YMWIC July 2024 Newsletter

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”

~ Benjamin Franklin

Edith Bradley graduated from YMWIC in 2020 and has returned to speak and give back to current Scholars in many Foundation events. Edith's recent updates on what is happening in her life now follows. 

I graduated from West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU) Summa Cum Laude with a double major in Spanish and Political Science: International Relations, with minors in Linguistics, Communication Studies, and Latinx/Latin American Studies. Throughout my four years at WCU, I attended four unique study abroad experiences to Ireland, Norway, Argentina, and Cuba. I discovered my passion for working with students and being a part of student affairs through several on-campus employments and extra-curriculars. Read more.

Brian Dawkins, NFL Hall of Famer and former safety of the Philadelphia Eagles, launched the Brian Dawkins Impact Foundation in 2019 to provide inspiration, education and resources to youth, families and communities in need. The Impact Foundation was created around his belief in the power of transformative moments to trigger a spark in young people who have the desire to make positive decisions in life and just need the tools to make it happen, a trigger that will have positive ripple effects on families and ultimately, on entire communities.

We are proud to announce that YMWIC is partnering with the Impact Foundation to provide those transformative moments to our Scholars through our programming.

If you have a student who is a rising 3rd - 11th grade student in the Chester Upland, Coatesville, Norristown, Phoenixville, Upper Darby, West Chester, or William Penn School District, Horace Furness High School or Martin Luther King High School in the Philadelphia School District, and you are interested in having them become a part of a dynamic and rewarding program, register them for the YMWIC Pre-College After-School and Out-Of-School Program.

Our Program provides immersive, hands-on opportunities for experiencing exciting STEM subjects. We offer after-school workshops, Community Service events, a Science Expo, and tutoring. Additional offerings include College Prep, SAT Prep, College Tours, College Scholarships, assistance with college Financial Aid, FAFSA, and applications!



We are now accepting enrollment applications. Click these links to complete the 2024-2025 Program Year Online Scholar Application and the Scholar Personal Statement.

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

We are thrilled to announce the opening of our new YMWIC site in Kennett Square! This expansion reflects our commitment to providing quality educational opportunities and resources to more students in our community.

What This Means:

Enhanced Access: More students in the Kennett Square area will now have access to our programs designed to foster academic excellence, leadership, college and career readiness.

New Opportunities: The new site will offer the same high-quality STEM and enrichment programs that YMWIC is known for, including mentorship, college tours, and professional development workshops.



Community Impact: We are dedicated to making a positive impact in Kennett Square by supporting students and families as they strive for success.



Join Us: 

We invite you to join us in celebrating this exciting milestone. Stay tuned for details about our upcoming Open House event where you can tour the new facility, meet our dedicated staff, and learn more about the programs we offer.

The Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Young Adults is designed for YMWIC Alumni and young adults aged 18-24 with a High School Diploma or GED, who are seeking a hands-on pathway to employment in STEM careers. This comprehensive program features Saturday and evening workshops in collaboration with our industry partners, along with an 8-week paid summer internship leading towards full-time employment.

The primary objective of this Pathway is employment in a skilled, high-paying position that may not require a college degree. STEM positions are the focus in Manufacturing and Production, Health and Medical Technology, Information Technology and Cyber Security, Engineering Technology and Utilities.

Key highlights of the Pre-Apprenticeship Program include:

• YMWIC Alumni are eligible for Internships. Scholars are paid a stipend for a 32-hours per work week.
• Stipend cost may be paid by YMWIC Corporate Partners, through YMWIC grant funds or a combination of both.
• Scholars are supervised on the job by the Corporate Partner, YMWIC liaison provides oversight.
• Jobs vary depending on Scholar interest and employer availability.

Join us in a live Zoom Information Session on September 4, 2024, at 6:30PM, to learn more about the inaugural Pre-Apprenticeship Program by selecting this link.

This year’s Saint Vincent Middle & High School Science Retreat was an incredible experience for select middle and high school YMWIC Scholars, filled with enriching activities and memorable moments.

The group arrived at Saint Vincent on Monday afternoon and everyone settled in, kicking off the week with enthusiasm and excitement. Each morning, the Scholars enjoyed breakfast with their respective cohorts, divided between the 6th and 7th grade students and the 8th and 9th grade students. This provided a great opportunity for them to bond and start their day on a positive note. Read more.

As the summer unfolds, two innovative programs are making a significant impact on our Scholars' academic and personal growth, ensuring they are well-prepared for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. The Out-of-School Time Program (OST) and Upward Bound are providing enriching experiences, fostering essential skills, and opening doors to future opportunities.

OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME PROGRAM (OST)

Hosted at Martin Luther King High School in Philadelphia, the Out-of-School Time Program (OST) is in its pilot year, marking a milestone in our efforts to support our Scholars. With 17 dedicated participants, this Program is designed to enhance academic skills, build professional readiness, and offer valuable life experiences.



Key Highlights of the OST Program:

• Weekly College Visits: Scholars visit a college each week, broadening their horizons and inspiring future academic pursuits. So far, they have explored Drexel University and Community College of Philadelphia. An upcoming visit includes Arcadia University.
• Academic Enhancement: Focused on strengthening math and language arts skills, the Program ensures that Scholars are academically prepared for the challenges of the new school year.
• Professional Development: Scholars are actively working on their resumes, preparing them for future job and college applications.
• Financial Literacy: Learning to manage finances is a crucial life skill. Through dedicated sessions, Scholars gain insights into budgeting, saving, and investing.
• Project-Based Learning: Engaging in various projects, including entrepreneurship, Scholars develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. They recently enjoyed a canoeing adventure, blending physical activity with environmental awareness.
• Stipend for Attendance: Recognizing their commitment, Scholars will receive a stipend at the end of the Program, motivating consistent participation and rewarding their hard work.

UPWARD BOUND PROGRAM

The Upward Bound program, hosted at West Chester University, continues to be a cornerstone of our summer educational initiatives. Designed to support high school students in their pursuit of higher education, Upward Bound provides comprehensive academic and personal development opportunities.

Key Highlights of the Upward Bound Program:

• College Tours: Scholars participate in college tours, including a recent visit to the University of Pennsylvania. These tours offer first-hand exposure to college life, helping students envision their future academic journeys.
• Academic Support: Through rigorous coursework and tutoring, students enhance their skills in core subjects, ensuring they are prepared for the demands of higher education.
• Personal Growth: The Program emphasizes personal development, leadership skills, community engagement, and fostering well-rounded individuals ready to take on future challenges.
• Coding and Technology: Scholars are learning about coding using ultrasonic sensors under the guidance of Mr. Bill, providing them with valuable skills in technology and innovation.
• Martial Arts: Master Fox has been teaching martial arts skills, promoting physical fitness, discipline, and self-confidence among the Scholars.
• Resume Building: Amanda Cleveland is working with the Scholars to create and refine their resumes, ensuring they are well-prepared for future academic and career opportunities.
• Lab Experience: Next week, the Scholars will gain hands-on experience in the lab with Dr. Mitchell, further enhancing their scientific knowledge and research skills.

Both Programs are dedicated to empowering our Scholars, equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and experiences needed to excel in the upcoming school year and beyond. We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing them thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

Together, the Out-of-School Time Program and Upward Bound are not just preparing students for the next school year; they are paving the way for lifelong success.

YMWIC Elementary and Middle School STEAM & Language Arts Camps are off to a flying start! Scholars at our Coatesville, West Chester, Norristown, and Upper Darby locations participated in a variety of icebreaker activities and games to get to know each other, discovering things they have common. They also worked on academic skills in Science/Engineering by working with interactive science kits, ELA (English Language Arts) by writing goals they would like to accomplish by the end of camp and reading and discussing books, and math by completing the Ascend Math online program assessment. Scholars will be starting hands-on science projects which will allow them to learn about cause-and-effect, critical thinking, and problem solving in a fun and exciting way. Read more.

The Scholars featured this month have committed to return to YMWIC for the 2024-2025 Program Year:

The Search for Cleopatra’s Tomb

by Christina Kumi – Upper Darby Chapter

Cleopatra VII. The last active ruler of Egypt and one of history’s most fascinating and complex figures. Born in January 69 BC, Cleopatra was known for her intelligence, political astuteness, and her relationship with Roman leaders, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Her reign was marked by efforts to stabilize her kingdom through the expanding power of Rome, and her life has been depicted in literature, art, and film. Aside from her fame, the location of her final resting place remains one of archaeology’s greatest mysteries.

The search for Cleopatra’s tomb has captured the curiosity and minds of historians and archaeologists for centuries. Cleopatra’s death at age 39 in August 30 BC  following the defeat of her forces, marked the end of the Ptolemaic rule and the beginning of Roman Egypt. Read more.

We at YMWIC are proud of the Scholars who have just graduated from the Program and are excited about their futures. Congratulations to our new Alumni. Below are their plans for the immediate future:

• JANIS A. BADY -- College & Major: The Juilliard School; Dance
• CARLOS CALLE -- College & Major: Penn State University; Computer Science
• WALTER CALLE -- School & Major: Universal Technical Institute; Auto Mechanics
• OLAOLUWAYEMI DAYO -- College & Major: Oral Roberts University; Biomedical Engineering
• DERRICK HITCHCOCK -- College & Major: Widener University; Mechanical Engineering
• SYDNEY HOLLAND -- College & Major: Morgan State University; Psychology and Elementary Education
• ANAILAH LAMB-TOWLES -- College & Major: Lincoln University; Biology
• BI GUI LIU -- College & Major: Penn State Beaver; Software Engineering
• JOEL MALO -- College & Major: Penn State Brandywine; Engineering 
• TERRENCE PATTERSON -- College & Major: University of Hartford; Architecture 
• MIKAH PAUL -- College & Major: University of Connecticut; Mechanical Engineering 
• KIMBERLY PINEDA -- College & Major: Delaware County Community College; Liberal Arts
• ZIBO SENOME-BRIDGERS -- College & Major: Penn State Brandywine; Pre-Medicine
• MATTHEW THOMAS -- College & Major: Penn State University; Engineering 
• DEANNA TRUXLER -- College & Major: Messiah University; Nursing
• SAMUEL WILSON, III -- College & Major: Culinary Institute of America, New York; Culinary Arts/Business Management

YMWIC 11th Annual Scholarship & STEM Golf Classic



Join us on Monday, September 9, 2024, at the fabulous Penn Oaks Golf Club in a Scramble Golf Tournament and Fundraiser to support our Scholarship Program for the Young Men and Women In Charge (YMWIC) Foundation, Inc. You will meet our Scholars, network, and have fun as you help us raise scholarship funds.

Golfers will receive gifts and enjoy an open buffet lunch and an open buffet dinner. There will be prizes for our guests and winners. For non-golfers, please join us for the evening banquet and networking dinner event, which will include a delicious buffet dinner and much more. Click here to register for this eagerly-anticipated event.

YMWIC 19th Annual College & Career Expo

This event takes place on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 9:00AM to 2:15PM at Henderson High School in West Chester, PA. College, Corporate, and Career representatives will provide Scholars and Parents with valuable career and college information on topics including: College Readiness and Admissions Qualifications, the College Application Process, FAFSA Form Process, Financial Literacy, STEM Careers, Personal Branding, Apprenticeships, Interviewing Skills, and much more!

Families and Community Members:

You can register to attend the YMWIC 19th Annual College & Career Expo by selecting this link.

College and University Representatives and Corporate and Community Partners:

You are invited to interact one-on-one with YMWIC Scholars and their families at the YMWIC 19th Annual College & Career Expo. To register to take part at this exciting event as a Workshop Presenter or Expo Exhibitor, click here.

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, motivated, and qualified individuals with initiative who are committed to our Mission to competently 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 employment@ymwicfoundation.org. 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.