Celebrating 14 Years of Service

YMWIC Helps to Develop Good Citizens for our Communities

“This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in”

~ President Theodore Roosevelt  

Greetings, YMWIC Supporters:

During this month, we honor and salute all United States military veterans who served to protect our country. This month, we also celebrate Thanksgiving. As we reflect on all our blessings, we would like to extend to each of you a Happy Thanksgiving! 

As many of you are aware, we not only prepare our Scholars to excel academically, we also provide experiential learning activities and create opportunities for them to contribute to their communities. Real-world experiences are woven into the fabric of our programming.

One such event is the GETT (Girls Exploring Tomorrow's Technology) Annual Expo. Each year, we encourage our female Scholars in Grades 5 through 10 to attend. It is great to see our girls excited and engaged in all the activities available.

Other meaningful experiential activities are the four Community Service projects scheduled in each Chapter annually. It comes as no surprise to find that, when asked, many of our Scholars say these events are some of their favorite activities!

And, of course, our Annual College & Career Expo connects Scholars with our Corporate and University Partners who impart valuable information to them and their families in Workshops, and offer them the opportunity to interact one-on-one at the Expo.

For those of our readers who are not yet a YMWIC Partner, we invite and encourage you to consider investing your time and talent and/or making a financial contribution to YMWIC. Your contribution will help us continue broadening our reach and making a positive impact in our communities. I encourage you to contact me to discuss becoming a valued partner; we would love to have you join a winning team! 



Richard Roberts, III

(610) 340-2844

[email protected]

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.



Sebastian Rosas, YMWIC Class of 2018, is our Featured Alumnus this month. We asked him to catch us up on where he is today and how his participation in YMWIC helped him to get there, and his response follows.

"My time since graduating from YMWIC has been mostly comprised of my pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree. Although I have had a few small vacations visiting the shore or family in other states, I have mostly worked during my summer and winter breaks from school in order to be able to fund my time on campus. I also played a year of college soccer during my time at MONTCO (Montgomery County Community College) before transferring to Temple University last year." Read more.

Vinod Raghavan, the most recent addition to the YMWIC Board of Directors, holds the position of Managing Director at Deloitte. Our Board Members enable us to grow and more effectively serve our Scholars and their families. Our interview with Mr. Raghavan follows.

What motivates you to serve as a YMWIC Board Member? 

“I have always felt extremely humbled by the opportunities and support I was given in my life to aid in my own success; therefore, I am motivated to provide those same opportunities and support to all interested in the STEM field. It is an indisputable fact that the next generation is the future; and I want to foster and encourage their growth. I am inspired to work towards eliminating the achievement gap and advancing the careers of those historically underrepresented in STEM. Read more.

This month we feature Volunteer Dinesh Jayachandran. He is a YMWIC Parent Volunteer and Principal Architect, DiscoverEAS LLC. Dinesh completed his primary and secondary education in India and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Bharathiyar University, TN, India and his Master’s in Business Administration from Charles Sturt University, NSW, Australia.

We asked Mr. Jayachandran to share his career path with us, and this was his response: “I started my journey in the year 1999 working as part-time Hardware Engineer/Software Facilitator to support completion of my engineering graduation and picked up a full-time job in 2001 as a Software Engineer, but I always fancied product development, technology and business consulting. My aspirations and vision led to completion of my MBA in 2005, falling back on track in the IT corporate sector as a Contractor. Read more.

The YMWIC 18th Annual College & Career Expo took place on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at B. Reed Henderson High School in West Chester, PA. It was a wonderful event; we were joined by 30 YMWIC University and Corporate Partners who provided a wealth of information and individual meet-and-greet opportunities to Scholars, their families, and members of the community.

During the morning workshops at Partners Presentations, participants chose from a wide variety of topics such as Teaching Kids SMART Money Choices, The Project Management Profession, Latinx Community Advocacy, and Black(s) in Marine Science. Additional topics related to the College Process included The College Admissions Process, FAFSA Application Process, and Building a Good Resume. Read more.

Each year, our YMWIC girls eagerly anticipate the GETT (Girls Exploring Tomorrow's Technology) Annual Expo, which took place on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks. GETT was started in 2001 as a response to the under-representation of young women in the computer and information technology fields and has a goal of introducing girls to what is available to them in STEM fields. Twenty YMWIC Scholars in 5th through 10th grades and dressed in their YMWIC casual uniforms, along with Chaperones and Parents, attended.

They were treated to a lively day of exciting displays, presentations and demonstrations, hands-on interactions, and message from an inspiring Keynote Speaker. In addition, they were able to meet and chat with and be inspired by many women (and men) employed in technology fields about their experiences and career opportunities. We are honored that a team of our Scholars is invited back annually to participate in this amazing, life-changing event.

Registration continues for the YMWIC 2023-2024 Program Year!

We are still accepting applications for children who are 3rd - 11th grade students. If you are interested in having your child(ren) become a member of the dynamic and rewarding YMWIC Pre-College After-School Program, click this link; and complete the Student Information Form. A member of our staff will contact you.

All returning Scholars can click these links to complete the 2023-2024 Program Year Online Scholar Application and the Scholar Personal Statement.

We look forward to welcoming all new and returning Scholars to another exciting year!

Recruitment

We have stepped up our recruitment efforts this Program Year and are seeing great results! We have over 200 Scholars registered, many who are new to the Program.

Our Horace Furness High School and Martin Luther King High School Chapters in Philadelphia are gaining traction and are both still growing. Pictured is a recent Recruitment Event at a church in Philadelphia. We are happy to welcome most of the families who were present to our Program!

Pictured at top right is a recent Recruitment Event at a church in Philadelphia. We are happy to welcome most of the families who were present to our Program!

Pictured at bottom right is our Philadelphia Chapters’ Project Coordinator, Rachel Nash, introducing prospective Scholars to YMWIC at MLK High School on November 2, 2023.

Chester Upland Chapter: Armand Phillips joined YMWIC as a 7th grade student. Today he is a junior at STEM Academy at Showalter. Armand has seen himself flourish as a member of YMWIC. He strongly believes his self-confidence has improved, and he is able to face challenges with increasing self-assurance. He commits to attend as many Program events as he can, perfect the Credo and meet his requirements as a Scholar.

Armand has not yet chosen a career path but would like to study engineering, software development and art. In his spare time, he enjoys playing video games, reading, and drawing.

You are on the path to success, Armand. Continue believing in yourself and taking advantage of the resources provided at YMWIC.

Coatesville Chapter: Milina Dixon, a 7th grade student, attends Downingtown Middle School. She made the Honor Roll twice while in the 6th grade. This is Milina’s third Program Year with YMWIC. She says, “I enjoy the learning opportunities during the workshops as well as interacting with other Scholars.” She especially enjoys selecting and working on her Science Project and presenting during each Science Expo. Her advice to younger Scholars, “Have fun while you are learning and enjoy the workshops!”

Milina would like to be an author some day and enjoys karate and singing. In her free time, she takes pleasure in spending time and playing games with her family. She also enjoys reading and playing video games.

We are pleased you are enjoying yourself as a member of YMWIC. Keep up the good work, Milina!

Norristown Chapter: Ala'Nah Swint is in the 9th grade at Norristown High School, and this is her second Program Year with YMWIC. She says that she didn't know what to expect when she first became a member but has enjoyed her time with the Foundation and has put in hard work to achieve her commitments.

Ala'Nah has learned so much while participating in the many activities, workshops and events the Foundation offers. She feels being a member exposes Scholars to so many potential careers so they can make more informed choices for their futures. She would like to attend The Julliard School to pursue what she loves and become an entertainer, actress, or singer.

Keep working toward your goals, Ala'Nah; and you will succeed.

Phoenixville Chapter: Addilyn Smith is returning for her second year as a YMWIC Scholar. She is in the 6th grade at the Phoenixville Area Middle School. Addilyn has enjoyed being a YMWIC member stating, “I have so much fun at the workshops and events, and I enjoy helping my community by participating in the Community Service Projects. She believes her public speaking skills have also improved because of the many opportunities Scholars are given to speak in front of groups.

Addison envisions herself becoming an Interior Designer and is interested in attending West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Ursinus College, or Drexel University. She likes to talk with friends, draw, craft, and play games in her free time. 

You are an asset to YMWIC, Addilyn. We appreciate your hard work and dedication.

Upper Darby Chapter: Olaoluwayemi Dayo has begun his senior year at Haverford High School and has earned Honor Roll status each year. He is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), the National Business Honors Society (NBHS), and National Science Honors Society (NSHS). In addition, he: 

• Received a $250 Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP) Book Scholarship
• Received the Presidential Medal (Middle School Graduation)
• Admitted to the Gifted Individualized Education Plan (GIEP) 
• Admitted to Delaware County Technical High Schools’ Medical Careers Program

Olaoluwayemi joined YMWIC as a freshman. When we asked what the biggest impact he has experienced as a member, he replied, “The biggest impact this Foundation has had on me was through the College Tour during Spring Break. Read more.

West Chester Chapter: Delight Adeyemi is a sophomore at Great Valley High School where she has consistently been an Honor Roll student and is also a member of the National Art Honor Society. She has the distinction of being one of our longest-term members, joining as a 3rd grade student! Delight has very much enjoyed being a member of YMWIC and has made many new friends and connections.

We asked Delight what she would like to study and which colleges she would like to attend. She responded, "I want to study Graphic Design and am looking at Cornell University, Pratt Institute, Parsons School of Design and maybe the University of Pittsburgh. I might also minor in Business." She would like to become a Creative Director. In her free time, Delight enjoys listening to music, watching TV and reading.

Your goals are within reach, Delight. Stay committed, and continue working hard.

William Penn Chapter: Inza Soumaro, is a 10th grade student at Penn Wood High School - Green Avenue Campus where he earned Honor Roll status throughout the 9th grade. A YMWIC member since he was in the 7th grade, Inza says the biggest impact the Foundation has had on him is that it helped him overcome his challenge of public speaking or just speaking in front of people he doesn't know. He gained practice by speaking during workshops and presenting his Science Project. He has most enjoyed robotics and being a member of the YMWIC Robotics Team.

Inza plans on studying Engineering, possibly Mechanical Engineering to design and build cars or buildings. He is considering the University of Pennsylvania, although he is open to attending other colleges that specialize in Engineering. In his free time, he likes to play video games and basketball with his friends.

We are happy your YMWIC experience has helped you to overcome your public speaking challenges, Inza. Continue to practice and improve.

Providing experiential learning opportunities increases interest, motivation and deepens understanding by connecting theory or what’s learned in workshops to real-world situations. All learning activities are hands-on. Scholars don’t just read information or sit passively during workshops to learn. Even during a presentation, the facilitator engages the Scholars throughout the presentation to ensure s/he has their attention, check for understanding, by questioning Scholars, etc. The following is a summary of what took place in this month's workshops.

Workshops #2

Workshops in each Chapter occur on different days of the week but contain the same programming. By the second workshop, all Scholars have been required to submit their first marking period academic goals. Read more.

YMWIC Scholars are required to select and actively participate in at least three Chapter Community Service activities. YMWIC Project Coordinators team with Parents and Guardians in their Chapters to research and contact organizations within their Chapter area to arrange events at which our Scholars and family members can be of service. These events expose Scholars to the plight of the less fortunate, the rewards of giving back, and the ability to make a difference in their communities.

Chester Upland Chapter: CityTeam Chester Basement

Clean-Out

On Saturday, October 21, 2023, our Chester Upland Chapter collaborated with CityTeam, a faith-based nonprofit serving Chester, PA, and surrounding communities.  Chapter Scholars assisted staff in a basement clean-out. The organization was gifted sets of shelving to store items in their basement. Chester Upland Scholars helped them by emptying the basement and organizing the numerous bags of clothing and other donations the company had received. They also had an opportunity to socialize with some of the residents of the shelter at CityTeam.  

Norristown Chapter: 10th Annual Harvest 5K to support the Norristown Hospitality Center

YMWIC partnered with Norristown Hospitality Center by supporting their 5K Run/Walk. Read more.

Love is Powerful

By Dayanis Morales – Norristown Chapter

The most powerful thing in the world is love. Love is so strong it can surpass anything that is thrown at it. While most people believe love is only romantic, love comes in many forms. There can be platonic love, a connection between two people with no romantic relationship, or unrequited love, a love that everyone has felt in their lives before. Unrequited love is a love you feel for someone so strongly you yearn for them every minute of every day, yet it’s one-sided because the other person does not reciprocate the same feelings. It’s the type of love where you cry at night and smile when you see them. Read more.

Seniors, Get Prepared for College!

This is a busy year for seniors. In addition to their classes, extracurricular activities and home lives, they are also preparing for college. We support and advise our Scholars as they are taking the steps necessary to apply and prepare for college. Koreem (Korey) Bell helps us to guide our Scholars through the College Application Process and has provided the following checklist for seniors:

1. Confirm that your unofficial transcript is correct. 
2. Complete and submit your Transcript Release Form at least 15 days before your first college application deadline.
3. Register for College Visits.
4. Confirm your Letters of Recommendation (LOR) from two teachers (if your colleges require them).
5. Create a Common App account at www.commonapp.org.
6. Apply for Financial Aid.
7. Go online to www.ACTstudent.org or www.CollegeBoard.org and pay to send your standardized test scores from ACT and/or College Board (SAT, SAT Subject Tests).

Stay tuned for more invaluable information and advice on making the most of your senior year as you apply to and prepare for college.

This is the third Program Year that Rhonda Broady and her daughters, Sydney and Symone, have been successful Scholars of the West Chester Chapter of YMWIC. They joined because she wanted them to be part of a positive learning environment. Rhonda has been an active Parent in the Chapter; she has helped with the planning of, attended, and helped with multiple Community Service Projects in the past.

Since becoming Scholars, Rhonda sees that her daughters have become more confident. She says they enjoy learning more about science, and she is most impressed with the other Scholars in the Program. Rhonda would advise other families who are considering YMWIC, "Join; you will not regret the experience!"

GivingTuesday, on November 28, 2023, is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. GivingTuesday emphasizes opportunities to give back to communities and causes in ways that allow for social connection and kindness.

Our mission at YMWIC is to Inspire the Next Generation of STEM Leaders. We invite you to make a difference by helping us meet or exceed our goal of $20,000 to be distributed among the following programs:

• Pre-College After School Program for Grades 3 - 12 in STEM Programming
• Summer Programs for Grades K - 8 STEAM Camp
• Summer Overnight Science Retreat for Grades 7 - 12
• Summer Coatesville and Upper Darby School Districts Upward Bound Program for Grades 9 - 12
• Post-Secondary Education and Undergraduate College Scholarship Program All Scholars are guaranteed to earn a scholarship to attend the school of their choice. Scholars must meet or exceed established criteria.
• Administration and Transportation

We ask you to be generous in your giving and support YMWIC in achieving our mission by making a donation on GivingTuesday by selecting this link:

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Here are key dates for upcoming events planned for the YMWIC 2023-2024 Program Year:

• December 1: College Tour to Villanova University
• December 9: Holiday Giving Event
• February: College Tour to Lincoln University (date to be determined)
• February 24: YMWIC 13th Annual Science Expo and Scholar Presentations
• March 22 - 24: NSBE 50th Annual Convention (National Society of Black Engineers)
• March 25 - 29: College Tour to Atlanta, GA and visit to The King Center
• April 27: Robotics Team Competition in Washington, DC
• April to May: Scholar Job Shadowing with YMWIC Foundation's Corporate Partners
• May 23: YMWIC 14th Annual Scholarship & Awards Banquet at the Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel
• June 17 - July 26: Elementary School STEAM & Language Arts Camp, Middle School Science Retreat, and High School Upward Bound Summer Programs
• May - August: Summer Internships for YMWIC High School Scholars and Alumni
• September 9: YMWIC 11th Annual Scholarship & STEM Golf Classic at Penn Oaks Golf Club

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, qualified individuals who are committed to our Mission to fill the following roles in the Foundation:

• Project Coordinator – Full-time
• STEM Educators – Part-time
• Tutors – Part-time

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]. All candidates 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.

Volunteers Needed

If you or your organization would like to be a valued volunteer for YMWIC, please use this link. We welcome and appreciate your talents, time, and willingness to work with us!

Keep up with our Scholars and Program! You can stay on top of what YMWIC Scholars are doing by following us on both of our social media platforms, Instagram and Meta (formerly Facebook). This is a great way to receive constant updates on what’s happening at YMWIC. All you must do is go on your Instagram and/or Meta (Facebook) app and type YMWICscholars. Once you see our logo pop up, click Follow. Drop a Comment to say hello! Welcome to our social media family! Looking forward to seeing you join in on the fun.  



To connect with us online on Meta/Facebook, select this Link! To stay up to date with what’s happening at YMWIC via Instagram, you can select this Link.

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-12 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.