New Year, New Possibilities | |
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Nothing is impossible. The word itself says "I'm Possible."
Audrey Hepburn
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MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
Hello Friends, Partners and Supporters of Young Men and Women In Charge Foundation, Inc.:
To begin another promising new year, 2025 marks an exciting milestone year for Young Men and Women In Charge Foundation, Inc. We are now in our 15th year of programming having administered our first Program with a small group of young men as Young Men In Charge in the fall of 2009 in West Chester, PA. In 2013, we expanded the Program with our first cohort of young ladies as Young Men and Women In Charge Foundation, today having proudly served over 1,500 young men and women in the greater Philadelphia region.
We are thankful for the community support received throughout these years, especially from the amazing school districts we are currently partnered with. We are proud our reach and programming has produced hundreds of current and graduated college students as well as practicing professionals.
To those not yet advocates of YMWIC, imagine the possibilities and what we can accomplish with your support. Join us, a valued community resource! Lend support as a volunteer, through donations and/or in-kind services. A special thank you to those who currently support our Program. We ask that you continue your valued support as Volunteers, Donors or Contributors for our next generation of STEM leaders. With your partnership, we look forward to another fantastic 15 years of delivering high-quality programming for our Young Men and Women In Charge!
Richard Roberts, III
(610) 340-2844
rrobertsiii@ymwicfoundation.org
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YMWIC MISSION:
To empower and prepare economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented youth to excel and become leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers through a structured and rigorous curriculum, academic tutoring, mentoring and financial assistance programs, accomplished by leveraging alliances with K-12 school districts, universities, corporations, and our committed partners.
YMWIC CORE VALUES:
We Believe we can significantly impact the future of our youth through education and extraordinary leadership.
We Value Commitment, Honor and Accountability and through these principles we are dedicated to the tradition of excellence in serving our youth, our partners and our community.
We Promote Engagement and Collaboration by treating all people with respect and sincerity to create an environment of openness where shared success can be achieved.
We Demonstrate Quality by working efficiently and effectively to continuously improve our programs for the benefit of our Scholars.
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Thank you to Justamere Foundation for your continued support, Partnership, and generous donation in support of scholarships for Young Men and Women In Charge Foundation Scholars.
We thank ifm for being a Young Men and Women In Charge Foundation Partner and for your recent generous donation in support of our programming.
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Kudos to our esteemed Founder, Executive Director, and CEO Richard Roberts, III. On January 30, 2025, he was featured in the Philly Gives Changemaker Spotlight column in the Philadelphia Inquirer. The Question & Answer format article, written by Lucy Danziger and illustrated by P. Binkley, interviews Mr. Roberts about the origins of Young Men and Women In Charge Foundation, Inc., how he has molded it into the success it is today, and a little about himself. Click here to read the article.
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In our December, 2024 issue, we proudly shared that the Philadelphia Foundation awarded YMWIC with a generous and greatly appreciated grant through their newly-launched Philly Gives fund. Pictured at left, Bernie Prazenica, President and General Manager of 6abc, addresses the awards ceremony attendees.
On December 25, 2024, the Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper published a wonderful article highlighting the mission and accomplishments of YMWIC, written by Jane M. Von Bergen and with photography by I. George Bilyk. You can read the article by clicking this link.
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Widener University College Tour Leaves a Lasting Impression on Scholars | |
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On January 17th, seven YMWIC Scholars had the opportunity to tour Widener University in Chester, PA. They first visited with an Admissions representative and two current students who provided valuable insights into the admissions process, campus life and academic programs, while engaging Scholars in a lively Q&A Session. The visit included an in-depth exploration of the campus that included a tour of the science labs where students learned about the University’s cutting-edge research and academic offerings. Read more.
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Chester Upland Chapter: Bryant Smith is in the 9th grade at STEM Academy at Showalter. New to YMWIC this Program Year, Bryant joined because he wants to focus more on academics and improve his grades. He is also planning to take advantage of all the Foundation's resources that will help him in his college search, application, and acceptance processes.
Bryant's future plans include becoming an Engineer. He is considering Louisiana State University, The Ohio State University, and others. He has an entrepreneurial spirit and likes to pursue money-earning endeavors in his spare time.
We welcome you, Bryant, and look forward to accompanying you on your college quest.
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Coatesville Chapter: Our 10th grade Scholar, Fatima Gonzalez, has received multiple accolades including Honor Roll, Distinguished Honor Roll, National Junior Honors Society, and many other AFJROTC (Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps), and STEM awards and certificates. She attends Coatesville Area Senior High School and is new to YMWIC this year.
We asked Fatima why she wants to be involved in YMWIC and she replied, “I think YMWIC offers me unlimited possibilities and provides a great opportunity to take advantage of the resources and benefits the Program offers to all Scholars. Read more.
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Furness High School Chapter: Angel Aguilar Fernandez is a senior at Horace Furness High School where his favorite subject is math. This is his second Program Year as a YMWIC Scholar. Eager to graduate later this year, he plans to pursue the Health Sciences, possibly attending Eastern University.
In his spare time, Angel enjoys spending time with his friends and biking.
Stay focused and dedicated, Angel; we are sure you will continue doing well.
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Norristown Blockson Chapter: Ala'Nah Swint is in the 10th grade at Norristown High School where she has received numerous awards and accolades. A YMWIC Scholar since she was in the 7th grade, Ala'Nah has very much enjoyed interacting with other Scholars and participating in workshops and events. She has learned so much about herself, such as, she is at her best when she keeps herself physically and mentally busy. Throughout the process of working on and completing her Science Projects, she has learned the importance of not giving up in the middle of a task. Read more.
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Norristown Eisenhower Chapter: Jannah Mcafee is in the 3rd grade at Hancock Elementary School. She is an active participant in her class and received an award for Classroom Helper last month. Jannah is new to YMWIC this Program Year and is an enthusiastic Scholar. When we asked her what she likes best about being a member of the Program, she replied, "The Project Support and Workshops with mini science experiments." She is hoping that being a YMWIC Scholar will help her to grow and mature professionally and academically.
In the future, Jannah would like to be a Fashion Designer. Outside of her studies, she enjoys gymnastics, spending time with her family and reading to her younger sister.
We welcome you to YMWIC, Jannah, and are excited to support your growth.
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Phoenixville Chapter: Anthony Abell is an enthusiastic and well-rounded Scholar in our Phoenixville Chapter. He is in the 11th grade at Renaissance Academy Charter School where he is proud to say that he has consistently been an Honor Roll student, plays soccer, and sings in the choir. Anthony became a YMWIC member this Program Year and values the experiences offered to our Scholars as they prepare and apply for college, such as SAT Prep workshops to prepare Scholars for the SAT College Entrance Exam. Read more.
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Upper Darby Chapter: We are excited to spotlight Faith Taylor, a 9th-grade Scholar who attends Upper Darby High School. Faith joined YMWIC in the 8th grade; and since then, she has embraced every opportunity the Program has to offer. As a member, she most enjoys the opportunities to make new friends and experience awesome activities that challenge her in new ways.
The impact of YMWIC on Faith has been super significant; it has helped her step out of her comfort zone and try new things, fostering her growth both personally and academically. Read more.
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West Chester Chapter: Meet LIzbet Ordonez, a senior at Great Valley High School. This is her first year as a YMWIC member, she has committed to participating in as many Foundation events as she can while setting an example for other Scholars.
Lizbet would like to become a Child Psychologist and is considering matriculating at Saint Joseph's University, La Salle University, West Chester University of Pennsylvania or Immaculata University.
Continue to work hard, Lizbet; we are sure you will accomplish all of your goals.
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William Penn Chapter: Journey Leonard, an articulate and driven 9th grade student at Penn Wood High School, Cypress Campus, has achieved many accomplishments and awards including Distinguished Honor Roll status consecutively for three years, receiving the Delaware County Black Caucus Community Service Award, and also receiving the Patriot Award (Outstanding Academics across all subjects). In addition to her academic achievements, she plays volleyball and softball.
This is Journey’s second Program Year as a YMWIC Scholar. Read more.
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At YMWIC, we encourage and support our Scholars' special academic, extracurricular, family, and entrepreneurial accomplishments. Kudos to the following Scholars. | |
Congratulations to Paloma Rodriguez of the West Chapter Chapter for receiving an award for being a Champion of Respect at Glen Acres Middle School. | |
Fatima Gonzalez, our Coatesville Featured Scholar this month, has started her own amazing chocolate-covered strawberry business named Sweettooth.treatsbyFati on Instagram. | |
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Workshop 8 was an opportunity for Scholars to learn about Milestone 3 of their Science Projects: the PowerPoint Presentation. Scholars were provided with a template for the PowerPoint with instructions on the type of information and data from their experiments to include on the slides. Together, we walked through each slide and reviewed the directions; Scholars had the opportunity to ask questions and gain clarification.
Once Milestone 3 was reviewed, YMWIC STEM Educators hosted workshops for Scholars in grades 3-8 to introduce basic concepts of electronics and circuitry in a hands-on, accessible manner. They learned about power and electrical currents using a kit of circuits, connectors, and switches. Read more.
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This time of year is busy, busy, busy for our senior Scholars at YWMIC—it’s College Application season! Seniors, below are resources you need to be aware of to help you through College Application season:
1. FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is what you will use to apply for financial aid for college. This financial aid will come in the form of federal (meaning government) loans. "Colleges and career schools use the FAFSA form to determine how much financial aid you're eligible to receive, which could include grants, Scholarships, work-study funds, and loans” (studentaid.gov). It’s free to apply and needs to be completed each year you attend college.
“Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs [should complete a FAFSA form]. This includes grants, Scholarships, work-study funds, and loans” (studentaid.gov).
There are three deadlines to keep in mind when approaching your FAFSA form: your college’s deadline, the state deadline, and the federal deadline.
- Each college will have their own deadline by which they want applying students to have completed their FAFSA form. This is usually the earliest deadline. This information can be found on the college’s website or by calling their Financial Aid Office.
- The Pennsylvania State deadline is August 1, 2025, for students who have never applied before, and May 1 for students who have applied in the past and are reapplying (as you need to each year).
- The federal deadline is the last opportunity to gain federal financial aid for the year, and that is due by June 30.
2. Common App
Common App (commonapp.org) is an online hub where students can complete their information once and use it to apply to multiple schools. Over 1,000 schools use Common App for their application process, making it easy for students to find them and apply. It’s easy to make a free account and use it to apply to your dream schools and safety schools.
Here, you’ll be able to upload crucial documents like testing scores, high school transcripts, recommendations, and personal essays. Your teachers will be able to send their recommendations directly to Common App as well. Common App will keep you apprised of where your applications are in the process of admissions.
3. PHEAA
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA, pheaa.org) exists solely to help students in Pennsylvania be able to afford access to higher education. Once you’ve submitted your FAFSA form, PHEAA should reach out soon to connect with you about additional funding options. PHEAA has access to grants, Scholarships and funds from across the state meant to help students just like you!
A representative from PHEAA is coming to visit our YMWIC seniors and parents on February 1st to provide exclusive information on FAFSA and college applications. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity. Bring your parents, ask questions, and take notes.
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Loretta Hoguescott is grandmother of Norristown Eisenhower Chapter 3rd grade Scholar Londyn Chambers who, she says, “Loves ANYTHING related to STEM.” The family joined YMWIC this Program Year. Loretta has observed that Londyn loves to learn new things and meet new people, adding, “My granddaughter absolutely loves doing the science experiments.” She adds, “We just enjoy coming to the Project Support sessions where Londyn can work on her homework and attend the workshops. I am able to provide assistance to my granddaughter and other Scholars in the Chapter. I love when she lights up about coming to the Foundation’s Programs and Events. That touches my heart!" Read more.
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As a way to demonstrate the importance of giving back to the community and having compassion for those in need, YMWIC offers opportunities for our Scholars to participate in Community Service events. Our Chapters have participated in the following: | |
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Coatesville and West Chester Chapters
The West Chester and Coatesville Scholars were deeply moved by the efforts of organizations to help animals affected by the fires currently burning in the Los Angeles region. This disaster inspired them to spend their most recent Community Service event supporting local felines. Scholars used yarn and catnip to make a box full of toys for our feline friends. Read more.
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How Al Is Affecting Our Planet
by Dayanis Morales – Norristown Eisenhower Chapter
Before technological advancements, many of us were burdened with daily time-consuming tasks that we managed on our own without relying on others' abilities, or in this case, computers. However, the invention of computers and their integration with the internet poses a growing concern. Our capacity for independent thought and critical reasoning is hindered by the reliance on artificial intelligence (AI). Through digital transformation and the ever-growing climate change debate, the way people live, work, and interact globally has been influenced. Without a doubt, every aspect of our life has been consumed with the convenience provided by Al forcing us to create ways to combine climate and digital means to benefit our social and democratic values.
Computers and phones in their early development stage comprised bulky and large designs, captivating society. Read more.
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The YMWIC 14th Annual Science Expo and Scholar Presentations will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. The Exhibit, scheduled from 11:30 – 1:00 p.m., will be held at the Student Recreation Center Multi-Activity Court (MAC); located at 275 North Campus Drive, West Chester. The Scholar Winners' Presentations will take place in Asplundh Concert Hall, 700 S. High Street, West Chester from 1:15 – 2:15 p.m. We invite you to a wonderful event to view Science Projects and chat with our Scholars who have worked diligently identifying and researching topics, completing experiments, documenting their findings, and presenting their Science Projects.
At this highly-anticipated event, our Scholars will present and defend the Science Projects they have worked so hard on in front of judges, their families and community members. Each Science Project and presentation will be judged, and the winners will be honored at our Scholarship and Awards Banquet in May 2025. You are cordially invited, at no cost, to view all of the Projects on display at the Expo and meet and speak with the Scholars about their Projects. Please show your support for our Scholars and click this link to register to attend.
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YMWIC Scholarship & Awards Banquet 15 Anniversary
This year, YMWIC will host our 15th Annual Scholarship & Awards Banquet! This exciting event will be held at the Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel in King of Prussia, PA, on Thursday, May 22, 2025. During the Banquet, we showcase our Scholars for their achievements and reward our graduating senior Scholars with the college scholarships they have earned to attend the colleges of their choice. There will be a delicious dinner and an inspiring message from a dynamic Keynote Speaker.
We will also honor industry executives who are champions in supporting YMWIC and our communities with the following Awards:
- West Impact Award
- Educational Leadership Award for Secondary Education
- Educational Leadership Award for Post-Secondary Education
- Community Leadership Award
Join us as we celebrate our Scholars and Community Leaders and 15 years of hosting this evening of fellowship and fun! To register to attend this amazing event or to make a donation, use this link.
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If you would like to sponsor this popular event, make a donation, or purchase an ad in our Souvenir Program Booklet, please click here.
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YMWIC 2024-2025 Program Year Key Dates & Volunteer Opportunities -- Mark your Calendar!
- September, 2024 – May, 2025: Workshops at partnering school districts and tutoring*
- February 15, 2025: 14th Annual Science Expo and Scholar Presentations*
- March 5 – 9, 2025: NSBE 51st National Conference in Chicago, Illinois
- April 14 – 18, 2025: College Tour to Ohio State University, University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania State University, Saint Vincent College, and Robert Morris University
- April – May, 2025: Job Shadowing Period*
- April, 2025: Robotics Team Competition in Washington, DC*
- May 22, 2025: 15th Annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet*
- June 16 – July 24, 2025: Summer Programs (K–12)*
- June 1 – August 5, 2025: Summer Jobs & Internships for 12th grade Scholars and Alumni*
- September 8, 2025: 12th Annual Scholarship and STEM Golf Classic*
*These are volunteer opportunities for Partner Employee Involvement.
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YMWIC is Looking for Volunteers | |
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YMWIC is looking for tutors to support our local chapters for elementary and secondary education in math, ELA and Science.
YMWIC is also looking for volunteers to support our Science Projects during the September – February timeframe and Saturday SIGs at Headquarters. Additional volunteer opportunities include: Event committee participation with the Golf Classic, Scholarship and Awards Banquet, and Science Expo.
If you are interested in applying for a volunteer opportunity, please select this link; and we will contact you immediately. All volunteers must have the required clearances: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal History Clearance which is required for all employees and some volunteers.
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Stay Connected with our YMWIC Family | |
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Want to keep up with our amazing YMWIC Scholars? We’ve got you covered! Follow us on Instagram and Meta (formerly Facebook) to stay in the loop on all the fun, learning, and exciting updates happening in our programs.
It’s super easy to join in! Just open your Instagram or Meta (Facebook) app, search for YMWICScholars, and hit that Follow button when you see our logo. Don’t be shy—drop a comment and say hi! 👋
We can’t wait to see you join our social media family and experience all the awesome things happening at YMWIC. Let’s have some fun together!
📲 Click HERE to follow us on Meta (Facebook)! 📸 Click HERE to catch us on Instagram!
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Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC): YMWIC Foundation, Inc., is eligible to receive funds from the EITC Program which is administered by Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development. We thank those businesses that donate their EITC funding to YMWIC Foundation and encourage others to consider directing funding to our impactful community nonprofit that provides college and career preparation for K-16 students; empowers their families; counseling, financial support and internships for YMWIC college alumni; and enriches our communities through Community Service activities, increasing the number of college graduates, and developing a talented and skilled workforce. Please contact Rick Roberts at (610) 340-2844 if you would like to consider our YMWIC Foundation, Inc., as the recipient of your company's EITC funds. | |
Thank You for your Generous Support | | | | |
