August 2021
Friends,
The smell of a fresh box of crayons, the feel of a sharp No. 2 in your hand, the shrill ring of the bell, big yellow buses on the road – they are the usual hallmarks of a new school year. This year masks, COVID testing, confusion and frustration dominate the back-to-school season. The accompanying vitriol happening in board rooms, living rooms and in traditional and social media is a distraction from what matters most, our students. The words of MLK have never sounded so loud to me as they do right now: “The purpose of education is to educate each one of us to think critically and to think intensively. Character plus intelligence – that’s the objective of true education.” We must not lose sight of the fact we are
all connected even if we have different political ideologies; the constant should always be tied to student success, which inevitably equals our community’s success.

Last year was marked by loss: classroom time, learning, time with friends, extracurriculars, and loss of loved ones. Still, our students pushed, eager to learn and grow despite enormous challenges. We owe it to them to do the same. At Say Yes Guilford we are more committed than ever to ensure this pandemic does not define our students’ futures, and our mission remains clear: to provide equitable supports that lift up GCS scholars, so they are poised for success in college, career and life.

Our work begins in elementary schools where we will continue our nationally recognized tutoring program. Middle school programing will focus on career exploration with opportunities for students to not only learn about the ever-changing job market, but to try their hand at the careers of today and tomorrow. Our high school supports include career and college counseling, workshops and scholarships. And as our second class of Say Yes Guilford scholars enters the workforce, some are joining our team as volunteers to support this important work.

We want to hear from you. What do you think of the work Say Yes Guilford is doing in our schools and our community? Please take 10 minutes and respond to our survey, so that we can better serve students and set them up for success. We are grateful for your partnership and support. GCS students are doing their part; it’s time for us to do ours.


Gratefully,


Say Yes Guilford CEO
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Mark Your Calendar!
Expecting A Say Yes Guilford Scholarship? You Must Complete This Step!
Guilford County Schools’ graduates should visit our new scholarship portal to register ASAP. The process takes less than 5 minutes, and ensures Say Yes Guilford can communicate with your current school about possible scholarship awards. Failure to complete this step by August 31 will jeopardize your potential scholarship. If you have any questions, please reference this video. If you encounter any problems, you may email [email protected].

Say Yes to Success!
Alexis Newman, Greensboro College Class of 2021

There was no hiding Alexis Newman’s talent on the diamond. Her big brother played baseball, so she was always in the stands. When she started to play, people noticed. “Coach Fister left me a voicemail; she was interested in my coming to Greensboro College.” Newman knew she wanted to go to college, but she hadn’t considered the small private college. “I came to tour the school, and I loved it."

Newman didn’t think a private school was within her reach.  “When we went to Greensboro College, we talked to financial aid, and they told me about the Say Yes Guilford Scholarship.” That sealed the deal, and on May 8th Newman walked across the lawn at Greensboro College as a graduate. “I am so blessed,” she says.


Alumni for Education


Microbiologist Camille England is a talented young woman who spends her days studying microorganisms for Procter & Gamble. This North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University graduate found a passion for science while in college, and is now excited to encourage other students' dreams.


Say Yes Guilford sayyesguilford.org