Toby McAfee Photography
More than 180 ninth grade students from across all eight Yonkers Public High School were inducted into the YPIE Scholars on the path to college success.
On Dec. 13, the Yonkers Riverfront Library auditorium was standing room only, filled with more than 180 ninth-grade students from the Yonkers Public Schools who are starting on their path to college success as Yonkers Partners in Education Scholars.
Toby McAfee Photography
YPIE Executive Director Wendy Nadel with some of our newest YPIE Scholars after their Induction Ceremony.
These students, their parents, and members of the YPIE community gathered for the YPIE scholars induction ceremony, with a record number of new YPIE scholars who were selected because of their commitment, drive and focus on their future. Each completed a rigorous written application and interview process and will commit to this program for the next six years.
As part of this program, scholars will attend the after-school YPIE College Zone for an extended learning day of rigorous college prep courses, and work with YPIE staff and volunteer mentors from around Westchester.
“Being a YPIE scholar is all about being part of a community,” said Sam Wallis, chief program officer at Yonkers Partners in Education. “You are now part of something special, a community of students who want more for themselves, who have dreams and are willing to work hard to make them come true. This is one of the few places in Yonkers that brings together students from all eight high schools in Yonkers.”
Rose Collins-Judon, assistant superintendent of the Yonkers Public Schools, addressed the audience, and 12th-grade YPIE scholar Citlalli shared her experiences with the incoming scholars. “Since I am the first person in my family to go to college, I knew it would be hard as I don’t have the same opportunities as people from wealthier areas,” she said. “My mom told me about YPIE and everything changed.”
YPIE partners with students to ensure they are ready for, enroll in, and complete college by confronting the challenges of a low-income, urban school district by providing families with equitable access to the critical tools and services necessary for college success. It makes sure that students are lifelong learners equipped to thrive in the future economy and empowered to contribute to their communities and humanity. Visit YPIE.org for more information.
