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YPIE Scholars

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The YPIE Scholars program prepares students for success in college and careers for the future. Beginning in 9th grade and continuing into college, YPIE Scholars are a community of students preparing for college, navigating the college application process, and successfully transitioning to college and beyond.

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Each YPIE Scholar will develop an individual learning plan -- a YPIE Blueprint -- for the year and beyond, with the help of their YPIE College Readiness Manager.

YPIE Scholars put in the hard work after school at the YPIE College Zone to become academically ready for college. They also receive coaching and support from YPIE staff based in their schools and adult mentors from across our community.

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YPIE Fellows

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To extend our reach to students who are just starting the college process, students can apply in 11th grade to become YPIE Fellows to receive support with the college application and financial aid processes and their transition to the first 2 years of college.

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Program Elements

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College Readiness

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Academics

To ensure that students are ready for the rigors of college, YPIE Scholars receive individualized academic instruction and tutoring in core areas for college success after school at the YPIE College Zone. Hundreds of Scholars each week come to the YPIE College Zone to learn, be inspired, and be part of a community of students on the path to college.

​Adult Mentoring & Coaching

Each YPIE Scholar is assigned a staff specialist, called a College Readiness Manager, as well as a volunteer mentor, called a Graduation Coach. Readiness Managers meet with students in and out of school to target school challenge areas and create action plans for success. Graduation Coach volunteers stay with their assigned students through all four years of high school, resulting in deep personal relationships between students and adults.

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Majors (Career Pathways)

YPIE Scholars can select from many different “majors” that give them tangible skills and deep exposure to future careers while preparing them for the rigor of college academic work. Key partners such as Regeneron elevate the experience out of the classroom. Students can choose from one of many Majors, including Science Research, Entrepreneurship, Journalism, Tech Squad, and others. Learn more about our YPIE Majors.

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College Access

College Advising and Campus Visits

Beginning in 11th grade, YPIE Scholars receive support from a YPIE College Advisor to develop a plan for after high school. Students take campus visits to expand their horizons and develop a college list with many options.

College Application and Financial Aid Support 

YPIE College Advisors as well as trained volunteers help students craft a college essay and complete applications with the ultimate goal of enrolling in a best fit (academically, geographically, financially) college. A key component is finding colleges that offer financial support, and YPIE staff do extensive work with students on financial aid applications.

SAT/ACT Prep

Students work after school and on Saturdays to prepare for their college entrance exams.

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College Persistence

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Transition to College

During the summer between high school and college, a comprehensive summer initiative provides YPIE students with the confidence to know they’re prepared to navigate the challenges low income, first-generation students confront in the first years at college: imposter syndrome, time management, taking advantage of clubs and activities, how to access support services, living with a roommate, handling homesickness, budgeting, health, and safety. 

College Persistence Coaching

YPIE students are assigned a dedicated College Completion Coach who meets with them monthly, in-person and/or via video chat when necessary, for the first two years of college. During these meetings, Coaches help students navigate anything that comes up that could prevent college success.

Career Advising

YPIE coaches help students determine a meaningful career path and identify internship and job opportunities.

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