For Immediate Release
Oct. 26, 2023
Representatives from Yonkers Partners in Education, IGT, and Yonkers elected officials attend a ribbon cutting celebrating a donation of 13 state-of-the-art computers to support YPIE programs. (October 24, 2023)
YONKERS, NY – On Tuesday, leaders from International Game Technology (IGT) and Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) gathered to celebrate IGT’s donation of computer equipment as part of its global After School Advantage program. This advanced technology will enhance YPIE’s after school programs, including the YPIE Scholars and YPIE Fellows programs, which prepare Yonkers students for success in college and beyond. YPIE provides individualized academic instruction, coaching and mental health counseling, and support through college to ensure student success beyond the classroom. Students will use the donated equipment to help navigate the college application process and enhance their academic skills.
“Navigating the path to college can sometimes be a challenge for our students,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “Thanks to IGT’s generous investment in YPIE students, we can better support them on their journey to success. Congrats to all and I wish our aspiring college students all the best with their future endeavors.”
“This new technology provided by IGT is critical to supporting YPIE students on their path to college,” said Sam Wallis, YPIE Executive Director. “We’re grateful to IGT for ensuring that Yonkers high school students have online access to college applications, financial aid information, academic resources, internship opportunities, and other information necessary to stay on track for a college degree.”
“IGT recognizes the critical importance of after school programs and commends YPIE for its strong focus on preparing students for college and career success,” said Jeff Hecht, IGT New York Marketing and Corporate Accounts Manager. “For nearly 25 years, IGT’s After School Advantage program has helped thousands of young people access the most advanced technology and learning resources. IGT’s donation to YPIE will enable students to develop key skills, navigate the college application process, and prepare themselves for professional opportunities in the future.”
Mayor Spano, YPIE, and IGT were joined by Yonkers City Council Majority Leader Tasha Diaz (District 3), Council Member Shanae V. Williams (District 1), Council Member Anthony J. Merante (District 6), Commissioner of Information Technology for the City of Yonkers Bob Cacace, and Director of Guidance & Counseling for Yonkers Public Schools Idalia N. Aguero, MS. Ed.
Founded in 2007 to bring innovative solutions to the severely under-resourced Yonkers public School District, YPIE has grown from a start-up to a well-respected nonprofit serving 1,200 students every year – about 25% of all high school students in Yonkers. Over the years, YPIE has evolved from its original program in Yonkers to include college readiness and college persistence, supporting students from ninth grade to, and through, college.
As part of IGT’s Sustainable PlayTM initiatives, After School Advantage is the company’s flagship community program, devoted to providing youth with access to technology at digital learning centers in communities where IGT operates. IGT is a global leader in the lottery and gaming industry and has promoted the advancement of tech literacy and STEAM opportunities by providing young people access to technology since the After School Advantage program was founded in 1999.
Jeff Hecht, IGT New York Marketing and Corporate Accounts Manager with a YPIE student demonstrating how program participants use the donated technology to apply to college (October 24, 2023)
To learn more about IGT’s After School Advantage program, visit IGT.com.
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About IGT’s After School Advantage Program As a global leader in gaming, IGT is committed to building sustainable communities where the Company conducts business worldwide. After School Advantage (ASA), IGT’s flagship community initiative, ensures students have access to participate in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) educational opportunities in digital learning centers, while developing the knowledge and skills for the jobs of tomorrow. For each ASA technology lab, IGT donates new computers, printers, software, furniture, and curricula to qualifying public schools and non-profit agencies Since the launch of the ASA program on April 14, 1999, IGT has installed computer centers in the District of Columbia, Antigua, Barbados, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Jamaica, United Kingdom, and Trinidad and Tobago, Rhode Island, Texas, Oregon, Georgia, California, Kentucky, Ohio, Arizona, New Jersey, Michigan, Kansas, Wisconsin, New York, Colorado, Missouri, Louisiana, Illinois, New Mexico, Virginia, Idaho, Florida, Tennessee, Nevada, Washington, Indiana, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Mississippi. For more information about IGT’s ASA program, please visit www.IGT.com.
About IGT IGT (NYSE: IGT) is a global leader in gaming. We deliver entertaining and responsible gaming experiences for players across all channels and regulated segments, from Lotteries and Gaming Machines to Sports Betting and Digital. Leveraging a wealth of compelling content, substantial investment in innovation, player insights, operational expertise, and leading-edge technology, our solutions deliver unrivaled gaming experiences that engage players and drive growth. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 jurisdictions around the world and create value by adhering to the highest
standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has approximately 10,500 employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com.
About Yonkers Partners in Education Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) partners with students to ensure they are ready for, enroll in, and complete college. YPIE confronts 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. In its 16th year, YPIE puts college within reach for thousands of students. For more information, please visit www.ypie.org.