A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR [Mar. 2021]
Anthony Byers
A TIME OF CHALLENGES
COVID-19 challenged us all in ways that none of us could imagine. Especially in these difficult times, the importance of our mission shines ever so brightly! The passion and dedication of our staff, faculty and programming is clear to see. On so many levels everyone worked together to adapt to virtual platforms, for learning, for events, for community.
WE MET THE CHALLENGE!
The Collegiate Academy was able to recruit a new cohort of scholars, increase scholar access to Google Chromebooks, trained scholars and faculty on Google Classroom to facilitate online learning, and introduced a new social emotional learning curriculum. The High School and College programs hosted the SAT prep virtually, hosted a college planning bootcamp, and facilitated the annual equity retreat, also virtually. Scholars participated in virtual summer internships facilitated through our College to Career Pipeline. We also hosted our first ever Network & Build event. In every instance there was overcoming obstacles, and learning new skills to achieve and continue our programming.
WE CELEBRATED!
Proudly, we honored our graduating high school seniors with our Annual Decision Day Celebration! Board members, donors, parents all came together online, with Director of Scholar Success, David Herrera, serving as emcee. Each scholar shared special words to the group. It was a proud and wonderful event. To date, HYS scholars have attended: 7 of the 8 Ivy League schools, HBCUs, various state colleges, small liberal arts colleges and community colleges. At HYS College is about right fit. We also honored our HYS alumni who graduated from college, including our very first Yale graduate! And one of our scholars, Tahara J was accepted into Medical School!
STAND UP FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE.
HYS Scholars are out there making waves! In the light of the social unrest across the country it was amazing to watch our scholars get involved on their campuses and in the community. It is their activism and leadership that will pave the way for a brighter tomorrow and in the midst of all that was happening around them, they answered the call. Our scholars marched for social justice and equity, started and led groups at their schools, served as essential employees as nurses, plumbers, grocers, etc. Two of our scholars, Shamari and Donessa were invited to share their powerful perspectives at the Black Lives Matter event in Hartford.
WE LOVE OUR SUPPORTERS
Our community of supporters rallied around us and answered the call! We wouldn’t be who we are today without the support and advocacy of our board members, donors and friends. Not knowing how COVID would impact our revenue left us with more questions than answers. Our supporters stepped up and helped start an emergency fund to address food insecurity, housing insecurity, hot spots, laptops, books, tuition gaps, back to school supplies, etc. Supporters connected us with pre-college summer opportunities for HYS scholars. We also secured PPP funding to support our staff and maintain adequate staffing levels. Despite covid issues, HYS was able to meet our fundraising goals this year. Thanks to our supporters. It is reassuring to know you are on our team!
NOW MORE THAN EVER...
Our scholars need us now more than ever. The achievement gaps are evident and they are widening. Looking at just how brilliant, resilient, talented and motivated each and every single Hartford Youth Scholar is should serve as a reminder of why they are so deserving. There is not a better return on an investment made in the lives of these young people. Our city’s future, our state’s future, the nation’s future depends on it!
Best,
Anthony Byers
Executive Director - HYS