About YES NYC.pdf - Flipbook - Page 3
ABOUT YES NYC
For over two decades, YES has worked to address the many challenges
that prevent high-potential low-income students from accessing
academic, social, and career opportunities. Starting in middle school and
continuing beyond college graduation, YES’ holistic approach provides
the preparation Scholars need to overcome the opportunity,
achievement, and awareness gaps inherent to their socioeconomic
circumstances. In 2013, Columbia University’s Double Discovery program
invited YES to bring our successful model to their home neighborhood Harlem’s District 5 - to prepare these middle school students to
transition to top local high schools and become competitive candidates
for college acceptance and success.
There are significant disparities in the educational opportunities
available to students from Harlem’s underfunded schools and their
higher-income peers in other areas of Manhattan. Additionally, the
complexities of the competitive NYC public high school application
process present significant barriers for economically disadvantaged
families, who may lack awareness about and have limited access to
information and guidance about the process.
As a result, these students have significantly less access to NYC’s
competitive high schools, limiting their long-term academic and career
prospects. Through intensive academic preparation, individualized
support and guidance, and equitable access to educational resources,
YES NYC addresses the specific challenges faced by our Scholars,
ensuring that college and career success are attainable goals.
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