Hello Kris,

“My Essay Coach was one of the sweetest people I’ve met. She was patient, understanding and very kind. She took time to get to know me throughout our meetings. My coach saw that I had a hard time coming up with a topic and made it her mission to make sure I found one, whether it was little brainstorming sessions or ice breakers. Thanks to my coach, I was able to write a college essay I am  proud of. She was the best essay coach I could have asked for!”

~ 2023 Spring Season Essay Fellow 

“I am grateful to have you as my Graduation coach because you truly care about my success. You always make sure my family and I are doing well and are always someone I can confide in. I know I will treasure your advice always and continue to use it during college and wherever else it’s applicable. You have helped me be more open-minded and realize that I am capable of accomplishing all of my goals.”

~ 2027 Scholar (graduated from high school in June 2023)

I hope your summer has been fabulous (and technically, it’s not over yet!) and that you have spent time doing things that bring you joy.  While it feels like the summer passed in the blink of an eye, I have many fun memories from spending time with people I love and feel like my summer was well spent.

One thing that always brings me joy is working with our students and being witness to the incredible relationships that they develop with you.  I thought I’d start a new tradition with this year’s newsletters by sharing quotes from our students about you, our fabulous volunteers, and celebrating how your time, efforts, and talents impact their lives in positive, lasting ways!

We are heading into a busy season with the Essay Writing Fall Season kicking off on September 22nd and new Graduation Coach matches happening in October.  By Monday, September 11th, please take five minutes to complete this Fall 2023 Volunteer Opportunities survey which will inform me about your availability for volunteering this fall.

As usual, this newsletter is full of information about upcoming events.  Please take the time to read it through carefully (or save it in your inbox until you have the time) and as always, reach out if you have any questions.

Thank you!

Stacy Winitt

Senior Director, Volunteer Engagement



UPCOMING EVENTS

2023 VOLUNTEER KICKOFF

We are delighted to gather in-person with all of you for the 2023 Volunteer Kickoff on September 19th from 10:00am-12:00pm.  Please complete this RSVP Form to let us know your plans to attend or to send your regrets.

Our Executive Director, Sam Wallis, will provide an organizational update, we’ll review the calendar of events, discuss updates/goals for the volunteer program, and build a stronger YPIE volunteer community!

YPIE ANNUAL GALA

Join us on Thursday, September 21st to celebrate YPIE students’ accomplishments and remarkable journeys to and through college.  

We are proudly honoring Stuart Silverman and his son Max Silverman for their lasting impact on YPIE students (both started as YPIE volunteers), and our corporate partner Webster Bank for preparing Yonkers students with financial literacy skills.  

Volunteers play a monumental role in ensuring our students are on the path to college success.  We’d love to have you there to celebrate with us!  Learn more and RSVP: ypie.org/gala

COACH TRAININGS

Essay Coach Training via Zoom

• September 7th from 2:00pm-3:00pm OR
• September 12th from 10:00am-11:00am OR
• September 13th from 6:00pm-7:00pm
• Attendance at one session is required for all new Essay Coaches; returning Essay Coaches are welcome to attend as a refresher

Graduation Coach Playbook Training via Zoom

• September 20th from 6:00pm-7:00pm OR
• September 26th from 2:00pm-3:00pm OR
• October 11th from 10:00am-11:00am
• Attendance at one session is required for all returning Graduation Coaches to become familiar with the revised Playbook

Fundamentals of Listening, Connecting, and Mentoring Training via Zoom

• September 27th from 10:00am-11:15am OR
• October 3rd from 6:00pm-7:15pm OR
• October 5th from 2:00pm-3:15pm
• Attendance at one session is required for all new Graduation Coaches

See YPIE Volunteer calendar at ypie.org/ypievolunteer



STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

SENIOR KICKOFF

Seniors received an email inviting them and their families to attend a Senior Kickoff event on September 12th (includes Spanish language presentation), 13th, or 14th from 5:30-6:45pm.  They should complete the RSVP form if they plan to attend one of the sessions.

During the Kickoff, we’ll share all the ways YPIE is here to support students and families through the entire college process, including:

• Researching colleges, building college lists, writing college essays, and submitting college applications. 
• Providing comprehensive financial aid assistance and support with scholarships.
• Understanding and comparing financial aid packages, helping families decide which college is the best fit, and assisting with all college enrollment steps

COLLEGE ZONE KICKOFF/MAJORS FAIR

Please encourage your junior Scholars to attend one of the College Zone Kickoff events on September 27th or 28th from 3:30-5:30pm.  Students will have the opportunity to learn about the Majors we are offering this fall and sign up for their College Zone schedule.

COLLEGE TRIPS

Please encourage all seniors (Scholars and Fellows) to visit colleges when given the opportunity.  This is the list of YPIE sponsored college trips planned so far (sign up sheets have not yet been shared):

• September 25th - Trinity College
• September 30th - Union College
• October 14th - Mercy College
• October 20th - Barnard College
• October 26th - Fordham University
• November 7th - Muhlenberg College
• December 5th - Purchase College
• December 5th - Lehigh University

VOLUNTEER NEWS

GRADUATION COACH PLAYBOOK

We will roll out an updated Graduation Coach Playbook this month!  Current Graduation Coaches should plan to attend one of the training sessions listed above.  Our time together will be spent reviewing the new Playbook to ensure our approaches and expectations are aligned.

FIELD TRIPS WITH STUDENTS

Coaches are permitted to take field trips with their Scholars provided that you arrive separately at the destination or you use public transportation together.  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!

SCHOOL 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.

The first day of school is Thursday, September 7th (here is the 2023-24 YPS calendar).  School visits may resume on Monday, September 18th.  We are still solidifying the schedules of the YPIE staff members, so if you plan to visit your student in school in September, please email me and I’ll put you in touch with the correct staff member.

COACH REMINDERS

GRADUATION COACH REMINDERS

If you and your Scholar took time off this summer, please plan to re-engage no later than September 8th.  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.

ESSAY COACH REMINDERS

The Essay Writing Summer Season is heading towards the finish line!  A few reminders:

• Students should be working towards completing their essay by September 15th (the season technically ends on September 8th). If they will not meet that deadline, please update columns G & H in the Spring Milestone Tracker.
• Please reach out to your Team Captain for approval at the required checkpoints, but also if you need a thought partner or other support.
• Please email me the final, Team Captain approved draft.  I’ll share completed essays with the College Advisors.

VOLUNTEER RESOURCES

Becoming a Better Mentor (full 135-page guidebook)

Thanks for reading all the way to the end!

Reminder - By Monday, September 11th, please take five minutes to complete this Fall 2023 Volunteer Opportunities survey which will inform me about your availability for volunteering this fall.