Celebrating 14 Years of Service

YMWIC Offers

STEM Exposure

and Unlimited Opportunities to

Our Scholars

“Many Latino kids should become scientists, because we need scientists all over the world from all different backgrounds. We have many tough problems, and we need everybody’s help to solve them.”

~ Mario Jose Molina Henriquez, Mexican Physical Chemist who played a pivotal role in the discovery of the Antarctic ozone hole and co-recipient of the 1995 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Greetings, YMWIC Supporters:

We are off to the start of our 2023-2024 Program Year and excited about what lies ahead. We have a year of learning, social, experiential, and creative opportunities planned for our Scholars through workshops, College Tours, special events, skill-building activities, mentoring from our Partners, Special Interest Groups (SIGs), Community Service events, and more. 

From September 15th through October 15th, we are celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month (also referred to as Latinx or Latin Heritage Month). We recognize and appreciate our YMWIC Scholars and families who are Hispanic Americans. What began as a week-long annual celebration in 1968 has grown into a full month of honoring the contributions of Hispanic people and their contributions to, and shaping of, the United States, both past and present.

In reference to SIGs, we are so happy to announce the return of our Jazz Ensemble after a short time of inactivity. In addition, in partnership with West Chester University of Pennsylvania and the Chester County Art Association, we will be introducing monthly art activities for Scholars. This program was piloted this past summer by our Upward Bound Scholars; and, because of their enthusiasm, we have decided to extend it as part of our curriculum.

We invite you to join us in providing life-altering opportunities to our Scholars by supporting the development of tomorrow’s STEM professionals and workforce. Please consider investing your time and talent or making a financial donation to YMWIC in support of our programs and scholarships. I encourage you to contact me directly so we can discuss your involvement. We would love to have you join our valued team of supporters or volunteers!



Richard Roberts, III

(610) 340-2844

rrobertsiii@ymwicfoundation.org

YMWIC MISSION:

To empower and prepare economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented youth to excel and become leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers through a structured and rigorous curriculum, academic tutoring, mentoring and financial assistance programs, accomplished by leveraging alliances with K-12 school districts, universities, corporations, and our committed partners.



YMWIC CORE VALUES:

We Believe we can significantly impact the future of our youth through education and extraordinary leadership.

We Value Commitment, Honor and Accountability and through these principles we are dedicated to the tradition of excellence in serving our youth, our partners and our community.

We Promote Engagement and Collaboration by treating all people with respect and sincerity to create an environment of openness where shared success can be achieved. 

We Demonstrate Quality by working efficiently and effectively to continuously improve our programs for the benefit of our Scholars.



The McLean Contributionship

The McLean Contributionship awards grants in the greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area for the Arts, Culture and Humanities, Education, Environment and Animal Welfare, Health and Human Services. We thank them for their generous grant to YMWIC which will support our STEM Programming, allowing us to increase our capacity to prepare students for technological careers. 

After graduating from high school and YMWIC, Tiare enrolled at Boston University where she is majoring in Financial Economics with a dual minor in Business Administration and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. As a sophomore, she says, “My college experience has been amazing thus far. Although I attend a large school, I found my community within it which makes it feel like a home. The friends I made here will last a lifetime. I love my city; Boston is basically a big college town filled with devoted young people who are eager to get ahead. “

Tiare is very involved at BU proudly explaining, “I am the Risk Committee Chair for my sorority, Sigma Kappa. I am an investment associate for the Finance and Investment Club at BU. I am also involved in the Latin American Association at BU. Read more.

On September 28, 2023, a group of twenty-one 11th and 12th grade YMWIC Scholars boarded a bus, accompanied by three chaperones, and headed to Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, for a college tour and learning experience. This trip is the first in a series of three for YMWIC juniors and seniors to visit local colleges. We will visit Villanova University in December, and Lincoln University in February, 2024. Scholars stayed overnight at the Marriott Hotel and participated in an exciting, activity-filled campus tour on Friday. 

During the tour of campus buildings, Scholars visited and had short Q&A sessions with members of the Admissions Department, faculty of the School of Business, Education, Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Computing Departments, and Athletic Department where they met coaching staff. Several engaging learning activities were planned during the tour allowing Scholars to enhance their engineering problem-solving skills by building cell phone holders. Scholars also enjoyed a hands-on Anatomy Lab demonstration at Saint Vincent’s state-of-the-art 3-D Anatomy Visualization Anatomage Table, an Entomology (the study of insects) Science Lab activity, and actively participated in a panel discussion that answered Scholars’ questions about life as a student or faculty at the college. Read more.

Registration is now open for the YMWIC 2023-2024 Program Year!

If your child is a rising 3rd - 11th grade student in the Chester Upland, Coatesville, Norristown Area, Phoenixville, Upper Darby, West Chester Area, William Penn School Districts, or Horace Furness High School, Independence Mission School, Martin Luther King High School, or St. James School in Philadelphia and you are interested in having them become a member of the dynamic and rewarding YMWIC Pre-College After-School Program, click this link; and complete the Student Information Form. A member of our staff will contact you.

All returning Scholars can click these links to complete the 2023-2024 Program Year Online Scholar Application and the Scholar Personal Statement.

We look forward to welcoming all new and returning Scholars to another exciting year!

Chester Upland Chapter: Isis Emerson is in the 11th grade at STEM Academy at Showalter. She joined YMWIC when she was in the 8th grade. When asked about her experience as a member, she says, "The biggest impact this Program has had on me is that it has given me the ability to work in different environments. I love that it challenges me and helps me do better each year." She adds, "My favorite parts of the Program are the opportunities it provides me to see different perspectives of this world." She believes she has also gained more confidence in public speaking. Isis says weekly Academic Tutoring she receives with YMWIC helped her to be successful in Honors English at school.

Isis would like to study Graphic Design and Digital Photography and Videography in college. Ultimately, following her entrepreneurial spirit, she would like to start her own business. During her spare time, she likes to read, experiment with her camera, ride her bike and just enjoy being outside.

You are an asset to YMWIC, Isis; and we have many more opportunities in store for you!

Coatesville Chapter: Jonathan Thomas has just begun the 9th grade at Collegium Charter School. An Honor Roll student, Jonathan has also played varsity soccer. This will be Jonathan's fifth year as a member of YMWIC; and he plans to continue his commitments to the Foundation this year, including attending as many workshops and events as he can. When we asked him about the biggest impact membership in YMWIC has had on him, he says, "The biggest impact the Foundation has had on me is the College Tour, because it has shown me what colleges I can attend in the future." Currently, Jonathan does not know what he would like to study in college or what colleges he may want to attend. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports with his friends.

Keep up the hard work and dedication, Jonathan; and you will be well prepared for your future.

Norristown Chapter: Myla Massolena joined YMWIC when she was in the 8th grade and is now a junior at Upper Merion Area High School. She has been an Honor Roll student and is proud to have achieved perfect attendance. Myla has enjoyed being a member of YMWIC and has seen much personal growth. She has learned and acquired many skills in the workshops and educational activities and has discovered that her communication skills have also improved.

Myla would like to attend the University of Delaware and major in Math or Business, with a goal of becoming a Cosmetologist. In her spare time, she enjoys talking with her friends, sleeping, reading, and just hanging out.

We appreciate you, Myla. Keep up the good work.

Phoenixville Chapter: Darien Sampson of our Phoenixville Chapter is now in his second year with YMWIC. He is in the 7th grade at Phoenixville Area Middle School where he has been on the Honor Roll three times and is in the Gifted Program. He says that being a member of YMWIC has taught him to be responsible about turning work in on time. He most enjoys the field trips and special events. He is committed to meeting the Foundation’s requirements by getting his weekly study hours in, doing his best on his Science Project, and contributing to Community Service events.

Darien would like to study Business in college and be an Entrepreneur. His hobbies are reading, playing the saxophone, video games and chess, and taking walks.

We acknowledge and appreciate your dedication and hard work, Darien.

Upper Darby Chapter: Salimata Sore is an 11th grade student at Upper Darby High School. She says she has earned Distinguished Honor Roll or Honor Roll status on all her report cards since she was in the 9th grade and has a 3.3 GPA. She joined YMWIC when she was in the 9th grade. She says the greatest impact YMWIC has had on her is that it has helped her improve her public speaking and confidence, partly by enforcing the importance of learning and reciting the Credo. She enjoys the shared community of being a member of the Foundation.

Salimata would like to study the science of lactation and to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. During her free time, she enjoys crocheting, painting, drawing, and reading.

We are proud of you, Salimata. Continue to work hard and do well.

West Chester Chapter: Janis A. Bady is a senior at Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School where she has often earned Honor Roll status. Janis joined YMWIC when she was in the 5th grade and credits YMWIC membership with, "Helping me to function properly in a professional space and represent myself in a way that impresses others." When we asked what she has enjoyed most about YMWIC, she responded, "I like the big events the most because I feel like it is a time to show what we have worked on." She would tell other students who are considering YMWIC that the Program is valuable, even if they are not going into a STEM career.

A very gifted dancer, Janis would like to become a dancer in a contemporary dance company. Read more.

William Penn Chapter: Kimberly Pineda, a senior, attends Penn Wood High School. This will be Kimberly's second Program Year with YMWIC. She says she enjoys being a member. Since joining, she believes she has gained more confidence and now has the ability to engage in conversations with people she didn't previously know. She is committed to being an active YMWIC member and working hard so she is successful in the Program.

Kimberly plans on studying to become a nurse in the future.

We applaud your dedication and commitment, Kimberly.

Correction from August, 2023 issue: Norristown Chapter Scholar Christopher Peal is attending Eisenhower Middle School beginning September, 2023.

Our first workshops for each chapter consisted of meeting, greeting, and welcoming new Scholars and their families. Also, on each agenda was reviewing the Schedule and the Parent and Scholar Handbook and emphasizing Scholar requirements and commitments for the Program. Scholars are excited and ready to gear up for participation in this new Program Year!

We briefed Scholars on the upcoming Science Projects and Science Expo, and they will select their Project Topics at Workshop 2. This is a highlight of our Program Year, and we are looking forward to guiding Scholars to completion with the help of our Partners, and the culmination as Scholars present and display their Projects at the Science Expo. More to come about this exciting event; mark your calendar for March 2, 2024!

I Learned How to Overcome Odds by Playing Chess

By Matthew Thomas – Coatesville Chapter

When my father informed 7-year-old me that he was taking me "somewhere to play a fun game," a sudden rush of adrenaline coursed through my body. My mind immediately journeyed to the soccer field, imagining the thrill of sprinting and kicking the ball with him. But when we arrived at the local community center, my excitement turned to confusion, then boredom. Instead of the open, grassy soccer field, we were in a large building filled with empty tables and polished floors that felt similar to an unoccupied food court. Though I was originally disappointed, my curiosity was piqued when my father led me to a small black and white board covered with miniature bits of wood. As he explained the rules and showed me how to play this new game, a flame was lit inside of me, igniting a passion for chess that has lasted to this day. Read more.

October and the Origin of Halloween

By Kimora White – Norristown Chapter

October is most known for our famous U.S. celebrated spooky holiday, Halloween! I'm sure we all love Halloween for the free candy, cool costumes, and amazing parties... I mean who wouldn't? But don't you ever get curious about the origin of Halloween? How did it start? What is the significance of this day? Why would you spend your hard-earned money on candy, just to give it all away? Well, there’s an interesting origin about this amazing holiday. 

Halloween was originated from deep roots of the Celtics. The Celtics were a collection of Western-European people, back in the 8th century. Halloween is based on the pagan religious celebration "Samhain," which represented the blessing of end-of-summer harvest. People would dress up in costumes and light fires to scare off ghosts and negative energy. Read more.

Seniors, Get Prepared for College!

This is a busy year for seniors. In addition to their classes, extracurricular activities and home lives, they are also preparing for college. We support and advise our Scholars as they are taking the steps necessary to apply and prepare for college. Koreem (Korey) Bell helps us to guide our Scholars through the College Application Process and has provided the following checklist for seniors:

1. Confirm that your unofficial transcript is correct. 
2. Complete and submit your Transcript Release Form at least 15 days before your first college application deadline.
3. Register for College Visits.
4. Confirm your Letters of Recommendation (LOR) from two teachers (if your colleges require them).
5. Create a Common App account at www.commonapp.org.
6. Apply for Financial Aid.
7. Go online to www.ACTstudent.org or www.CollegeBoard.org and pay to send your standardized test scores from ACT and/or College Board (SAT, SAT Subject Tests).

Stay tuned for more invaluable information and advice on making the most of your senior year as you apply to and prepare for college.

The YMWIC 18th Annual College & Career Expo will take place on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 9:00AM to 2:15PM at B. Reed Henderson High School in West Chester, PA. College, Corporate, and Career representatives will provide Scholars and Parents with valuable career and college information on topics including:

• College Readiness and Admissions Qualifications
• The College Application Process
• FAFSA Form Process
• Financial Literacy
• STEM Careers
• Personal Branding
• Apprenticeships
• Interviewing Skills
• And much more!

Families and Community Members:

You can register to attend the YMWIC 18th Annual Career and College Expo by selecting this link.

College and University Representatives and Corporate and Community Partners:

You are invited to interact one-on-one with YMWIC Scholars and their families at the YMWIC 18th Annual Career and College Expo. To register to take part at this exciting event as a presenter or Expo exhibitor, click here.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Here are key dates for events planned for the YMWIC 2023-2024 Program Year:

• September 29: Saint Vincent College Tour (for YMWIC Juniors and Seniors)
• November 11: Annual Career & College Expo
• December 1: College Tour to Villanova University
• December 9: Holiday Giving Event
• February: College Tour to Lincoln University (date to be determined)
• February 24: Science Expo and Scholar Presentations
• March 22 - 24: NSBE 50th Annual Convention (National Society of Black Engineers)
• March 25 - 29: College Tour to Atlanta, GA and visit to The King Center
• April 27: Robotics Team Competition in Washington, DC
• April to May: Scholar Job Shadowing with YMWIC Foundation's Corporate Partners
• May 23: YMWIC 14th Annual Scholarship & Awards Banquet at the Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel
• June 17 - July 26: Elementary School STEAM & Language Arts Camp, Middle School Science Retreat, and High School Upward Bound Summer Programs
• May - August: Summer Internships for YMWIC High School Scholars and Alumni
• September 9: YMWIC 11th Annual Scholarship & STEM Golf Classic at Penn Oaks Golf Club

YMWIC is a non-profit 501(c3) Pennsylvania Corporation. Our Mission is to empower and prepare economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented youth to excel and become leaders in STEM careers. We are looking for talented, qualified individuals who are committed to our Mission to fill the following roles in the Foundation:

• Project Coordinator – Full-time
• STEM Educators – Part-time
• Tutors – Part-time

Click Here for more information about these positions. If you are interested in applying for a position listed above, please let us know your preference and submit your resume to employment@ymwicfoundation.org. All candidates must have the required clearances: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal History Clearance which is required for all employees and some volunteers.

Volunteers Needed



If you or your organization would like to be a valued volunteer for YMWIC, please use this link. We welcome and appreciate your talents, time, and willingness to work with us!

Keep up with our Scholars and Program! You can stay on top of what YMWIC Scholars are doing by following us on both of our social media platforms, Instagram and Meta (formerly Facebook). This is a great way to receive constant updates on what’s happening at YMWIC. All you must do is go on your Instagram and/or Meta (Facebook) app and type YMWICscholars. Once you see our logo pop up, click Follow. Drop a Comment to say hello! Welcome to our social media family! Looking forward to seeing you join in on the fun.  



To connect with us online on Meta/Facebook, select this Link! To stay up to date with what’s happening at YMWIC via Instagram, you can select this Link.

Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC): YMWIC Foundation, Inc., is eligible to receive funds from the EITC Program which is administered by Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development. We thank those businesses that donate their EITC funding to YMWIC Foundation and encourage others to consider directing funding to our impactful community nonprofit that provides college and career preparation for K-12 students; empowers their families; counseling, financial support and internships for YMWIC college alumni; and enriches our communities through Community Service activities, increasing the number of college graduates, and developing a talented and skilled workforce. Please contact Rick Roberts at (610) 340-2844 if you would like to consider our YMWIC Foundation, Inc., as the recipient of your company's EITC funds.