First-of-its-kind partnership provides over 3,000 tickets and educational opportunities for New York City public school students

NEW YORK, NY – May 8, 2017 –New York Liberty Team President Isiah Thomas announced today the New York City Department of Education (DOE) as presenting partner for the Liberty’s School Day game against the Atlanta Dream at Madison Square Garden (MSG) on Wednesday, June 7th. The pilot program is the first-of-its-kind partnership for a WNBA franchise, which includes MSG, the New York Liberty, and DOE.

In addition to serving as the presenting partner for School Day, the DOE will team up with the Liberty to present an array of experiential programming for children enrolled in New York City public schools including job shadowing opportunities, panel discussions, basketball clinics, and educational materials. The partnership officially tips off with a Junior Liberty youth basketball clinic presented by Hospital for Special Surgery at M.S. 53 Brian Piccolo Middle School in Far Rockaway on Tuesday, May 9.

Funding for the partnership is generated from the New York City 21st Community Learning Centers, a federal grant program that provides aid to offer expanded learning opportunities for students.

“I am proud to see our organization enter into a truly unique relationship with the New York City Department of Education,” said New York Liberty Team President Isiah Thomas. “This partnership encompasses everything the New York Liberty stands for – presenting positive role models for our youth, creating life long memories for our young fans, and making an impact in the community.

“What better way to use the game of basketball, than as a means to educate and inform public school children in New York City,” Thomas added. “It also demonstrates the true value that comes from grant programs such as New York City 21st Century Community Learning Centers, highlighting the importance of continuing to provide funding for these indispensable educational resources.”

“Partnerships with New York City institutions are key to helping our students dream big and thrive,” said Chris Caruso, NYC Department of Education, Executive Director of the Office of Community Schools. “I am thrilled for this new partnership with Madison Square Garden and New York Liberty that will provide students with exciting mentoring and college planning opportunities coupled with incentives like basketball clinics and tickets to game.”

The DOE will receive 3,000 tickets for the Liberty’s School Day game at Madison Square Garden, a day filled with additional value added opportunities including a postgame panel with MSG employees who attended NYC public schools, and an anti-bullying themed halftime performance by Aija Mayrock, bestselling author of “The Survival Guide to Bullying.”

Later in the year, 24 DOE students will have the opportunity to head back to The Garden for a job shadowing opportunity with Madison Square Garden executives on the day of a Liberty game.

The Liberty will also partner with the DOE to produce a co-branded e-workbook, designed to provide students with skills and advice for applying to college, preparing for interviews, and entering the workforce, featuring testimonials from current Liberty players from the New York City area – including Tina Charles (Queens), Epiphanny Prince (Brooklyn), Kia Vaughn (Bronx), and Bria Hartley (Long Island).