YPIE Volunteer Newsletter

Hello Kris,

“You have provided so much unconditional support for me and all of my endeavors and I cannot begin to thank you enough. You have opened my eyes to the college process and have been there to offer guidance every step of the way. In what is such a tumultuous time for many teenagers, I find great comfort in your advice and guidance. ~ YPIE Scholar 2028

“You were a very easygoing and patient essay coach who always managed to make time to help. One of the biggest things you did to help me was by assisting me in deciding what I should write for my essay. I appreciated having you review my topics through a professional lens and even come up with new ones based on what you knew about me.” ~ YPIE Fellow 2028

While this month has the potential to bring unpredictable weather, I look forward to March 12th when the sun will set at 7:00pm for the first time this year, followed by the official arrival of spring on March 19th. Longer days and more sunshine - fingers crossed that Punxsutawney Phil correctly predicted an early spring this year!

The YPIE Volunteer community is filled with talent, and I’m excited to highlight one of our own this month! Clare Maloney is a renowned singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who recently kicked off a national tour. Her band, Clare Maloney & The Great Adventure, will perform at Yonkers Brewing Company (located next door to YPIE) on March 15th. Discounted tickets are available for all YPIE volunteers and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to YPIE. Please see below for more details and come spend a Friday night with your friends at YPIE!

Thank you.

Stacy Winitt

Senior Director, Volunteer Engagement

UPCOMING EVENTS

Essay Coach Training via Zoom

March 6th from 11:00am-12:00pm OR
March 7th from 6:00-7:00pm OR
March 12th from 2:00-3:00pm
Required for Spring Essay Coaches; please RSVP using the Essay Coach Survey.

Please see the YPIE Volunteer calendar at ypie.org/ypievolunteer

STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARTSWESTCHESTER SUMMER INTERNSHIP

The ArtsWestchester Summer Internship Application is now open. Please read this informational flyer and use this link for instructions about applying. High school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply.

ArtsWestchester offers internship opportunities in specialized fields. Our interns gain valuable experience that can be used in future careers such as: project management, public relations, professional writing, team collaboration, leadership and responsibility. Our interns enjoy an experience that is both meaningful and educational through creative projects and working closely with the staff members at ArtsWestchester.

ArtsWestchester provides interns with a travel stipend to cover the costs associated with transportation to ArtsWestchester or events and complimentary admission to arts/cultural events throughout Westchester, where they can help build awareness of the arts. Internships can be used for college credit as long as approved by the college/university.

1-ON-1 TUTORING AVAILABLE!

We have a cohort of volunteers who provide 1-on-1 tutoring in the College Zone after school Monday through Thursday. If your Scholar is struggling with any academic subject (especially math and science), and can commit to attending tutoring sessions in person at the College Zone, please have them complete the YPIE Tutoring Request Form.

VOLUNTEER NEWS

YPIE VOLUNTEER & STAFF HAPPY HOUR & MUSIC SHOW

Please join the YPIE community on March 15th for an evening filled with food, music, and fun!

Where: Yonkers Brewing Company (92 Main Street, next door to YPIE’s College Zone)
Happy Hour: 5:00-7:00pm featuring a custom brew, “YPIE Volunbeer”, on tap with $5 beers, $0.75 wings, and $8 appetizers.
Two amazing local bands: Christine Chanel from Harrison will kick it off followed by Clare Maloney & The Great Adventure (click to listen to Clare’s band)
Doors open at 7:30pm and the music starts at 8pm
This is an all ages event - everyone is welcome!
Tickets are regularly $20, use “YPIEROCKS” for a $5 discount. Purchase tickets here.
A portion of ticket sale proceeds will be donated to YPIE!

SCIENCE RESEARCH PRACTICE PRESENTATION FEEDBACK PROVIDERS

When: Friday, March 8th, 4:00pm-5:30pm
What: Listen to and give feedback to 16 students as they present their science research projects in preparation for a science competition (WESEF)
Where: YPIE College Zone (92 Main Street, Yonkers)
Who: Anyone! No experience necessary - we have rubrics!
Next Steps: Email Jake Schofield (jschofield@ypie.org) to let him know of your interest

SCIENCE JUDGES NEEDED

Westchester Science and Engineering Fair (WESEF)

When: Saturday, March 16th, 8:30am - 3:00pm (lunch provided)
Where: Somers High School (120 Primrose St, Lincolndale, NY 10540)
Who: Science professionals (Masters/PhD, are enrolled in a degree program, or have a bachelors plus 2+ years of experience; more details here: wesef.org/for-judges)
Next Steps: Set up an account and register at www.wesef.zfairs.com (put YPIE as your affiliate school) and then email Jake Schofield (jschofield@ypie.org) to let him know you registered

VOLUNTEER REMINDERS

SCHOOL & YPIE VISITS

Essay Coaches and Graduation Coaches can meet with students at school during their lunch/free periods. Please read and adhere to the YPIE Volunteer School Visit Policy, schedule your visits on days when YPIE staff will be at the schools, and email them in advance to let them know your plans. If you need the email addresses of the YPIE Readiness Managers and College Advisors, please refer back to last month’s newsletter (linked at the bottom of this newsletter).

If you are meeting a student at the YPIE College Zone, please email me the date and time.

FIELD TRIPS WITH STUDENTS

Volunteers are permitted to take field trips with their students provided that they arrive separately at the destination or use public transportation. Volunteers should never transport students in their personal vehicles. If you wish to take a field trip, please fill out this YPIE Coach Permission Slip, have your Scholar’s parents/guardians sign it, and keep the signed copy. Please take selfies of you and your Scholar enjoying your adventures and send them to me!

GRADUATION COACH REMINDERS

Please reach out to me if you have experienced any difficulty in maintaining continual contact with your Scholar. You should be meeting at least once every 3 weeks. Please submit an Exit Ticket for each Scholar meeting.

A meeting is defined as taking place in-person or via phone/video call. Text messages and emails do not count as meetings.
Try using the Mood Meter at the start of your meetings as a routine way to check-in with each other.
If you have not yet read the updated 2024 Graduation Coach Playbook, please do so at your earliest convenience.