New School Alumni

Meet our partner funds: The Parsons Scholars Program

Since 1997, The Parsons Scholars Program has opened doors for New York City public school students to explore art and design as a pathway to self-discovery, social justice, and meaningful careers. Scholars receive a three-year pre-college scholarship, six transferable college credits, art supplies, transportation, meals, field trips, SAT prep, and college admissions guidance, all within programming rooted in the identities and legacy of people of color from low-income backgrounds.

Learn more: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/TheNewSchool/giving-day-2026

Meet our partner funds: Vera List Center

The Vera List Center for Art and Politics is a nonprofit research center and public forum founded at The New School in 1992 that champions politically engaged art, scholarship, and research. It fosters vibrant and diverse communities of artists, scholars, and policymakers who take creative, intellectual, and political risks to bring about positive change.

Learn more: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/TheNewSchool/giving-day-2026

Meet our partner funds: WriteOn NYC

WriteOn NYC, founded in 2016, is a fellowship program with a dual mission. It brings passionate writing instructors into New York City middle and high schools while preparing MFA Creative Writing students for careers in teaching and nonprofit work through financial support and hands-on experience. Rooted in the belief that literature expands our worldview and deepens empathy, WriteOn fellows make creative writing more accessible to young students, empowering them as both readers and writers.

Learn more: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/TheNewSchool/giving-day-2026

Meet our partner funds: The New Hood

Founded by New School graduate Dr. Talib Hudson Milano ‘22, The New Hood is a think tank based at The New School’s Center for New York City Affairs that empowers urban communities of color to shape the policies affecting their neighborhoods. Through initiatives like The New Hood Policy Lab and Community Healing Policy Fellows, it reimagines what the hood could be for current and future generations through policy created by and for those communities.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Learn more: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/TheNewSchool/giving-day-2026

Next Friday, join us for an unforgettable performance: Land of the Free, Home of the Brave: A Celebration of Black History

Curated by Charlotte Small this event brings together our entire New School community — including Grammy Award winner Samara Joy — for a powerful, joyful, and reflective gathering.

Alumni, join us first at our pre-performance reception at 6:00 PM before the show begins at 7:30 PM at Tishman Auditorium.

Free admission, but RSVPs are required! Register here: https://event.newschool.edu/receptionfeb26

Mark your calendars, New School alumni! New School Giving Day returns this March 6 🐳

Last year, our community made our inaugural Giving Day a tremendous success. This year will be even bigger, with matching gifts already secured and a full day of celebration planned!

Giving Day is an opportunity to support the innovative student programs, platforms for important voices in art and politics, and unique elements that make The New School special.

Whether you’re a student, alum, faculty member, or donor, your participation matters. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details.

Learn more:

Giving Day 2026 Join me and make a gift to New School Giving Day 2026

New School alumni are shaping New York City's future 🗽

Two New School alumni have been appointed to Mayor Elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition committees, where they’ll advise on key issues that impact New Yorkers every day including housing, childcare, transportation, economic development, and social policy.

• Melanie Hartzog, MS Urban Policy Analysis and Management, who co-chairs the transition team (NSSR '20)

• Tara N. Gardner, MS Nonprofit Management, who serves on the Committee on Youth and Education (Milano '06)

We’re proud to see members of our community leading work that strengthens equity, opportunity, and civic life across the city!

Learn more: https://blogs.newschool.edu/news/2025/12/new-schoolers-join-mayor-elect-zohran-mamdanis-transition-committees/

Did you know Parsons students once went ALL OUT for the annual Mardi Gras costume ball? 🎭

If you partied, performed, or dressed up during your student days, The New School Archives would love to record a short Zoom chat with YOU!

These memories will help shape the upcoming Mardi Gras Reboot Festival happening in February 2026.

Fill out the Alumni Interest Form to schedule a time to share your story: http://bit.ly/43LElT6

The Center for Military-Affiliated Students (CMAS) is honored to invite you to the Third Annual Veterans Day Reception 🇺🇸

Monday, November 17
4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Starr Foundation Room

This year’s program will feature Creativets, a national nonprofit organization that empowers veterans to share their stories through the arts. In the days leading up to the event, several of our student-veterans will collaborate with professional songwriters from CreatiVets to compose original songs inspired by their military experiences.

RSVP: https://event.newschool.edu/veteransdayreception

📚✨ The 2025 Alumni Bookshelf is here!

With more than 80 submissions across genres including fiction, poetry, art & design, children and young adult, and memoir this year’s Bookshelf is a literary celebration of The New School’s creative community.

Thank you to all our who shared their work with us. We invite you to explore the full collection and discover the incredible talent represented on this year’s Alumni Bookshelf.

Browse the Alumni Bookshelf: https://www.newschool.edu/alumni/bookshelf/

Jeffrey Men (Parsons AAS Interior Design ’21), creator of Fancy Teddy—the first and only handmade sustainable art toy stuffed with healing crystals. 🌱🧸

As a first-generation Asian American, wellness enthusiast, and toy collector, Jeffrey bridges designer toys and wellness, reminding us of the importance of healing our inner child and celebrating what makes each of us one-of-a-kind.

Fancy Teddy has been showcased at the OCMA / Orange County Museum of Art and featured in NBC, Forbes, WWD, and more.

🎥 Alumni can watch the full conversation now by logging into our New School Network: https://thenewschoolnetwork.com/feed/401345