JULY 2024

In this issue:

Congrats Grads! 2024 College Decision Day

A Y Rowe Scholar announces they are going to Stony Brook University in the fall at College Decision Day
Teens gather outside of Capital Group for College Decision Day

Congratulations to our 2024 Y Rowe Scholars graduates! Through the Y’s comprehensive college and career access program, our teens have not only graduated on time at a 93% rate compared to 82% citywide, but 88% of Y Rowe Scholars have also made the monumental decision to attend college.

On Thursday, June 27, we gathered at Capital Group’s office for our annual College Decision Day to celebrate our teens’ hard work and their bright futures ahead. Approximately 60 teens from 10 branches across New York City participated in the event, during which they announced the colleges and universities they have committed to attending, like Hunter College, Syracuse University, and Temple University. Fifteen financial aid scholarships totaling $70,000 were awarded to support students throughout their college experience.

"I am so grateful to my Rowe Scholars family who have given me the strength and confidence to take on college next year at SUNY Alfred State University. The Rowe Scholars Program has truly become my home away from home,” - Joyce Nandji, graduating Y Rowe Scholar

We are excited to share the recent launch of AlumnY, an expansion of Y Rowe Scholars that supports alumni in their critical first year of college. We look forward to supporting our young people in their exciting journeys ahead!

 

 

Partners in Progress: Bank of America and the Y

Bank of America logo

Bank of America has been a valued partner of the Y in our shared commitment to creating pathways to success for NYC youth for nearly 20 years. Since 2005, with nearly $2 million in funding directed towards our free programs like Y Afterschool and Y Rowe Scholars, Bank of America has been a crucial partner in helping us empower thousands of young people to achieve their full potential.  

Their most recent $1 million investment in our Y Rowe Scholars program was formally announced last year at College Decision Day for Y teens, which they hosted at their NYC headquarters. Bank of America’s investment has allowed us to expand the program to support Y alumni in their critical first year of college. Upon graduation, students remain connected through the newly launched AlumnY to ensure their persistence in higher education and obtain employment that offers living wages and progressive career advancement – a mission that aligns with Bank of America’s philanthropic work to create sustainable career pathways and economic opportunities. 

Thanks in part to Bank of America’s support, over the last three years, Y Rowe Scholars boast a 96% average graduation rate, compared to the 85% citywide average, and an average of 92% of Rowe Scholars have matriculated onto college, compared to the 71% citywide average. Our partnership has allowed us to serve nearly 2,500 students since 2021—over two-thirds of whom are Black or Hispanic. Together, we are helping to bridge the achievement gap that disproportionately affects students of color from underserved communities. 

The Y is grateful to Bank of America for their commitment to uplifting the futures of our young people across the five boroughs. We look forward to deepening our impact together in the school year ahead.