Lester W. Young, Jr. | Members at Large
At Large

55 Hanson Place Suite 400
Brooklyn N.Y. 11217 | Phone (718) 722-2796
RegentYoung@mail.nysed.gov
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Lester W. Young, Jr. has made creating school atmospheres where every student can be successful the guiding principle of his more than 35 year career. Dr. Young is currently a Professor of Human Development and Leadership (Adjunct), Long Island University, Graduate School of Education. In March of 2008, Dr. Young was confirmed and appointed by the New York State Legislature as Regent At Large, The State University of New York.

A career public servant, Dr. Young has held several New York City and State positions including elementary school Principal, Superintendent of Community School District 13 Brooklyn, NY and Associate Commissioner with the New York State Education Department. In January 2003, Dr. Young was appointed by the Mayor and Chancellor to lead the first New York City Office of Youth Development & School-Community Services.

A recognized educational leader and innovator, Dr. Young was directly responsible for replicating the nationally recognized Algebra Project and Comer School Development Program in New York City. Under Dr. Young’s leadership Community School District 13 became the first New York City Community School District to design and operate three high schools: Benjamin Banneker Academy High School, Bedford Academy High School and Dr. Susan S. McKinney Secondary School of the Arts. Also, to address the unique needs of preadolescents, the district designed and opened three middle schools: Park Place Community Middle School, Satellite East and Satellite III Academies. Additionally, to prepare central Brooklyn students for the rigors of college, District 13 collaborated with Long Island University to sponsor the Charles Inniss Scholars Program. After 36 years of service Dr. Young retired from the New York City school system in September 2004.

Dr. Young serves on the boards of Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, Independence Community Foundation and Billie Holiday Theatre. During his career, Dr. Young has been recognized by many local, national education, and civic education organizations for his professional contributions. In February 2007 Dr. Young received the Humanitarian Award from the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican and Asian Legislators, Inc. Dr. Young is profiled in Men of Courage II, documenting the lives and achievement of 27 African American Men. He is also a contributing writer to Child by Child: The Comer Process for Change in Education, 1999.

Dr. Young is married to Dr. Renee Young and they are the proud parents of one son, Lester III.