We’re thrilled to announce a new partnership with Citizens and the Citizens Philanthropic Foundation through the 2026 Citizens Miles That Matter Award.
Even more meaningful, Beginning with Children was selected by Miraj, Citizens’ Brooklyn representative and a member of Team Citizens, as the nonprofit he will champion as he runs the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on November 1.
For Miraj, running is about more than the miles. It’s about building community and creating opportunities for people to see themselves as part of something bigger. In Crown Heights, he works to create welcoming entry points for those who may not traditionally see themselves as runners, including immigrants and adult beginners.
That same spirit of community and opportunity is what connected Miraj to Beginning with Children.
Turning Miles Into Opportunity
Through the $20,000 grant supported by the Citizens Philanthropic Foundation, Beginning with Children will expand the Legacy Network’s Career Readiness Initiative, helping young people build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to pursue their futures.
The funding will support:
- 40 students participating in workforce-readiness programming
- 15 students receiving paid internship opportunities
- 90% of participants expected to report greater confidence in their professional skills
The Legacy Network is part of Beginning with Children’s commitment to supporting young people not only in the classroom, but throughout their journey from pre-K through life. By connecting students and young adults with career exploration, mentorship, professional skills, and paid opportunities, we help ensure that a young person’s zip code does not determine their access to opportunity.
We are grateful to Miraj for choosing Beginning with Children and to Citizens and the Citizens Philanthropic Foundation for investing in the next generation of Brooklyn leaders.
As Miraj takes on 26.2 miles this November, we’re proud to be part of the journey—and excited to turn every mile into greater opportunity for our students and young people.
Thank you, Miraj, Citizens, and the Citizens Philanthropic Foundation, for running with us.
