Keith DeCesare is introduced as a lifelong catalyst for change in New York City. His vision forms the DNA of three interconnected projects that honor the city’s past, serve its present, and prepare its future.
Immediately after 9/11, Keith founded Art Aid and built the first memorials at Ground Zero. He created space for collective grieving before official agencies mobilized, demonstrating unmatched initiative and impact under pressure.
Keith helped bring high-speed internet to underserved communities long before digital equity became a national issue, positively affecting nearly half a million residents.
Seeing vanishing monarch habitats and limited nature access for children, Keith created the Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary—an elegant solution addressing both problems. He collaborated with city agencies, prepared the land himself, and inspired widespread community involvement, transforming a neglected area into a living outdoor classroom.
Keith developed a holistic, project-based AI curriculum piloted in Washington Heights. It differs from traditional coding classes by personalizing learning and emphasizing ethical, creative, and critical thinking—preparing students for a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Keith exemplifies the David Prize’s mission to support people who “make things happen.” For 40 years, he has executed high-impact projects—often using his own funds and often achieving more than fully resourced agencies. His work is successful but constrained only by resources.
His repeatable approach—identify the need, build the solution, collaborate, and inspire community involvement—grounds every project he leads. This model will scale across all five boroughs with expanded AI learning, conservation, and youth empowerment.
The $200,000 grant would:
If Keith has accomplished this much with limited resources, imagine what he could build for all of New York City with the David Prize fully unlocking his potential.