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Quote of the Month
"Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow."
-- Anthony J. D’Angelo
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Happy holidays, YMWIC Supporter:
We at YMWIC are passionate about our mission and the support we provide for our Scholars. Each year, we closely examine our programs to determine how we can improve the offerings to our Scholars and their families and what new, impactful experiences and learning opportunities should be added. We are thankful for you, each of our donors and supporters and especially grateful to Toyota for providing funding recently so Scholars could enjoy a private movie screening experience—a new, impactful learning activity.
We are also passionate about preparing for and keeping pace with the growth of our program. Because of a strong interest and need, the new Philadelphia Chapter will be off to a promising start. With anticipation, we look forward to launching our second Philadelphia location next year. We will support this new chapter of first-generation college-bound Scholars through college graduation until each secures a professional position. Our expectation is that many of these Scholars, like Scholars in other chapters, will also graduate from college within four years.
Ultimately, our goal is to instill in our Scholars a desire or passion for life, learning, and service. What we provide and how we prepare each Scholar is just the beginning for them to have lives full of infinite possibilities. Our passion is supported by YMWIC’s staff, directors, generous donors, supporters and volunteers. Because of your commitment and tireless efforts, we are able to provide transformative, educational, exciting, and life-changing experiences for each Scholar.
We ask for your continued support as we mold and shape young lives and prepare professionals and productive citizens of our future. We thank you for considering joining us to ensure more K-16 students excel academically. Please give to YMWIC through GivingTuesday. Your support is valued and makes a difference in the lives of our Scholars, their families, and our communities.
We wish a Happy Thanksgiving to all.
With gratitude,
Richard Roberts, III
(610) 340-2844
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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 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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Give to Support YMWIC on GivingTuesday |
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GivingTuesday is November 29, 2022. This Global Day of Giving allows generous donors like you to transform the lives of our Scholars, their families, and our communities. You can help make the change you wish to see. Once again, YMWIC is excited to participate in this year’s 2022 GivingTuesday. We’re certain you want your dollars spent locally and wisely. Will you consider investing in YMWIC Foundation, Inc., to support and champion our Mission to shape the future of our STEM professionals while having a positive impact on their families and our communities? Please contribute to make a difference. For an even greater impact, consider making a recurring donation.
Select this link to receive a reminder on November 29, 2022 to make your GivingTuesday donation to YMWIC.
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Thank You for Your Continued Support |
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YMWIC thanks Mid Penn Bank for their continued EITC support. The EITC donations help our valuable programming in robotics, Elementary School Summer STEAM Camp and our STEM research projects.
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YMWIC Scholars Go to the Movies |
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Wakanda Forever! YMWIC Scholars were treated to a private screening of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever courtesy of a special grant from Toyota Motor North America. We chartered buses from First Student Transportation Company to pick up Scholars from our Chapter areas and bring them all to the Painters Crossing AMC Theater in West Chester, PA.
There was a buzz of excitement in the theater as Scholars got popcorn and snacks and settled in with eyes glued to the screen as they watched their superheroes in action. Needless to say, they loved the movie and had a great time! We thank Toyota, specifically Stefanie C. Johnson, Analyst, Multicultural Business Alliance & Strategy; and Robert Hatchett of Toyota/Lexus Minority Owners Dealer Association (TLMODA), for their funding and assistance so that we could provide our Scholars with this wonderful and memorable experience.
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YMWIC Scholars benefit greatly from our relationships with our Corporate Partners, both while they are in school and after they graduate and are employed. One such partnership is with PECO, specifically, the PECO Helper Program. Our Newsletter Editor, Robin Brown, recently spoke with Keith Henderson to find out more about him, his position within PECO, the PECO Helper Program, and his relationship with YMWIC.
Mr. Henderson has had a successful 37.5 year-long career in the energy sector. He recently earned his Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Certification from Cornell University through his participation in a program that taught Managers how to hire diverse talent. Read more.
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YMWIC 17th Annual College Expo Recap |
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A highlight of the YMWIC Program Year, the 17th Annual College and Career Expo, was held on Saturday, November 12, 2022. We hosted the event virtually this year and were joined by many of our Corporate and University Partners. The families, and community participants attended four workshops from a list of subject matter experts (SME's) to include Project Management Skills for Life, Teaching Kids Smart Money Choices, Financial Literacy, Interviewing Skills, LatinX Community Advocacy, Advocating for your Child, Building a Good Resume, Career Readiness, STEM Careers, HR Careers, Being a First-Generation College Student, Writing College Essays, Goal Setting, and Completing FAFSA (Financial Aid).
To end the morning sessions, a YMWIC Alumni Panel shared insights and experiences on their lives as members of, and after graduating from, YMWIC. They discussed transitioning to college and how YMWIC helped them to be better, more rounded individuals. Thank you to YMWIC Alum Jason Bady, Brooklyn Green, Dominique Foster, Dulce Juarez-Barrera, Zachary Merritt, and Zyashia Rokins.
During the afternoon session, Scholars and guests were able to travel from virtual room to room to meet and speak with representatives from PECO, Spelman College, Drexel University, LaFrance Corp, Saint Vincent College, Hampton University Alumni Association, Xavier University of Louisiana, Harcum College, Montgomery County Community College, Saint Joseph's University, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Cabrini University, Tuskegee University Alumni Club, Morehouse College, ifm efector, PMI, Wilmington University, and Lincoln University. We thank our Partners for all of the information they provided and for supporting this event.
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Chester Upland Chapter: Isis Emerson, a 10th grade student at the STEM Academy at Showalter, has earned placement into Honors Geometry classes. She joined YMWIC when she was in the 7th grade and appreciates the opportunities the Foundation provides for her and other Scholars. Since becoming a member, she has noticed improvement in her self-confidence.
Isis’ advice to younger Scholars is, “Listen when anyone tells you something even if it sounds silly or foolish at the time, because it will help later.” She would tell others who don’t know about YMWIC that it is a Program that will help you get to where you want to be in the future. Isis is leaning towards Graphic Design as a career choice. She plays the guitar; and in her spare time, enjoys reading fantasy books.
Congratulations, Isis. Continue doing well.
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Coatesville Chapter: Our featured Scholar from the Coatesville Chapter, Princesa Villa-Lucio joined YMWIC when she was in the 9th grade. She is currently a senior at Coatesville Area Senior High School. Princesa has been a very active member of YMWIC. She says, “The part that I enjoy the most about this Foundation is how supportive they are, and all that they do for every Scholar in every chapter. They give us the keys to new doors that we did not even know existed in our life, and I am very thankful for that.”
When asked what the biggest impact is that YMWIC has made on her, Princesa answered, “It has given me more opportunities than I could have ever imagined.” Read more.
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Norristown Chapter: An 8th grade student at Eisenhower Science Technology Learning Academy, Lionel Peal, Jr. joined YMWIC this Program Year. Lionel is an ambitious young man and wants to do well in life. Lionel is considered a great role model to his four younger siblings. Lionel states, "YMWIC is helping me maintain good grades and will help me outside of the school setting, as well". Lionel also feels that YMWIC will help him get into a great college one day. When asked, "What do you want to be one day?" Lionel replied, "I want to be an inventor and create a new power source because oil will run out in 53 years and natural gas in 54 years. Lionel recently participated in the YMWIC Utilities SIG (Special Interest Group) with Partner, Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO). "I'm sure PECO will have a job for Lionel one day after college graduation," says Mr. Roberts.
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Phoenixville Chapter: Darien Sampson attends Phoenixville Area Middle School as a 6th grader. What he enjoys most about YMWIC is that he is able to meet new people with similar interests. The biggest impact the Foundation has on him is that it makes him think of his future more. When he's older, he wants to be an entrepreneur. His advice to our younger Scholars is, "Work hard now so that you can have fun later."
Darien would tell anyone that does not know about the organization that it is a great opportunity. He has made Distinguished Honor Roll for the first marking period this year and plays the saxophone in the Middle School Jazz Club. Other things he enjoys are solving Rubik's Cube puzzles, playing chess and spending time outdoors with his dog. Continue doing well. Darien!
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Upper Darby Chapter: Kadi Sore has returned for her second year as a YMWIC Scholar. She is currently a senior at Upper Darby High School. During the last Program Year, she was a participant on the YMWIC College Tour. She says, “I thoroughly enjoyed the College Tour; it was a good experience that I had never had before. It allowed me to travel, see colleges, and meet new people.” She appreciates all the learning opportunities she gets at YMWIC. As a result, she has noticed improvement in how she learns and studies on her own.
Kadi’s advice to younger Scholars is that they should complete their study hours, attend workshops, and complete their Science Projects on time. Read more.
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West Chester Chapter: Tisya Dinesh attends Peirce Middle School in West Chester, PA, where she is in the 8th grade. She joined YMWIC when she was in the 6th grade. She most enjoys the workshops, because, “They are interesting challenges that teach me about topics I may have not known. I also like the variety of workshops YMWIC offers and how they provide different opportunities for me. Another thing I enjoy is the study support I get from YMWIC when needed.” Tisya also says, “The biggest impact YMWIC staff has made on me is the way I have been encouraged to do my best in school and academics. It has also taught me that I should try new things and be determined in anything I do.” Read more.
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William Penn Chapter: Iyana N. Miller is a 10th grade honor roll student at Penn Wood High School. This is Iyana’s fourth year as a YMWIC Scholar. Iyana loves the opportunities she has received as a member of YMWIC. She joined the Foundation right before the 2020 Pandemic. As a 7th grade student at that time, she felt she “had started too late” to really benefit from YMWIC’S programming. However, Iyana is often amazed at the number of resources and opportunities provided in the last three years, especially during these challenging times. She says she has learned to be more accountable and that the things YMWIC teaches that seem small -- are really big. Read more.
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Workshops are an important component of YMWIC programming. Twice a month, each Chapter provides exciting, interactive and hands-on opportunities for Scholars to learn, including topics on STEM subjects, professional and personal development, college prep, and other subjects that are important for Scholars and their families. Here is a sampling of what took place during this month’s workshops:
Workshop #3
During this workshop, 7th through 12th grade Scholars worked with volunteers from the Da Vinci Science Center to build a Pulley System. They were then excited to demonstrate to their parents what they had learned and accomplished during the workshop. Read more.
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James Webb Space Telescope and Neptune
By Victor J. Roberts, III, West Chester Chapter
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) newest telescope, the James Webb telescope, took its first photos of Mars on September 5th, 2022. The photos taken include a simulated map, a heat map, and the image of Mars which was used to create the simulated map. The construction of the telescope began in 2004, and its 18-mirror segments were completed in 2011. Upon its completion in November of 2016, it became the most complex telescope ever made.
In addition to Mars, the James Webb telescope took clear photos of Neptune’s rings on Wednesday, September 21, 2022. We previously had no clear images of said rings. Neptune and its six rings have been the subject of intrigue since their discovery in 1846.
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Enrollment is Still Open for the YMWIC
2022-2023 Program Year
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Enrollment is still open for 3rd - 11th grade students in the Chester Upland, Coatesville, Norristown, Phoenixville, Upper Darby, West Chester, and William Penn School Districts. If you are interested in becoming an active member of YMWIC and securing your future, you can visit our website at ymwicfoundation.org to learn more about the Foundation and how we will benefit your Scholar and your family.
Please spread the word about YMWIC and forward this Newsletter to your family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, or anyone who may be interested in this exceptional program focused on academic excellence. Click these links to complete the 2022-2023 Program Year Online Scholar Application and Scholar Personal Statement Form.
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If you haven’t joined our Instagram and Facebook communities, you are missing out! This is the place to see our Scholars shine and to get information about YMWIC events, test taking tips, STEM career highlights and so much more. Very simply, we have so much we want to share with you! To connect with us via Facebook select this Link!
To stay up to date with what’s happening at YMWIC via Instagram, you can select this link. You can also connect by going in your Instagram app and type YMWICScholars. Once you see our logo pop up, click follow. Welcome to our social media family!
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2022 Annual Holiday Potluck Party & Family Giving Event
The YMWIC families will participate in our 2022 Annual Holiday Potluck Party & Family Giving Event. This year we are able to once again celebrate with each other on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at B. Reed Henderson High School in West Chester, PA, with a potluck luncheon. There will be games, music, mingling, and of course, great food! Each of the seven YMWIC Chapters will assist a designated family who resides in their community. We reach out to local partners to select needy families, such as single mothers with small children, and will assist these seven families with food, gifts and gift cards to brighten their holiday season.
If you would like to support one or all seven families from our chapter neighborhoods, you can make a donation. Please make your donation by December 5, 2022 , by mailing a check to YMWIC Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 1954, West Chester, PA 19380, or make an online contribution selecting this link. We thank you for your kindness and generosity!
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Key dates for events planned for the YMWIC 2022-2023 Program Year are:
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December 10, 2022: Holiday Potluck Party & Family Giving Event
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March 4, 2023: Science Expo and Scholar Presentations
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March, 2023: Robotics Team Competition in Washington, DC
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April 3 - 7, 2023: College Tours to New York and Massachusetts
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April to May, 2023: Scholar Job Shadowing with YMWIC Foundation's Corporate Partners
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May 25, 2023: YMWIC 13th Annual Scholarship & Awards Banquet at the Valley Forge Sheraton Hotel
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June - July, 2023: Elementary School STEAM & Language Arts Camp, Middle School Science Retreat, and High School Upward Bound Summer Programs
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May to August, 2023: Summer Internships for YMWIC high school Scholars and Alumni
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August 21, 2023, 2023: The YMWIC 10th Annual Scholarship & STEM Golf Classic at Penn Oaks Golf Club
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It’s hard to believe I graduated from West Chester University two years ago with Cum Laude honors and a semester early! Upon graduation, I went into Sales in the Financial Service Industry and gained more experience interacting with different people and putting my presentation skills to work. I later took on an Administration and Finance position that allowed me to really use my problem solving, mathematic, Excel, among other critical skills to use.
I now work full time at SEI, which is headquartered in Oaks, PA, as a Preferred Service Analyst where I provide Account and Operational Management to clients within the advisor network through extensive daily interaction and support. Read more.
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YMWIC is a non-profit 501 C3 Pennsylvania Corporation, our mission is to empower and prepare economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented youth to excel and become leaders in STEM careers. We are looking for talented and dedicated individuals to fill the following roles in the Foundation:
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Project Coordinator - Full-time
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Career Preparation and Workforce Development Coordinator - Full-time
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STEM Educator – Part-time and Weekends
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Art Educator – Part-time and Weekends
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Debate and Civics Club Educator – Part-time and Weekends
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Music Director – Part-time and Weekends
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Drivers – Part-time and Weekends
Click Here for more information about these positions. If you are interested in applying for a position listed above, please let us know your preference and submit your resume to [email protected].
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Education 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 community nonprofit that provides college and career preparation for K-12 students; empowers their families; counseling, financial support and internships for YMWIC college alumni; and enriches our communities by 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.
Amazon Smile and YMWIC: Using Amazon Smile costs you nothing but can make a world of difference to our Scholars and the resources we provide. When you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice. When making online purchases from Amazon, simply search for YMWIC Foundation or YMIC Foundation. Your product cost will not increase when donating to YMWIC.
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Thanks for Your Generous Support |
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