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: 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

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/

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