TEAK Fellowship’s 25th Anniversary Gala at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City

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Content Producer: Mitchell Acks

Editor: Yerelyn Cortez Hidalgo

November 2, 2023

On Wednesday, October 18th, 2023 we had the pleasure to attend TEAK Fellowship’s 25th Anniversary Gala at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. TEAK is celebrating 25 years of educational excellence to transform lives and build stronger communities. ​TEAK is a non-profit organization that helps low-income NYC students access the most competitive, top-tier high schools and colleges nationwide.  It was great to be back at one of the most beautiful venues in the Upper West Side, the American Museum of Natural History especially for such a worthy cause. There were more than 700 people who supported the gala.

During the evening, guests enjoyed cocktails in the Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda and were welcomed to the Hall of Ocean Life for dinner and the program. Guests were also treated to two performances by TEAK Fellows and freestyle+.

The organization featured and honored Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton creator, and his father, Luis Miranda Jr., a dedicated teacher. They were honored for educational excellence and sparking creativity for TEAK Fellows. In addition, they also honored Robert S. Kaplan, TEAK Founding Board Co-Chair/ Co-Chair, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation/ Former President & CEO,  Federal Reserve Bank for Dallas. He was honored for his visionary leadership in helping and creating TEAK Fellowship. The Lone Pine Foundation, accepted by Lucy Ball, Founding Executive Director, for their legacy investment in TEAK and in removing economic barriers through education.

TEAK Fellowship is a NYC-based non-profit organization that helps exceptional high-achieving, low-income students with their free 10-year program. They help with social, economic, and financial resources beginning in 6th grade. On average, over 30% of TEAK Fellows, are accepted to Ivy League Schools yearly.