New York City officials are hoping a new program to support LGBTQ youth could help put a stop to bullying in schools.

The launch comes just days after a Bronx student, 18-year-old Abel Cedeno, fatally stabbed a fellow classmate and injured another. Authorities said Cedeno may have been bullied because of his perceived sexual orientation.

The case was front and center at Friday's fifth annual launch of Project Aly, a CAMBA program that promotes acceptance of LGBTQ youth by their families and provides resources and workshops to build self-esteem.

New York City first lady Chirlane McCray said she hopes the program can make a difference before another deadly incident happens again.

"We have to make sure that all of our young people are not subject to bullying, harassment, discrimination...and then we have to make sure that they protected and they feel safe," she said.

Project Aly also provides workshops for staff in city public schools.