Student Resources
Our YPIE students are our first priority. Whether in high school or college, please see a list of resources and contacts that we hope are helpful as you navigate this uncertain time.
On this page:
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Anti-Racism Resources
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YPIE Student Resources for COVID-19
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Who to Contact
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Key Points for YPIE Students (by grade)
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Other Resources
Anti-Racism Resources
Learn more: We are all responsible for educating ourselves on the history of racism in the United States and how it shapes our lives and society. Here are a few places to start.
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Watch 13th on Netflix, a documentary on the history and evolution of racist systems in the United States.
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Read work by other students! Find the YPIE QuaranTimes special issue on racial justice here.
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Click through these Talking about Race resources from the National Museum of African-American History & Culture. White allies in particular should read “There Is No Neutral: ‘Nice’ White People Can Still Be Complicit in a Racist Society” and White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo.
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Explore these creative works by black authors:
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The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
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Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
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Your Silence Will Not Protect You by Audre Lorde
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Beloved and The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
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If Beale Street Could Talk and Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
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And these nonfiction works by black authors:
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Between the World and Me by Ta-Nahesi Coates
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The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
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Feminism is for Everybody by bell hooks
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The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
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*Works are listed in reverse chronological order, with the most recently published works at the top of each list. If you want a copy of one of these books, contact a YPIE staff member.
Get active: As global citizens, each of us has a role to play in dismantling systemic racism and other systems of oppression in our country to build a world that is just and equitable. Here are some ways you can get involved in your community and have your voice heard:
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Contribute your reflections, interpretations, and other work on systemic racism to the YPIE QuaranTimes! Email Max to learn more.
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Follow the social media pages linked below for more information on local protests, rallies, and actions. If you do decide to go out and protest, be sure to read about your rights as a protestor and general rights from the American Civil Liberties Union before you go out.
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Call or write to your elected officials. Their job is to represent you -- make sure they hear your voice! You can find out who your representatives are and how to contact them here, and see tips for writing officials from the ACLU here. Contact a YPIE staff member for help making your voice heard!
Take care of yourself: This work can be exhausting! You deserve love and self-care. And you can’t possibly help others if you are not healthy and energized yourself! Here are some tools for taking care of yourself while you are out there changing the world:
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Remember Audre Lorde’s advice: “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”
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Read Psychology Today’s guidance on general self-care and self-care in the face of racial stress
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For students of color especially: Surviving and Resisting Hate: A Toolkit for People of Color
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Contact a YPIE staff member to be connected to mental health support
For more information and action steps, follow these organizations on social media:
- Antiracism Center: Twitter
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Equal Justice Initiative (EJI): Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
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Justice League NYC: Twitter | Instagram + Gathering For Justice: Twitter | Instagram
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The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
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National Domestic Workers Alliance: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
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Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ): Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
YPIE Student Resources for COVID-19
College Closing
YPIE staff are here to help navigate:
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Coursework and requirements
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Financial aid
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Meal plans
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Dorming
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Summer plans
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Academic support - some colleges are providing online academic support services
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Mental health services - some college counseling offices are offering video counseling sessions for existing clients
College Decision Making
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Set up a review meeting with your YPIE College Advisor
Reviewing Financial Aid Package
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Set up a review meeting with your YPIE College Advisor
Healthcare
Food
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Yonkers Food Program Distribution
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Feeding Westchester: Find a distribution site
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Feeding Westchester: Mobile Food Pantry
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Food & Housing Resources for Westchester
Mental Health Support
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Contact a YPIE staff member to be connected to appropriate support
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Access the Emotional Support Line and other resources for all from the New York State Office of Mental Health
Internet Access at Home
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If you need computer access, contact a YPIE staff member
Updated Information
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From CDC: Safety precautions/educational resources
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From YPS: When will schools re-open?
Regents Exams and Graduation Requirements
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From YPS: Understanding the changes from the State
Navigating Home Life
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Please contact a YPIE staff member if need support with:
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Parents away working
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Childcare for younger siblings
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Lack of community/social interaction
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Concerns about health and safety
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Resources for students who might be sheltering in place with someone struggling with substance abuse
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Resources for students who might be facing issues of domestic violence in their personal spheres.
Unemployment
Who to Contact
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YPIE Scholars: Max Silverman at msilverman@ypie.org
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YPIE Fellows: Anne Daniel at adaniel@ypie.org
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YPIE College Students: Jennifer Ross as jross@ypie.org
Key points for YPIE Students
9th & 10th grade students
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Are you able to access all coursework -- online and packets?
11th & 12th grade students
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Are you checking mail and email daily?
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Are you able to access all coursework -- online and packets?
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Are you thinking about summer plans/application deadlines?
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Are you in touch with your YPIE college advisor about next steps for the college process?
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Juniors: work through this checklist for the college process while we are working remotely
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Seniors: have you scheduled a remote meeting with your YPIE college advisor about financial aid?
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Seniors: complete this checklist as a rising college freshman
College Students
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Are you able to access online coursework?
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Do you have any concerns about financial aid, meal plans, dorming?
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Are you thinking about summer plans/application deadline