The organization held an event in Brooklyn with motivational speakers and other performances to inspire students to follow their dreams.
The 'I will graduate' pledge at Margaret Douglas Junior High School kicked off a season of citywide programming meant to empower.
"Our number one program is college and career readiness; we have mentoring programs," Founder Tonya Lewis said.
Lewis co-founded 'I will graduate' 18 years ago to address school dropout rates.
"What I've seen over the years is improvement, but the work is not over because we find many of our students are still not engaged, especially after the pandemic," Lewis said.
Students say they are focused on their goals.
8th grader Sayuri Dorieen wants to go to Juilliard.
"I love dancing and singing and I really want to make it as a career," Dorieen said.
Lawmakers say the 'I will graduate' program is critical in communities like East New York.
"Homelessness, gun violence, we are absolutely plagued. It's not specific to my administration or anything that's happening with this particular district outside of being underinvested," Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas said.
Organizers say more than 155,000 students have already taken the pledge and the movement continues to grow.
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Follow us on YouTube
* More local news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts