Yonkers Partners In Education
Wendy R. Nadel, Executive Director
(914) 377-4882

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: November 7, 2008
For More Information Contact: Wendy Nadel
Email: wrnadel@ypie.org

Roosevelt High School Opens College Center

Yonkers Students Gain College Prep Services

November 7, 2008, Yonkers, NY — Today Roosevelt High School opened the doors to a new College Center which will provide valuable resources to students and help them navigate the complex road into college. Staffed by a professional college advisor, the Center will offer a range of college planning services, much like those that are available to more affluent families. The Roosevelt College Center is a result of a partnership with the Nepperhan Community Center’s Gateway Academy (funded by a 21^st Century Learning Communities grant) and is also funded by a grant from the New York Life Foundation. Yonkers Partners in Education is driving the College Center program and hopes to open Centers in each Yonkers high school.

Thrilled to have the first College Center at Roosevelt High School, Principal Jade Sharp said, "We are confident that this will assist in encouraging our students to apply to more competitive colleges, seek out more scholarships, and explore different careers. For first generation college-going students, the Center’s services will lend a hand in equalizing college access."

YPIE’s College Access initiative will help foster a college-going culture and increase college acceptance for Yonkers public school students. To assist students and families in successfully tackling the college admissions process, College Centers will provide: one-on-one supporton the college admission, acceptance, and selection processes, similar to services provided by private college admission counselors; financial aid and scholarship assistance to educate both parents and students about aid and scholarship opportunities; college explorationseminars for parents and students at local Westchester colleges; and college fairs and tours to expose students and parents to a variety of college options.

“YPIE’s College Centers will help even the playing field for Yonkers students,” said YPIE Executive Director Wendy Nadel. “In today’s competitive environment, these students need and deserve access to the same college planning services as students in other districts.”

Yonkers Partners in Education is an education fund that works in partnership with the public and private sectors to ensure that all students attending public school in Yonkers receive a high quality education that prepares them for work, college, and success in life.

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