NECO's mission is simple-to honor our diverse Past, to advocate for positive change in
the Present, and to build strong leaders for the Future.

We do this with one goal in mind. To help create the world of the future today.

NECO is a non profit 501(C) (3) organization with strategic alliances that allow us to support a
range of diverse programs and insure that every dollar we spend goes to creating a better
world in the future for us all.

NECO honors our diverse past with the Ellis Island Medals of Honor

Each year since 1986, NECO has sponsored the Ellis Island Medals of Honor. The Medals
are presented on Ellis Island, in a dramatic ceremony, to American citizens of diverse origins
for their outstanding contributions to their communities, their nation and the world. Past
Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipients include six Presidents of the United States, Nobel Prize
winners, athletes, leaders of industry, artists and others whose work has made a lasting
impact on humanity.

NECO continues its commitment to Ellis Island, supporting the ongoing restoration of their
educational facilities. Ellis Island is a living tribute to the courage and hope of all immigrants
who have built America.

NECO advocates for positive change in the present

NECO advocates for positive change in the present by forming partnerships with outstanding
organizations that serve a variety of communities and cultures here and abroad. Our partners
include Gift of Life, which provides life-saving heart surgery to children here and abroad and
the National Italian Sports Hall of Fame in Chicago, which has provided over $6-million in
scholarships to underserved children across the country, NECO co-sponsored the first-ever
Chinese Culture Festival in New York City; and sponsored a holiday toy drive with New York
Jet linebacker Victor Hobson to provide toys for children at two Harlem Hospitals, and a
performance on Ellis Island by the Revels Circle of Song, presenting the story of immigration
in music and poetry.

NECO builds strong leaders for the future

NECO's provides significant resources to programs and organizations that have proven their
effectiveness in developing today's young people into tomorrow's leaders. NECO works
with Boys Hope Girls Hope to provide a bright future for academically capable and motivated
children in need.