Hello Kris,

Welcome back!

I hope you’ve had an amazing summer spending time doing what you love and recharging your batteries.  The slower summer pace allowed me to spend a lot of time with family and friends, including my tribe of 13 youngsters (ages 1-23) who keep me on my toes and clue me in on current trends. 😃

We would love to have you join us for the annual YPIE Gala on Thursday, September 26th to celebrate YPIE students’ accomplishments and remarkable journeys to and through college.  We are proudly honoring Marie Rama and NewYork Presbyterian Westchester for their longtime support for YPIE.  We recently added a special rate ticket for volunteers!  Learn more and purchase tickets at ypie.org/gala.

Traditionally we have held an in-person Volunteer Kickoff event in September, but this year, we are hosting Education Conversations in October and again in the spring.  Please see below for additional information.

Our volunteers have many reasons for choosing to give back to the Yonkers community, but one potential benefit may be a longer life!  Check out this article from The Chronicle of Philanthropy on the health benefits of volunteering.

Like many of you, I served as an Essay Coach this summer.  While some of our summer students are still finishing up, we are heading into the Fall Season in the coming weeks.  See below for training dates.  All Essay Coaches should complete this 2024 Fall Essay Coaches survey to indicate your preferences for the fall 2024 and spring 2025 seasons.

I’m not yet ready for all things pumpkin spice, so I’m sending best wishes to enjoy the last few weeks of summer!

Thank you!

Stacy Winitt

Senior Director, Volunteer Engagement



UPCOMING EVENTS

Essay Coach Training via Zoom

• September 11th from 6:00pm-7:00pm OR
• September 12th from 10:00am-11:00am OR
• September 16th from 2:00pm-3:00pm
• Attendance at one session is required for all new Essay Coaches who did not volunteer in the Spring 2024 or Summer 2024 seasons

YPIE ANNUAL GALA

• September 26, 2025 at 6:00pm
• The Barbara Walters Campus Center, Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville
• Information and tickets at ypie.org/gala

Education Conversations - The Current College Landscape

• October 9th from 10:00am-11:30am (in-person at YPIE)
• October 15th from 1:00pm-2:30pm (via Zoom)
• Hosted by YPIE’s Executive Director, Sam Wallis; open to all volunteers

Please see the YPIE Volunteer calendar at ypie.org/ypievolunteer



STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

SENIOR EVENTS

• YPIE Seniors and their families should attend a Senior Kickoff event on September 11th or 12th from 6:00pm-7:00pm at the Yonkers Riverfront Library  (Spanish language presentations available both days).  During the Kickoff, we’ll share all the ways YPIE is here to support students and families through the entire college process.

• All YPIE Seniors are invited to attend the College Connections event on September 23rd from 3:30pm-5:30pm at the YPIE College Zone to meet with representatives from several selective colleges.

COLLEGE ZONE KICKOFF/MAJORS FAIR

Please encourage your 11th Grade Scholars to attend one of the College Zone Kickoff events on September 3rd, 4th, or 10th from 3:30-5:30pm.  Students will have the opportunity to catch up with YPIE staff, shop for free school supplies, learn about the Majors we are offering this fall, and sign up for their College Zone schedule.

VOLUNTEER NEWS

SCHOOL VISITS

Yonkers Essay Coaches and Graduation Coaches can meet with students at school during their lunch/free periods.  Please read and adhere to the YPIE Volunteer School Visit Policy, schedule your visits on days when YPIE staff will be at the schools, and email them in advance to let them know your plans.

The first day of school is Thursday, September 5th (2024-25 YPS calendar).  YPIE volunteer school visits may resume on Monday, September 16th.  We are still solidifying the schedules of the YPIE staff members, so if you plan to visit your student in school in September, please email me and I’ll put you in touch with the correct staff member.



VOLUNTEER REMINDERS

GRADUATION COACH REMINDERS

If you and your Scholar took time off this summer, please plan to re-engage no later than September 9th.  You should be meeting at least once every 3 weeks.  Please submit an Exit Ticket for each Scholar meeting.

ESSAY COACH REMINDERS

The Essay Writing Summer Season is heading towards the finish line!  Please read the email I sent on August 27, 2024 for information about how to wrap up the season.

All Essay Coaches should complete this 2024 Fall Essay Coaches survey to indicate your preferences for the fall 2024 and spring 2025 seasons.

VOLUNTEER RESOURCES

YPIE Volunteer Handbook

Essay Coach Playbook

Graduation Coach Playbook

Becoming a Better Mentor (full 135-page guidebook)

Thanks for reading all the way to the end!