YPIE and Spiral Giving Partner to Launch YPIE Spiral Giving Philanthropy Program

Inspiring students to become changemakers by connecting entrepreneurship, leadership, and community engagement.

Spiral Giving Executive Director Sue Fuirst with the first class of YPIE Spiral Giving students

YONKERS, NEW YORK, November 4, 2025 – Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) and Spiral Giving announced today a new partnership to launch the YPIE Spiral Giving Program, an initiative that empowers Yonkers high school students to explore philanthropy, social entrepreneurship, and the power of investing in their own community.

Through this innovative program, YPIE students will engage in hands-on philanthropic decision-making, invite local nonprofit organizations to apply, and review proposals to determine how to direct grants that strengthen their community. As part of the YPIE Entrepreneurship Major, the program connects business innovation with social impact, giving students real-world insight into how creativity, collaboration, and community investment can drive social change.

“We’re excited to partner with Spiral Giving to bring this inspiring program to our students,” said Sam Wallis, YPIE CEO. “The YPIE Spiral Giving Program helps students see themselves as changemakers—leaders who can strengthen their communities now and continue creating positive impact throughout college, their careers, and beyond.”

Founded in 2015, Spiral Giving was created to create community engagement in high school students by teaching the power of philanthropy and giving back. The program encourages teens to become champions of local issues, cultivate a lifelong practice of giving, and understand that investing in their own communities can create a broader, positive impact.

“Spiral Giving was built on the idea that young people can create meaningful change in their communities,” said Sue Fuirst, Founder and Executive Director of Spiral Giving. “We’re thrilled to partner with YPIE and know that their deep experience and engaging approach to learning will elevate this program. We hope our partnership will inspire young people to make giving back and supporting their communities a lasting part of their lives.”

The YPIE Spiral Giving Program officially launched today, with students from across Yonkers Public High Schools. Mentors from YPIE and Spiral Giving will guide students through the full process — from identifying community needs to inviting applications, reviewing proposals, and awarding grants to nonprofit organizations selected through their own deliberation and consensus.

For more information, email programs@ypie.org.

About Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) partners with students to ensure they are ready for, enroll in, and complete college. We confront the challenges of low-income, urban school districts by providing families with equitable access to the critical tools and services necessary for college success. Founded in 2007, YPIE puts college and high-paying jobs within reach for thousands of students. Learn more at ypie.org.

About Spiral Giving Spiral Giving’s mission is to create community engagement in high school students by teaching the power of philanthropy and giving back. Founded in 2015 by Sue Fuirst and Julie Gerstein, Spiral Giving encourages teens to become champions of local issues, cultivate a lifelong practice of giving, and learn that giving locally can have a broader positive impact. Learn more at spiralgiving.org.

Media Contacts

Susan Schwartz

Senior Communications Director, YPIE

sschwartz@ypie.org | (914) 377-4882

Sue Fuirst

Founder and Executive Director, Spiral Giving

sue@spiralgiving.org | (914) 261-3997