Rights with ICE – A fact sheet providing essential information on what to do if approached by ICE at home, in public, or at work, along with steps to prepare in case of detention.
Preparing a Family Safety Plan: Know Your Rights Webinar – A webinar offering guidance on how families can create a safety plan and understand their legal rights in case of immigration enforcement.
ActionNYC- If you have questions or concerns related to immigration, please Contact ActionNYC. This city program provides free and confidential help to determine your immigration status and eligibility to receive immigration relief. Call 1-800-354-0365 or call 311 and say "ActionNYC."
If you need any additional information or guidance, reach out to advocacy@ascendlearning.org.
Your voice matters. Our voices matter. Commit to vote!
This past Fall, we launched an initiative to ensure all Ascend community members know how, when, and where to vote.
Voting is important. It gives you a say in how important decisions are made.
On June 24, 2025, New Yorkers will vote in a primary election. During this election, registered voters in NYC will choose their party's nominees for crucial positions, including mayor, public advocate, comptroller, borough presidents, and city council members.
In New York City, primary elections for local offices use Ranked Choice Voting.
This means voters can rank up to five candidates in order of preference, rather than choosing just one. If your first-choice candidate doesn’t win, your vote still counts toward your next choice. This system ensures that elected officials have broader support from voters.
The winners of these primaries will advance to the general election on November 4, where they will compete to shape the future of our city’s education, housing, public safety, and more.
Here are some upcoming dates to remember:
June 14, 2025 – Primary Election Registration Deadline
June 14-22, 2025 – Early Voting for the Primary Election
June 24, 2025 – Primary Election Day
November 4, 2025 – General Election Day
Commit to vote and check your voter registration by June 14, 2025 to participate in the primary election.
Online Voter Registration is Now Available!
Registration Deadline: June 14
To register to vote online, you’ll need:
A New York State driver's license, permit, or non-driver ID
The ZIP code currently on record with the DMV
Your Social Security number
Please note that you need a NY.Gov ID to access the voter registration portal. If you already have one from another NYS agency, you can use it. Otherwise, you’ll need to create an account.
You can also download a registration form in either English or Spanish, print it, and submit it by mail or in person to the appropriate County Board of Elections by June 14. Find your County Board here.
You can also request a registration form by mail by entering your name directly into the Voter Registration Form Request mailing list, or call the 1-800-FOR-VOTE (1-800-367-8683) hotline to request one. Remember to mail it or drop it off in person by June 14 to be eligible to vote.
JOIN #ASCENDADVOCATES
Commit to vote for the primary election!
Are you eligible to vote?
To register to vote in New York, you must:
Be a United States citizen;
Be at least 18 years old (you may pre-register at 16 or 17 but cannot vote until you are 18);
A resident* of this State and the county (New York or Bronx), city, or village for at least 30 days before the election;
Not be in prison for a felony conviction;
Not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court; and
And not claim the right to vote elsewhere.
*Current address does mean permanent residence. Even if you are in temporary housing, you have the right to vote.
Not eligible to vote?
Share voter registration, early voting deadlines, and upcoming information on the primary elections on your social media pages, such as polling locations.
Encourage your friends and family to vote by reminding them of its importance.
Ask your friends to make a plan (how, when, where) to vote because making a plan can increase voter turnout by as much as 9%.
Volunteer at voter registration events. If interested, please reach out to Shaneka Cordero at shaneka.cordero@ascendlearning.org.
Mayoral Candidates in the News
Here’s who’s running for New York City mayor in 2025 - City & State New York
How education and child care will factor into the mayoral race - Spectrum News NY1
Thank you for being part of our community and for everything you bring to Ascend. While we may hold diverse viewpoints, our goal is to create a school environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and respected. Our work at Ascend remains focused on providing each child with a life of choice, and that mission unites us, regardless of the political outcomes that may lie ahead.