Preserving Opportunity: Why New York’s Gifted and Talented Programs Matter

As a proud graduate of New York City’s gifted and talented programs, and as someone whose family arrived in America as poor refugees, I know firsthand how transformative access to education can be. These programs were not simply about academic acceleration; they were gateways to belonging and possibility. For many children from underserved communities, they remain one of the few merit-based pathways to excellence.

A recent New York Times article quoting Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani suggests that these programs perpetuate segregation. That interpretation misses the larger point. Coming from a position of privilege, it is easy to mistake cultural divides for exclusion. But for those of us who grew up with limited means, these programs provided the opposite: a bridge toward inclusion, mobility, and hope. They opened doors that might otherwise have stayed closed.

Gifted and talented education, when implemented responsibly, does not entrench inequality, it helps dismantle it. Data consistently show that fair and broadened selection processes increase diversity and achievement, especially among Black, Latino, immigrant, and low-income students. By identifying potential rather than privilege, such programs cultivate future leaders from every corner of our city. They demonstrate that high standards and inclusivity are not mutually exclusive; they are mutually reinforcing.

Instead of dismantling these opportunities, New York should focus on refining them. Equitable screening, stronger outreach, and early mentorship can ensure that every child, regardless of background, has a fair chance to thrive. Talent is universal; access is not. Our responsibility as a city is to close that gap.

Education has always been the great equalizer. Preserving and improving gifted and talented programs is not about protecting the privileged; it is about safeguarding a pipeline of promise that has lifted generations of New Yorkers, including families like mine, toward a better future.

What’s your perspective? How can we make education both inclusive and challenging, ensuring that every child’s potential has the chance to shine?