In December, we welcomed a record-breaking 170 new 9th grade students into the YPIE Scholars 2025 cohort!
Over the last two years, applications to this program have increased by more than 50%, requiring additional staff and volunteers to accommodate this growth. Fifty new Graduation Coaches joined the YPIE family. These volunteers from all over Westchester County serve as mentors and are instrumental to the success of the program.
New YPIE Scholars, their families, and Graduation Coaches celebrated the start of the program with a Kickoff Event at Yonkers High School on December 14th. This was the first opportunity for Scholars and Coaches to meet and get to know each other. Students collaborated with Coaches to create posters depicting a vision for their college dreams. Coaches and Scholars will work closely over the next four years to help students develop the skills and mindsets for success.
Jim Cavanaugh, Yonkers Deputy Mayor, former Trustee of the Yonkers Board of Education and current YPIE Graduation Coach, spoke from his personal experience as he provided encouragement to the students, and offered advice to the new Graduation Coaches.
Launched in 2013, the purpose of the YPIE Scholars Program is to increase the number of Yonkers Public School students who graduate high school with the college and career readiness skills necessary for success in college and beyond.