| A ceremony at York College in Jamaica, Queens, recently honored the achievements of students in the "You Can Go To College" Program. Organized by educators and elected officials. The program guides young people through the College selection and application process and encourages community participation. Twenty-eight students completed the program this month, they will go on to a prestigious roster of Universities around the country in the fall. |
| Graduation ceremonies were recently held at the York College
Campus for the "You Can Go To College" Program. Twenty-eight students graduated and will be attending a prestigious roster of colleges; many will be attending
historical African-American colleges around the nation. Mrs. Meeks, wife of Congressman Gregory Meeks and head of the Scholarship Fund for his office,
was on hand to congratulate the students and emphasize the need for each
other to succeed.
District Leader Allan Jennings was there to give the students proclamations and encouragement to never give up and ignore 'nay' sayers, his own motto to becoming the youngest District Leader when he was elected in 1992. Fred Simmons, from Senator Malcolm Smith's office, was also there to give the students proclamations and an encouraging word. |
Valerie Cole Davis, Assistant Area Development Director
of the United Negro College Fund came with advice about getting some of
the financial aide available through the 450 plus different scholarship programs. Students must apply through the Financial Aide director at their
schools.
The very unique "You Can Go To College" program was started by educator Sister Shirley Dye and State Committee-woman Dorita Clarke. The program addressed the difficulties students face in getting accepted to colleges in a structured program, which meets every Saturday at Hillcrest High School for two hours. There are 100 students in the program in |
various grade levels. The program starts in September with an orientation, and for three months, is involved with SAT preparation.
The students are advised on the necessary courses needed to meet college requirements.
Both the students and parents praised Sister Shirley and Dorita Clarke for their encouragement and assistance. Several students said they would not have been able to seriously consider going to college without the program. Anyone can call (718) 658- 6255. Students are accepted from any high school. |
