About Us

• Mission & History • Board of Directors • Advisory Board • Staff • Partners  

Our Mission and History

Row New York is a unique non-profit organization that combines intensive rowing activities with individualized academic support to empower girls in New York City to pursue excellence in all facets of their lives.

Row New York was founded in 2002 on the belief that a sport that improves physical and mental health and teaches the invaluable lessons of teamwork, tenacity, and commitment to self and others should be available to the youth of New York City. We began with a borrowed boat and eight eager participants, and now serve over 300 girls a year with a boathouse full of equipment. In our five-year history, Row New York’s distinctive combination of rowing and academics has provided numerous benefits to our participants: all of our graduates have gone on to college, many on rowing and academic scholarships; the Row New York girls consistently describe themselves as strong and self-confident; and the Row New York team has earned numerous medals competing against teams from elite private schools at regattas up and down the Northeast.

As we have expanded our program offerings year by year, we have discovered that the uniqueness of rowing as a sport for the youth of New York City gives the Row New York team a sense of pride and motivation that is all too often lacking in young people today. In our talented group of young women, this pride and motivation consistently produces amazing results.