Recognized by TIME Magazine for Transforming Lives Through Education

Martin Smallhorne’s work has not only changed individual lives—it has reshaped how we think about education for students who’ve been left behind. His leadership was nationally recognized in a feature article in TIME Magazine titled “Stopping the Exodus,” which explored the crisis of high school dropouts in New York City and the innovative programs working to bring students back into the classroom—and back into their futures.

In the article, TIME tells the story of thousands of students who were on the brink of giving up on education entirely. Many had faced homelessness, trauma, loss, or the simple discouragement of being years behind. Martin Smallhorne, serving as assistant principal of a Young Adult Borough Center (YABC) in the Bronx, stood out as a powerful force of change. He didn’t just manage a program—he helped redefine what support looks like for students who are often overlooked.

At his center, Martin worked closely with youth who were older than their peers and under-credited—students who had already spent four or more years in high school without graduating. These weren’t statistics to him; they were young people with real lives, real responsibilities, and real potential. Many were juggling work, caregiving, or recovering from personal hardship. Martin approached each student with a commitment to dignity, personalization, and high expectations. The TIME article highlights how he helped create a sense of community inside one of the city's larger and less intimate schools—something these students had rarely experienced in their education journey.

What made Martin’s program different—and worthy of national attention—was its balance of structure and compassion. Students weren’t simply pushed through; they were guided with care. From small class sizes to efficient scheduling, career counseling, and close partnerships with social support organizations, the YABC model worked. And Martin Smallhorne made it work even better by leading with heart, energy, and a deep belief in the power of a second chance.

His story is not just about one school or one city. It’s about what’s possible when educators truly see their students—and refuse to give up on them. As TIME put it, Martin “strives for a sense of community,” and that sense of belonging is often the spark that brings a student back to life.

Today, Martin continues that mission through Urban Coders, where his experience and vision now support learners of all ages. His journey from dropout recovery advocate to founder of an education-focused organization is rooted in the same belief: every student deserves the opportunity to rise—and the right support to make it happen.