THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
NEW YORK

OFFICES OF COUNCIL MEMBER
YDANIS RODRIGUEZ
  
CITY HALL
NEW YORK, NY 10007
(212) 788-7053

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

**Press Advisory / Aviso de Prensa**

Contact: Stephanie Miliano/954-534-2144/smiliano@council.nyc.gov (Rodriguez)
Jennifer Passaretti Marino/212-402-3492/JPassaretti@marinopr.com  (BBBS)


COUNCILMEMBER YDANIS RODRIGUEZ TO HONOR FOUR LOCAL STUDENTS WHO WILL BE FIRST IN THEIR FAMILIES TO ATTEND COLLEGE

The students are 'Littles' in Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC's programs 

New York, NY - On Wednesday, June 6th, at 3:30pm  Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez will join  Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC (BBBS of NYC) for a special ceremony to recognize four high school seniors in his district who will be the first in their families to attend college this fall.
                       
Councilmember Rodriguez will present each student with a citation honoring them for their commitment to academic excellence. Little Sister Erjona, who immigrated to the U.S. from Montenegro in 2015, will also receive a $500 book scholarship from BBBS of NYC for her dedication to education.
 
Erjona navigated a new city, language, and school system exceptionally well, with education as her compass. A three-year member of the National Honor Society, she exemplifies her commitment to academia and applies herself further by enrolling in Advanced Placement classes, participating in a number of clubs, and serving as a leader among her peers. 
 
The students honored are all Littles in BBBS of NYC's youth mentoring programs.
 
BBBS of NYC's programs provide young people with resources to excel in their academics and lead successful lives. The students honored during today's ceremony are of 220 Littles who are graduating high school this year. Additionally, 99% of the Littles BBBS of NYC serves are promoted to the next grade, 99% of high school seniors graduate from high school, and 93% of Littles who graduate from high school are accepted into college.

What:  Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez will join Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC (BBBS of NYC) for a special ceremony to recognize four high school seniors in his district who will be the first in their families to attend college this fall.  

Who:   Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez;  Hector Batista, chief executive officer of BBBS of NYC;  Little Sister Erjona, scholarship recipient;  Little Brother Jereny;  Little Brother Reymundo;  Little Sister Lissette
                       
Where:   Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez's District Office,  618 West 177th Street, Ground Floor (entrance on Wadsworth Avenue),  New York, NY 100033        

When: Tomorrow, Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at  3:30 PM

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About  Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC: BBBS of NYC is the nation's first and NYC's largest youth mentoring organization and has served the changing needs of New York City's most at-risk youth since 1904. The volunteer- and donor-based organization offers a variety of specialized mentoring programs to help children facing more complex challenges - including immigrant youth, children of incarcerated parents and those in foster care - as well as the Workplace Mentoring Program, which helps businesses throughout New York City positively impact the lives of young people and build a foundation for professional success. Additionally, since 1992 BBBS of NYC has worked through its Center for Training and Professional Development to equip non-profit professionals throughout New York City to develop and enhance their own mentor-based programs and organizations.
 
Through the support of individuals, foundations and corporations, this not-for-profit agency has been able to change the lives of the city's most disadvantaged children, matching them with caring adult role models - dependable friends who can help to expand their horizons, realize their potential and enrich their futures. All contributions enable BBBS of NYC to continue to foster current match relationships and also provide more New York City children with life-changing mentors. Approximately $3,500 funds the establishment of a new one-on-one match relationship for one year. To learn more, become a mentor, donate and/or offer support, please visit www.bigsnyc.org .