Hartford Youth Scholars is getting ready to celebrate two decades of supporting Hartford students to and through college, and HYS Founding Chairman Karl Krapek is kicking us off in a big way! Between now and December 31st, take the “Founders Challenge” and your contribution—dollar for dollar—will be matched up to $100,000! 💥 This is your chance to make a direct impact and transform lives through education for the next 20 years and beyond. Your partnership is more important than ever in transforming movement into momentum for the next generation of Hartford’s leaders. Donate today and double your impact: hartfordyouthscholars.org/founderschallenge #HartfordYouthScholars #HYS #HYStrong #FoundersChallenge #HYS20 #20YearsOfImpact #KnowledgeSeekers #Hartford #ChangingLives

🌟 Ready to join the knowledge seeker movement? 🌟 Help us build the 20th cohort of driven students! The Collegiate Academy (TCA) is Hartford Youth Scholars’ premier 26-month academic enrichment program, designed to reinforce, enrich, and expand a Scholar’s education. This is the first step in their 10-year journey to and through college with Hartford Youth Scholars. Our Scholars are our greatest asset, and the connections they make through this program last a lifetime. 🙌📚✨ #KnowledgeSeekers #HartfordYouthScholars #AcademicExcellence #FutureLeaders

Congratulations to Destiny Pond, Cohort 13, for being recognized by Hartford Girls Rock! 🌟 From excelling academically at The Loomis Chaffee School to showcasing leadership as a peer mentor and thriving in pre-college programs at Brown and Cornell, Destiny’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Now on her way to Mount Holyoke College, she continues to exemplify resilience, empathy, and innovation. We’re so proud of all you’ve accomplished, Destiny—here’s to your bright future! #HartfordGirlsRock #HartfordYouthScholars #HYS #FutureLeader

Hartford Youth Scholars was thrilled to celebrate the Scholars of Cohorts 9 and 13 at our Salute to Success event. We are immensely proud to recognize these Scholars for their commitment to academic excellence and for all they have achieved. Year after year, our Scholars graduate from high school and college and create incredible impact, both in their personal trajectory and in the greater Hartford community. We know that the perseverance of our Scholars and their commitment to success is an inspiration to the next generation of knowledge seekers in Hartford and we can’t wait to see what’s next for them!

Check out this powerful piece by Cohort 10 Scholar Olatunji Osho-Williams! A senior staffer at The Daily Northwestern, Olatunji’s article chronicles the difficulties of scholarship displacement and its devastating financial impact on students. Learn how students manage when their financial aid packages that were once secure, seemingly disappear overnight. With ongoing issues with FAFSA, it’s all the more crucial for families to engage with and stay informed about financial aid. Don’t miss it! #StudentVoices #FinancialAid #hyscholars

It’s been an exciting start to 2024 here at Hartford Youth Scholars - in case you missed it, HYS has been featured across local media and community celebrations in the last few weeks and we wanted to share the good news! We were thrilled that the Mayor and the City of Hartford recognized Executive Director Anthony Byers during Hartford’s Black History Month celebration at City Hall. Anthony was honored for his immense contributions to our community, and spoke in front of a packed audience about the importance of representation, unity, and the power of collective action in driving positive change. Thank you so much to the many Scholars, families, and friends of HYS who joined us to celebrate Anthony!

At Hartford Youth Scholars (HYS), we firmly believe that our community plays a vital role in nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. We are reaching out to you today as someone who shares our commitment to supporting the youth of Hartford. Do you know a rising 7th graders who displays motivation, dedication, and a love for learning? If so, we encourage you to nominate them to become a Hartford Youth Scholar today. Your nominations can be a significant step in changing the lives of these young scholars. There are ONLY A FEW WEEKS LEFT to nominate students for our program!

🌟 Honored to announce Aaralyn as the recipient of the 2024 Obama Reaching Back Award! 🏆 Presented by Hartford Youth Scholars, this prestigious accolade recognizes her outstanding success and unwavering commitment to uplifting others. Inspired by Michelle Obama’s words, Aaralyn not only walks through doors of opportunity but holds them open for others. 🚪💙 As a mentor, writing teacher, RA at SCSU, and compassionate assistant, she has left an indelible mark on our community. 📚👩‍🏫 Aaralyn’s impact goes beyond academics – she’s a life-saver at Best Buddies, aiding individuals with intellectual disabilities. 🌟 This award, generously made possible by Tom Francoline, Robert Brandt, and their families, is a token of deep appreciation for her remarkable contributions. 🙌🎉 Aaralyn, your journey exemplifies the spirit of reaching back, ensuring others have the same chances that led to your success. Congratulations! 🎓🌟 #ObamaReachingBackAward #CommunityChampion #Inspiration #CongratulationsAaralyn #HYStrong #hys

Grateful for every scholar, every supporter, and every moment of growth. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Hartford Youth Scholars! 🦃📚 #ThankfulForEducation #HYS #hartfordyouthscholars

Summer's sun is setting, but our Scholars are on the rise! 🎓 As the school bells start ringing, we're thrilled to showcase where our exceptional Cohort 12 and 16 Scholars are headed for their next chapter. From first-day jitters to big dreams, join us in cheering them on as they conquer new horizons. Hats off to these trailblazers! #HYSstrong #HYSBackToSchool #HYSScholarJourney 🎓🌅

Do you know a highly motivated Hartford student? Do they yearn for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work alongside other talented and innovative thinkers? Do they have an endless drive for learning? If so, then don’t hesitate to Nominate a scholar today!

Congratulations Shaniece! 🤩🎉 We are incredibly proud of Shaniece’s contributions and commitment to Hartford. Like a true Scholar, Shaniece inspires her community to help those in need. Read more about Shaniece’s accomplishments in our new newsletter! Click the link in our profile!

Next Thursday, 2/16, at 4pm, our very own Dr. Markeysha Davis will be hosting the University of Hartford’s community Black History Month Read-In. Join her and HYS in a celebration of Black Literature at the Walt Harrison Libraries at the University of Hartford!

Our friends and generous donors, Ted and Mary Gawlicki, were recently featured in The Hartford Courant for their continued philanthropic efforts. You can find and read the article on our Profile under the "News" Hub!

Grateful. Take a look back at 2022 with Hartford Youth Scholars before we usher in the new year!

This Giving Tuesday, You Can Help Hartford Youth Scholars Change Lives! Visit the link in our bio to Donate! #GivingTuesday #HartfordYouthScholars #HartfordNonprofit https://conta.cc/3XznFt4

Our 15th Anniversary Newsletter is out now! Check out the link in our Bio to commemorate 15 Years of Changing Lives Through Education! #hartford #hartfordct #hys #hartfordyouthscholars #education #cteducation https://conta.cc/3Dm1Io6

Donate Today! Help Robert and the rest of Team HYS raise essential funds for scholars and families. And make sure to support Robert THIS SUNDAY at the #hartfordmarathon

Mixing Cardio with Compassion. On October 8th, Team HYS will be running in The Hartford Marathon. Help support Hartford Youth Scholars raise funds for Scholars in Families. Make sure to keep notified in the coming week... or better yet run over to our page to learn how to get involved! #hartfordyouthscholars #hartfordmarathon2022 #hys #hartfordmarathon #hartfordct

Check the link in bio to help donate! We have only $4,250 left to raise! Help us provide Chromebooks, sturdy backpacks and plenty of books to fill it up! Enable us to provide the classroom essentials for all HYS Academy Scholars. Each back pack will be filled with a Chromebook, pens, pencils, notebooks, T-shirts, and of course BOOKS to build their personal library and fuel their love for reading!

The more despicable they got, the more we Gru 🍌 TCA had a blast on our first field trip! It’s not everyday you get to pack a movie theatre with 90+ friends! #hartfordyouthscholars #hartford #despicableme

This summer, on Fridays, Scholars will get to hear a series of speakers and go on educational field trips. This week, Wildaliz Bermúdez will visit and speak to our students! As a passionate advocate for cities, Wildaliz Bermúdez has spent the past decade working on policy issues directly assisting some of the most vulnerable populations and improving living conditions. During her professional career, Wildaliz has earned positions of public trust serving in government and in her direct work in the non-profit sector. She was elected twice to the Hartford Court of Common Council from 2016-2021. Before working in local politics, she worked in the Hartford Department of Public Works and for two Mayoral administrations. Her career has also found her in leadership roles for environmental and healthcare organizations. Today, she serves as the Executive Director of the Fair Rent Commission for the City of New Haven. She holds a bachelor's degree from Trinity College and a master’s degree in Environmental Science from La Universidad Metropolitana in Puerto Rico. Over the years, Wildaliz has held various board positions ranging from the CT Landmarks Society to the Board of Fellows at Trinity College. She is committed to bringing forth sustainable policies for cities. Her leadership and work have been recognized through a number of distinguished awards. We're excited to hear her speak on Friday! 🎓🌞 #summeracademy #hysstrong #educationmatters

Thank you again to Connecticut Wealth Management for helping us support our Scholars towards their college goals! 🎓 ==== Hartford Youth Scholars works with Hartford students, helping them get “to and through” college. For more information, visit our website at www.hartfordyouthscholars.org.

Hartford Youth Scholars commemorates #Juneteenth. Juneteenth is a critical moment in American history. A moment that should provoke thought and understanding of what freedom meant for a community of people and what it means now as we continue to do the work of teaching, learning, and healing as a nation. HYS is pleased to be among people, places, and organizations doing the WORK to help teach, empower, and learn. 🎓

UCONN student Jasmine Morris shares how she balances her studies, work, and everyday life. 🎓👩🏾‍💻 #hysscholars #collegeready #EdLeadership #educationmatters

One of the best parts of celebrating 15 years of HYS programming is seeing the transition of the youth in our program from hopeful students to rockstar alumni who help encourage and motivate other Scholars, like our Director of Scholar Success, Brittany Rodriguez. ✨🎓 #hysscholars #collegeready #EdLeadership #educationmatters

The co-eds on our Scholars panel are dropping some amazing and VERY useful gems about navigating the college experience! 🎓 #hysscholars #collegeready #EdLeadership #educationmatters

🎓 HYS Team: A bit of downtown with Roxanna (Chief Advancement Officer) and Katie (Director of Resource Development). #hysscholars #collegeready #EdLeadership #educationmatters

Excited and ready to see you all at today's College Readiness Conference! 🎓🧐 #hysscholars #collegeready #EdLeadership #educationmatters

🗣️ Happy Friday, Scholars! Today was the deadline and we hope you RSVP’d for our upcoming College Readiness Conference in collaboration with the Beta Sigma Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity & the Univ. of St. Joseph! The event kicks off Saturday, June 4th, 8 AM – 2 PM at the University of St. Joseph in West Hartford. 🎓 We have a great lineup of speakers, including Shani Jackson. Shani graduated from Connecticut IB Academy in 2018 and is pursuing her undergraduate degree at Central Connecticut State University (class of 2023), majoring in Construction Management. 🎓 Shani completed an internship as a Project Engineer with the Richards Corporation in Terryville, CT. Shani Jackson is a member of Hartford Youth Scholars Cohort 7. Shani will be on hand speaking about the college experience and answering your questions. See you all soon! ==== 🏫 This conference is a mandatory event for all rising high school 9th through 11th-grade Scholars and respective families, Cohorts 15-12 (rising 9-11 gr.). ==== COVID-19 policy, All Scholars and Families in attendance must uphold our most recent COVID-19 policy as it concerns COVID-19 vaccination for the safety of the greater HYS community. All COVID-19 vaccination record cards must be submitted no later than June 1st, where they will be securely stored in our database. ==== Hartford Youth Scholars works with Hartford students, helping them get “to and through” college. For more information, visit our website at www.hartfordyouthscholars.org. #hysscholars #collegeready #EdLeadership #educationmatters

🗣️ HYS SCHOLARS... The 2022 College Readiness Conference is RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER! Have you RSVPed yet? This event is MANDATORY for ALL current 8th grade to 11th-grade Scholars and families. You must respond so you can be counted. This includes HYS Cohorts 15, 14, 13, and 12. We have a great lineup of speakers to help answer all your pressing questions about the college experience! Click the link in our bio to RSVP NOW. 📅 WHEN: Saturday, June 4th ⌚ TIME: 8 AM - 2 PM 🏫 WHERE: University of St. Joseph, West Hartford

We are super-excited about our upcoming College Readiness Conference (in collaboration with the Beta Sigma Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity & the Univ. of St. Joseph). Our event is just around the corner, and A’Jahni Barclay, one of our panelists, will be there with lots of information! A’Jahni is a 2021 high school grad of Achievement First and currently attends Wesleyan University, where he is expected to graduate in 2025. He will be present to speak about what to expect in your first year of college and to answer your questions on Saturday, June 4th, at the University of St. Joseph in West Hartford, 9AM - 2PM.🎓 🏫 This conference is a mandatory event for all rising high school 9th through 11th-grade Scholars and respective families, Cohorts 15-12 (rising 9-11 gr.). ==== COVID-19 policy, All Scholars and Families in attendance must uphold our most recent COVID-19 policy as it concerns COVID-19 vaccination for the safety of the greater HYS community. All COVID-19 vaccination record cards must be submitted no later than June 1st, where they will be securely stored in our database. ==== Hartford Youth Scholars works with Hartford students, helping them get “to and through” college. For more information, visit our website at www.hartfordyouthscholars.org. #hysscholars #collegeready #EdLeadership #educationmatters

📢 Attention HYS Scholars... A message from our Executive Director! After two years of enduring the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, we are excited to be returning to in-person programming and celebrating 15 years of operation. Our organization has been working diligently in Hartford for the last 15 years with the safety, protection, and well-being of all we serve as our top priority. 🌐 In the wake of this changing global health pandemic, we must plan with the intention to maintain the protection and care of all members of our HYS community. ❗All Scholars must be fully vaccinated and boosted to participate in HYS programming. ➡️ Since all HYS programming will resume in-person this upcoming June, the COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots are critical unless proof of exemption is provided and approved. ➡️ All staff, families, and guests must also be vaccinated to attend any in-person events and/or programming. ➡️ Please note that this is an org-wide decision applied throughout each branch of Hartford Youth Scholars. ➡️ To successfully submit your vaccination and booster record cards, send a copy of your COVID-19 Vaccination Card and Booster Vaccine Record Card to vaccinations@hyscholars.org using a Google account. ➡️ You may upload a picture or scanned copy of your cards to this e-mail address. ➡️ If you do not have a Gmail account, please create one or find instructions on how to send secure e-mails through your provider. If you have any questions regarding our Covid-19 and vaccination policy, contact our Chief Program Officer, Armanthia Duncan, at aduncan@hartfordyouthscholars.org. 🎓 We appreciate your commitment to our organization and its mission. As this crisis continues to pose a threat, we remain committed to our mission to get Hartford’s kids to and through college with your continued support. Together we will continue to be HYStrong. We look forward to seeing you all!

A teacher’s impact on a student can leave an indelibly profound mark that stays with them forever. We couldn’t end the week without taking this last day of Teacher Appreciation Week to recognize the selfless, crucial, and incredible work educators do every day. Thank you for all you do! 🎓👩🏽‍🏫👨🏻‍🏫👩🏾‍🏫 ==== Hartford Youth Scholars works with Hartford students, helping them get “to and through” college. For more information visit our website at www.hartfordyouthscholars.org 🎓 #hysscholars #teacherappreciationweek #teachersappreciateteachers #educationmatters

Community Time is back! And we are pleased to announce this Saturday's guest speaker, Camesha Scruggs. A native of Texas, Camesha is a doctoral candidate in history at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She received a BA and MA in history from Texas Southern University. Her research fields are 20th century US, African American, Public History, and Gender and Empire. She serves on the executive boards of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History and the National Collaborative for Women's History Sites. Camesha performs volunteer work for various community preservation initiatives, bringing stories to broader audiences. Her current project examines the lived experiences of Texas African American women domestic servants in the early twentieth century and how interventions from social, civic, government, and higher education institutions impact the occupation. We all look forward to Camesha's presentation this Saturday! 🎓 ==== Hartford Youth Scholars works with Hartford students, helping them get “to and through” college. For more information visit our website at www.hartfordyouthscholars.org #hysscholars #hysstrong #EdLeadership #educationmatters #communitytime

Attention HYS Scholars! Meet Jasmine Morris. Jasmine graduated from The Ethel Walker School in 2019. She is currently a junior at The University of Connecticut. She plans on graduating in May 2023 with a Bachelor in Animal Science with a triple minor in Business Management and Marketing, Equine Business Management, and Therapeutic Horsemanship Education. Ask Jasmine all your pressing questions about the undergraduate experience at our College Readiness Conference (in collaboration with the Beta Sigma Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity & the Univ. of St. Joseph) on Saturday, June 4th, at the University of St. Joseph in West Hartford, 9AM - 2PM🎓 🏫 This conference is a mandatory event for all rising high school 9th through 11th-grade Scholars and respective families, Cohorts 15-12 (rising 9-11 gr.). ==== Covid Policy: All Scholars and Families in attendance must uphold our most recent COVID-19 policy as it concerns COVID-19 vaccination for the safety of the greater HYS community. All COVID-19 vaccination record cards must be submitted no later than June 1st, where they will be securely stored in our database. ==== Hartford Youth Scholars works with Hartford students, helping them get “to and through” college. For more information visit our website at www.hartfordyouthscholars.org #hysscholars #collegeready #EdLeadership #educationmatters

👩🏾‍🎓Hey, HYS Scholars! For many students planning to attend college or a vocational institution, financial aid is crucial. Prospective students must consider fees for tuition, housing, books, transportation, and other personal needs. In preparation for Hartford Youth Scholars' College Readiness Conference, in partnership w/the Beta Sigma Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity & University of St. Joseph, check out these noteworthy facts about financial aid. We are looking forward to seeing you all IN PERSON Saturday, June 4th, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford! 🎓 🏫 This conference is a mandatory event for all rising high school 9th through 11th-grade Scholars and respective families, Cohorts 15-12 (rising 9-11 gr.). ==== Covid Policy: All Scholars and Families in attendance must uphold our most recent COVID-19 policy as it concerns COVID-19 vaccination for the safety of the greater HYS community. All COVID-19 vaccination record cards must be submitted no later than June 1st, where they will be securely stored in our database. ==== Hartford Youth Scholars works with Hartford students, helping them get “to and through” college. For more information visit our website at www.hartfordyouthscholars.org #hysscholars #collegeready #EdLeadership #educationmatters

Happy Women's History Month! For a motivational Monday, we would like to commemorate another member of our faculty, Olivia Piper. Olivia is a Connecticut native who received her bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Journalism from UCONN and a Master’s in English & Language Arts Education from Boston University. She has been Hartford Youth Scholars' English Literature instructor since 2019. Olivia enjoys every moment she has spent working with our HYS scholars! In addition to her work with HYS, Olivia is also an Academic Coordinator with AmeriCorps, directs for the stage, and is a published poet. Her poetry has been published in The Connecticut River Review, Funicular Magazine, HerHeart Poetry, and Black Fox Literary Magazine. 🎓 #hysscholars #hysstrong #EdLeadership #educationmatters #womenshistorymonth

This Saturday, our Community Time guest speaker is Councilwoman Tiana Hercules! The proud mother to three children, Tiana is a Hartford resident, licensed criminal defense lawyer and has practiced immigration, family law, and civil litigation. Before joining The Sills Law Firm, Tiana was a dedicated member of the Public Defender’s office. Notably, she helped lead an anti-gun violence initiative in Hartford. Tiana is an active and longtime constituent and leader of her community. She has served on several non-profit boards, including Mutual Housing of Greater Hartford, NINA, Girls for Technology, and the Board of Deacons at Asylum Hill Congregational Church. She currently serves as an Appointed Commissioner for the Connecticut Commission for Children, Women, Seniors, Equality, and Opportunity. Tiana loves Hartford. She believes Hartford is a city rich with innovators, leaders, arts & cultural scene, and some of the best eateries in Connecticut. She feels that everyone in Hartford deserves equitable access to quality affordable housing, education, health care, food, and livable wages. When she is not with her family or serving her community, Tiana enjoys working out at the YMCA, one of her favorite places in the city. Tiana uses her voice to help those around her find theirs. We are excited for Tiana to drop some gems and encouragement to our scholars! 🎓 ==== Hartford Youth Scholars works with Hartford students, helping them get “to and through” college. For more information visit our website at www.hartfordyouthscholars.org #hysscholars #hysstrong #EdLeadership #educationmatters #womenshistorymonth

In celebration of Women's History Month, we'd like to acknowledge the faculty helping shape our Scholars into leaders. Dr. Markeysha Davis has worked as a Literature instructor with the HYS Summer Academy since 2019. She is program chair of Africana Studies and Assistant Professor of Literature and Africana Studies at the University of Hartford in West Hartford, CT. Dr. Davis loves to introduce her students to the wonders of narrative-building and creative expression through their studies of multiethnic American literature. Her own research has focused on how these things (especially creative expression) have been critical to movements of social change, especially among Black Americans. 🎓🌟💙 ==== Hartford Youth Scholars works with Hartford students, helping them get “to and through” college. For more information visit our website at www.hartfordyouthscholars.org #hysscholars #hysstrong #EdLeadership #educationmatters #womenshistorymonth

Reminder: Scholars, HYS staff, and faculty! TONIGHT at 6 PM on Zoom, we will be hosting our second Beyond the Books Watch Party! This time, we are watching the Questlove documentary, "Summer of Soul," his acclaimed debut as a filmmaker. This is a must-watch, especially if you're a music lover & history buff! Read the film's description below and swipe to watch the teaser trailer. See y'all tonight at 6 PM. 🎓🍿🎞 👇👇👇👇 SYNOPSIS: Part music film, part historical record created around an epic event that celebrated Black history, culture and fashion, "Summer of Soul" takes place over the course of six weeks in the summer of 1969, just one hundred miles south of Woodstock, The Harlem Cultural Festival was filmed in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park). The footage was never seen and largely forgotten–until now. SUMMER OF SOUL shines a light on the importance of history to our spiritual well-being and stands as a testament to the healing power of music during times of unrest, both past and present. The feature includes never-before-seen concert performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Ray Baretto, Abbey Lincoln & Max Roach and more. ==== Hartford Youth Scholars works with Hartford students, helping them get “to and through” college. For more information visit our website at www.hartfordyouthscholars.org #hysscholars #hysstrong #EdLeadership #educationmatters #summerofsoul

Attn: HYS Scholars! Zoom office hours are from 5 PM - 6 PM today and Santiago is ready to answer any of your questions or concerns, and available if you just want to check-in! He's looking forward to hearing from you all! 🧐👨🏽‍💻🎓 ==== Hartford Youth Scholars works with Hartford students, helping them get “to and through” college. For more information visit our website at www.hartfordyouthscholars.org #hysscholars #hysstrong #EdLeadership #educationmatters #officehours

Just in time for Women's History Month! The guest speaker of our Community Time conversation on Saturday is Dr. Dolores Garcia-Blocker. Dr. Garcia-Blocker is a lifelong educator with over 30 years of experience working in public school systems. She started as a teacher in Washington, D.C.-led schools in New York and Connecticut and has held district leadership roles for the last 10 years in Connecticut. Dr. Garcia-Blocker attended public school. She later went to a private boarding school for high school. Her experiences prompted her to recognize how having a private school education allowed her to excel academically and socially in college. As a new teacher, she saw the stark inequities between her educational background and the experience of her students. As a result, Dr. Garcia-Blocker has focused her career on providing equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of their circumstances. She did this through rigorous instruction in the classroom, leading excellent schools, and developing innovative programs and initiatives focused on college and career readiness. Dr. Garcia-Blocker has a BA from Spelman College, MS from American University, and an EdD from Teachers College, Columbia University. She holds numerous professional certifications, including a Superintendent Certification from the University of Connecticut. She was recognized by The College Board for closing the achievement gap and has earned several awards for her work in education. Super-excited for our scholars to hear Dr. Garcia-Blocker's presentation on the importance of education! 🎓 #hysscholars #womenshistorymonth #educationmatters #communitytime

We are thrilled to announce Josh Odam as our Community Time guest speaker this Saturday. Josh is the Founder and Curator of Healing While Black LLC, an online platform dedicated to the mental health and wellness of Black queer, trans*, and non-conforming people. Healing While Black has 65K social media followers across IG, TikTok, and Twitter. Josh provides life coaching and peer support for Black men of all experiences. Odam also supported the creation of a database of 100 Black mental health professionals and healers to provide pro-bono domestic violence services to 500 Black LGBTQIA+ people in 2020 and 2021. His work has been featured in the Human Rights Campaign, My Brother’s Keeper, Gravity Blankets, Refinery29, The Earthling Co., Black Men Heal, Black Mental Wellness, Vera Institute for Justice, and ACE Space. We look forward to hearing Josh present to our scholars. 🎓 #hysscholars #hysstrong #EdLeadership #educationmatters #communitytime

Reminder that HYS is recruiting for our next Cohort of Scholars and that we are currently seeking nominations for 2022! If you are a teacher, parent, or mentor familiar with Hartford students who LOVE to learn, spread the word. We're looking for them! 🎓 ➡️ Click the link in our bio to nominate someone. #hysscholars #hysstrong #nonprofit #EdLeadership #educationmatters

As a part of our Community Time, HYS is hosting a virtual series to celebrate Black History Month. This Saturday, our guest speaker will be Dr. Stefan M. Bradley, whose presentation will be about Youth Activism, Social Movements, and the Making of America: 1950s-1970s. Stefan M. Bradley is a Professor of Black Studies and History at Amherst College, raised in Yakima, Washington. He received his Ph.D. in 20th Century US History with an Emphasis on the Black Experience from the University Missouri-Columbia. Dr. Bradley enjoys dividing his time as an educator and mentor to young people. He is also a published author whose latest book is titled "Upending the Ivory Tower: Civil Rights, Black Power, and the Ivy League." Bradley has won numerous awards for his work and made appearances on several shows and documentary films, including on OWN and the History Channel. Bradley frequently enjoys volunteering on and off-campus. We are thrilled he'll be speaking with our scholars! 🎓 #hysscholars #communitytime #EdLeadership #educationmatters #BHM

📢Attention HYS Scholars and Families! Join us this WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9th, 6:00 p.m. –7:30 p.m. on Zoom for a crucial discussion! We will be hosting a virtual Town Hall to outline our updated COVID-19 policy and safety measures for programming. Medical professionals will join us, including Director of Nursing Azira Salihovic, so this is a prime opportunity for parents and students to get all their questions answered. 📌Where: (Zoom) https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87276729985 📌Who: TCA and High School & College Success Families We look forward to connecting with you all! 😊 #hartfordyouthscholars #hys

AJ Barclay first joined HYS as a member of Cohort 10. In our recent newsletter, AJ, who is now in his first year at Wesleyan University, talks about his experience as a scholar, his future goals, and the never-give-up mentality that was instilled in him as a scholar that benefits him to this day. AJ's younger sister, Jahniya Barclay, was accepted into Cohort 15 and is participating in The Collegiate Academy! Read the full article https://hartfordyouthscholars.org/hys-newsletters.

Now accepting nominations through March 12th. 100% of HYS Scholars graduate from high school on time! HYS is a college readiness academic enrichment program and anyone can nominate a Hartford youth! https://hartfordyouthscholars.schooladminonline.com/portal/new_inquiry

Today we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy of equity and justice. It took 13 years and a "Happy Birthday" song by Stevie Wonder to raise awareness and establish this as a national holiday in 1981. #MLKDay #mlk2022

We are so proud of what our Scholars are able to achieve! Nicole Tirado is featured in our recent HYS Newsletter. https://www.hartfordyouthscholars.org/hys-newsletters As a member of Cohort 10, Nicole Tirado has been an outstanding leader amongst her peers, a creative and curious student, a bold athlete and a hard worker within her community. Tirado has worked hard as a member of the Collegiate Academy, and continues to do so as a senior at Weaver High School in Hartford. As a student, an athlete, and a team member at Sweet Tooth, a local bakery, Tirado uses the skills and growth opportunities afforded to her by HYS to advance her goals every day. “HYS helped me by showing me the importance of working hard to achieve your goals. It has also shown me how important it is to plan your college dreams ahead of time.” Visit the HYS newsletter to read more!

Today is your last chance in 2021 to make an investment in the life of a Hartford Youth Scholar and be a part of this incredibly successful program! Please help us continue to change lives through education and make a donation today! www.hartfordyouthscholars.org

JUST PUBLISHED: The December HYS newsletter! Each one reach one -- read it then tag or share the newsletter with another HYS Scholar or friend or teacher or ANYONE and help share the news and the work of HYS. Website version can be found here: https://www.hartfordyouthscholars.org/hys-newsletters.

We're so happy to see our own HYS Scholar, Nicholas Furlow being featured in one of his other meaningful roles as a Hartford Promise Scholar! Nick is exceptional and we're so happy for his success! #hysscholars #hysstrong #SeasonOfPromise #promisescholars #hartfordpromise

Our Cookie Context is Coming! Scholars be sure to Vote for your Favorite Cookie Creations on the 17th!

We are overjoyed to announce our second annual Gingerbread Cookie Contest! We kicked this contest off last year as an attempt to maintain community amidst COVID-19 while observing proper safety guidelines. Due to its success, we have decided to make this an HYS Holiday tradition for Scholars. This contest will be a bracket style tournament— a total of three rounds will be held, each taking place every 2 hours. Scholars will be randomly seeded via an online bracket maker and YOU, our HYS community, will decide the winner! We encourage you to share our story with your friends and family on Friday, December 17th to expand our reach and to spread the holiday joy!

We had some special guests join us for a few hours on Saturday. HYS Executive Director Anthony Byers was in the office and brought along his two dogs, Storm and Drip. Our Scholars were very excited to meet the dogs! #hysscholars #hysstrong

DONATE TODAY! HYS provides Scholars and their families with academic and mentoring support for 10 or more years, beginning the summer before students enter 7th grade and continuing through college graduation. We work with each Scholar and their family individually, helping them to face and overcome any obstacle that presents itself on the way to college graduation. #hysgivingtuesday, #hysgiving #hysstrong #hysscholars

Because it is the biggest giving day of the year, many groups get buried in the "chatter". Everyone needs to know about HYS! Share our posts and use the hashtags. And tomorrow, make your donation right here on FB. #hysgivingtuesday, #hysgiving , #hysstrong , #hysscholars

GRATEFUL! In this season of giving and gratitude, we are most thankful for our community of Scholars, families, faculty, volunteers, board members and investors. Together we are a powerful force for good in Hartford. Thank you for playing your part in supporting Hartford Youth Scholars this year. #hysgivingtuesday , #hysstrong , #hysscholars #hysgiving Team HYS: Anthony, Roxanna, Armanthia, Katie, Brittany, Tariq, Santi, Elaney and Marisa

Giving Tuesday is just one week away! Spread the love for Hartford Youth Scholars! #hysgivingtuesday #hysgiving #hysscholars #hysstrong @eldiablosaucetv

At Hartford Youth Scholars there is no limit to youth success! Giving Tuesday is just 10 short days away. Start spreading the news! #hysgivingtuesday, #hysgiving

Saturday's Beyond the Book event took us to the New Britain Museum of American Art. Scholars participated in the "What is Art?" tour, learned about the museum's collection, and career opportunities in the arts.

Earlier this month, history was on display as Beyond The Books took HYS Scholars on a visit to the CT Historical Society's special tour entitled Slavery and Abolition in CT.

HYS Scholars and their families came together for festive Halloween fun at Trunk or Treat last Friday.

Our latest Beyond the Books event was a field trip to the Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum. Our scholars had the opportunity to walk the galleries and write short responses to their favorite works of art. They also received a special tour on Myths, Legends, and Stories led by museum docents. #wadsworth #athenaeum

“Inspiring”, “Encouraging”, “Joyous”, “Amazing”, “Unforgettable” - These are just a few of the words that the graduating scholars used to describe the experience of being a part of the Hartford Youth Scholars Community. Contact Mercy Yalartai, Assistant Academy Dean at myalartai@hartfordyouthscholars.org

Note the location: Trunk or Treat happens Oct. 29th at 129 ALLEN PLACE! See you there!!

Trunk or Treat for Halloween! HYS staff and community will give out goodies in HYS back parking lot, 125 Allen Street from 3:30-6 pm on October 29th. Enjoy a safe Halloween!

The aim of the ‘Read-In Speaker Series’ is to critically assess these holidays and heritage months, and give our scholars the opportunity to think beyond the common narratives. We wish to engage our scholars in conversations about these topics and challenge them to think through their own identities in ways that increase their power and potential.

Fall Academy is in full swing! During last Saturday’s session, HYS Scholars took a campus tour of Trinity College during lunch and free period. And then, took a hike up Case Mountain in Manchester as a part of the Beyond The Books program!

September 25th was day one of Fall Academy. HYS Scholars and staff spent time in the great outdoors at Case Mountain!

Almost 60 HYS scholars and families were present for Academy Orientation on Sept. 18th. Fall Academy sessions start Saturday, Sept. 25th!

It is with great enthusiasm that HYS announces the promotion of Armanthia Duncan to Chief Program Officer, stepping in for Garth Adams upon his departure on August 1st. Miss Duncan has been a part of the HYS family for nearly 10 years, joining the team as an instructor of History in the summer of 2013, teaching Cohort 6. Miss Duncan was a mainstay at the Collegiate Academy each summer but one, teaching challenging and immensely popular classes. In 2019 she became a full-time staff member when she was named to the position of Dean of the Collegiate Academy, where she was a truly dynamic addition to the organization and to the greater Hartford community. Congrats Ms. Duncan!

Congrats to our own HYS Scholar Linda Done, an honoree at the 2021 Hartford Girls Rock event, happening Sept. 26th.

New Location for Festival de Pandereta this Saturday--Pope Park, between Russ & Putnam Streets. HYS will have a table there so stop by! 1-8 pm.

ATTENTION FAMILIES OF HARTFORD! Hartford Youth Scholars is accepting nominations for rising 6th graders. Please visit the link in our bio to apply. Make sure to share this opportunity with Hartford residents!

The HYS team was together today working hard and keeping cool at a nice new local spot!

Garth Adams moves on from HYS! Our friend and colleague GARTH ADAMS, who has served as Chief Program Officer since 2013, is moving on from HYS into an exciting position as Director of Athletics at Bancroft School, in Worcester, Massachusetts. Although we are sad to see Mr. Adams leave, we are so happy he has a chance to work in the area he loves so much: athletics and coaching! Big well wishes and best of luck Mr. Adams!

Join Executive Director Anthony Byers with a big HOORAY as we proudly congratulate Cohort 14!

Last Night, HYS celebrated Cohort 14 Matriculation. We are immensely proud of this shining class and wish to recognize their diligence during the pandemic. We continue to support these scholars as they prepare for their transition into high schoolers and wish them the best!

News Correspondent Rachel Scott was the HYS Summer Academy guest speaker from July 26. Rachel Scott is the Congressional Correspondent reporting from Capitol Hill across all ABC News programs and platforms, including Good Morning America (GMA), World News Tonight with David Muir, Nightline, 20/20, ABC News Live, and more. Prior to this, Scott was a White House correspondent and D.C. correspondent. In 2020, Scott provided extensive on the ground coverage of the nationwide protests over police brutality and the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on communities of color. Scott began her career at ABC News as a production associate for ABC News Live in 2016. While working full-time as a producer for GMA Digital, Scott took on an additional role as a Weekend General Assignment Reporter for ABC's New Haven, CT affiliate WTNH-TV.

Summer Academy in full swing! On July 23rd Scholars enjoyed a session with guest speaker Jason Rojas, Chief of Staff and Associate Vice President for External Relations for the Office of the President at Trinity College. In addition to his duties at Trinity, Jason is a member of the Connecticut General Assembly representing the Ninth Assembly District (East Hartford and Manchester) in the Connecticut House of Representatives.

HYS Boot Camp Week Two started this week--schooling Scholars and families on all things college-related including application process, financial aid and more! But hear it right from HYS Director of Scholar Success Brittany Rodriguez....

We’re Celebrating OUR LARGEST SUMMER YET at The Collegiate Academy! Please visit the Link in Our Bio for more Information on our life-changing academic experience!!

The Collegiate Academy (TCA) kicked off its 15th summer session on July 5 with 93 Scholars—its largest enrollment ever! The summer curriculum at TCA includes courses in literature, history, science, mathematics, Spanish and civics and is being held virtually through July 29th.

HYS just completed a new week long program online, Bridge to Success (BTS), created and facilitated by our Associate Director of Scholar Success, Tariq McMahon. BTS is a pre-college summer program designed to prepare 12th grade scholars for their transition to higher education, addressing both the tangible and intangible barriers to college success including the socio-emotional components of academia and college readiness, that are often overlooked. Throughout the week of June 21-25, Cohort 10 participated in group discussions, produced creative and reflective works, and heard testimony from older Scholars on their college experience. We are proud of the work Mr. McMahon has done to prepare these Scholars for the next phase of their lives!

Happy Juneteenth! Here are some events happening throughout the greater Hartford area!

HYS proudly celebrates PRIDE MONTH!

TONIGHT from 6-7 pm, HYS hosts a Town Hall for all Scholars and families to discuss HYS Covid-19 guidelines for summer and fall programs. Contact: aduncan@hartfordyouthscholars.org

TOMORROW from 6-7 pm, HYS hosts a Town Hall for all Scholars and families to discuss HYS Covid-19 guidelines for summer and fall programs. Contact: aduncan@hartfordyouthscholars.org

TOMORROW from 6-7 pm, HYS hosts a Town Hall for all Scholars and families to discuss HYS Covid-19 guidelines for summer and fall programs. Contact: aduncan@hartfordyouthscholars.org

Excerpt of Statement from Anthony Byers, HYS Executive Director: “In these precarious times, the safety and wellbeing of our Scholars and families has remained our top priority...we are writing to let you know that HYS plans to return to in-person programming this fall. Our host Trinity College has mandated that all of its students provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to return in the fall, and has informed us that it has the same expectations of all Hartford Youth Scholars who will be on campus. To be clear, all HYS Academy Scholars will need to be fully vaccinated in order to attend The Collegiate Academy classes." Recognizing that some families are reluctant to have their Scholars vaccinated, there will be limited accommodations. Read the full statement for details: https://www.hartfordyouthscholars.org/updates

IMPORTANT COVID ANNOUNCEMENT! As HYS moves toward in-person activities in Fall 2021, there are covid-related requirements that must be met by Scholars & families. Please read this important statement by Executive Director Anthony Byers. https://www.hartfordyouthscholars.org/updates

TONIGHT, Thursday, June 10th, Hartford Youth Scholars has the honor of celebrating our 6th cohort of Scholars who have completed their 10-year commitment to education. As we lead into the event, we want to take the time to recognize some of the individuals in this class. NICK FURLOW was selected to speak at tonight's event!! Nick graduated this spring from the University of Connecticut having majored in Management Information Systems with a double minor in Data Analytics and Urban Community Studies. As an undergrad, Nick held a variety of leadership roles on campus both in school administrative capacities as well as amongst his peers. Nick was also a member of the Travelers EDGE Program (Empowering Dreams for Graduation and Employment). This program takes a unique and holistic approach to preparing students for the professional world. Travelers EDGE provides support financially through scholarships and stipends, as well as hands-on support through academic guidance, professional development opportunities, mentoring, and peer-to-peer assistance. Through the EDGE program Nick has secured an internship at Travelers each summer during his undergraduate career, and we are proud to announce that Nick will begin his first full-time position with Travelers as an associate in their Business Insights and Analytics Leadership Development Program this month! Please take a second to share your words of encouragement/congratulations/praise in the comments! Share these posts with others as a testament to the power of education!

This Thursday Hartford Youth Scholars has the honor of celebrating our 6th cohort of Scholars who have completed their 10-year commitment to education. As we lead into the event, we want to take the time to recognize some of the individuals in this class. KIANA GUZMAN graduated from the University of Connecticut this spring having double majored in Psychology & Sociology and minored in Latino Studies. Kiana has always prioritized giving back and being of service. During her time as an undergrad, she played an active role as a mentor in the UConn METAS program (Mentoring, Educating, and Transforming to Achieve Success). She provided guidance and support, both academically and socially, to first year students through the Puerto Rican/Latin American Cultural Center. This fall, Kiana will continue her commitment to service by enrolling in the University of Connecticut's Social Work MSW graduate program. We cannot wait to see where her journey leads to next! Please take a second to share your words of encouragement/congratulations/praise in the comments! Share these posts with others as a testament to the power of education! @kiana.guzman

This Thursday Hartford Youth Scholars has the honor of celebrating our 6th cohort of Scholars who have completed their 10-year commitment to education. As we lead into the event, we want to take the time to recognize some of the individuals in this class. BREA AUSTIN graduated from Howard University this spring having majored in International Business with a concentration in Information Systems and minored in Computer Science. While at Howard, Brea was selected for the Executive Leadership Honors Program -- a program designed to produce the next generation of business innovators, initiators, and principled entrepreneurs. Brea has a passion for streamlining systems and processes for maximum efficiency. Last fall, Brea volunteered to create a centralized database of vital HYS demographic information pertinent to each student and respective cohort that we have served, and continue to serve, through our programming since our inception in 2007. With this database we are better able to produce grant reports, program audits, and compile facts sheets. Brea’s work on this project has been a vital contribution in our effort to become a data-oriented organization. This fall Brea will begin her career at Microsoft in Reno, NV at their Americas Operation Center. We are sad so see her move so far, but we are excited for what her future holds. Please take a second to share your words of encouragement/congratulations/praise in the comments! Share these posts with others as a testament to the power of education! @br3a

This Thursday Hartford Youth Scholars has the honor of celebrating our 6th cohort of Scholars who have completed their 10-year commitment to education. As we lead into the event, we want to take the time to recognize some of the individuals in this class. TAYHLOR WILLIAMS graduated from Barnard College this spring having majored in Psychology on a Pre-Med track. Tayhlor is well on her way to becoming a medical professional having spent summers working as an intern in various healthcare organizations. One such organization was Hartford Healthcare -- Connecticut's favorite, most comprehensive health care network, and one of HYS's three official corporate-partners! While at Hartford Healthcare, Tayhlor designed a public health intervention to improve clinical outcomes for Black & Hispanic mothers right here in Hartford, CT!! This fall, Tayhlor will enroll in a 1-year Post-Baccalaureate Pre-PA (Physician Associate) program at Elms College in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Please take a second to share your words of encouragement/congratulations/praise in the comments! Share these posts with others as a testament to the power of education! @tayhlormonet

This Thursday Hartford Youth Scholars has the honor of celebrating our 6th cohort of Scholars who have completed their 10-year commitment to education. As we lead into the event, we want to take the time to recognize some of the individuals in this class. BREA AUSTIN graduated from Howard University this spring having majored in International Business with a concentration in Information Systems and minored in Computer Science. While at Howard, Brea was selected for the Executive Leadership Honors Program -- a program designed to produce the next generation of business innovators, initiators, and principled entrepreneurs. Brea has a passion for streamlining systems and processes for maximum efficiency. Last fall, Brea volunteered to create a centralized database of vital HYS demographic information pertinent to each student and respective cohort that we have served, and continue to serve, through our programming since our inception in 2007. With this database we are better able to produce grant reports, program audits, and compile facts sheets. Brea’s work on this project has been a vital contribution in our effort to become a data-oriented organization. This fall Brea will begin her career at Microsoft in Reno, NV at their Americas Operation Center. We are sad so see her move so far, but we are excited for what her future holds. Please take a second to share your words of encouragement/congratulations/praise in the comments! Share these posts with others as a testament to the power of education!