ONWARDS AND UPWARDS

THE Y SUPPORTS FIRST-YEAR COLLEGE STUDENTS

This fall, as some of our Y Rowe Scholars began their first semesters of college, we’re excited to continue our support with the recent launch of AlumnY, an expansion of our college and career access program. Over the past three years, 92% of Y Rowe Scholars have made the monumental decision to attend college, compared to the 72% citywide average. Our new alumni support network fosters their persistence in higher education and guides them toward meaningful employment with living wages and opportunities for career advancement.

At the heart of our program is a commitment to closing the achievement gap that disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic youth from economically disadvantaged households, who make up over two-thirds of our participants. Many of our Y Rowe Scholars are the first to attend college in their families, underscoring the importance of holistic programs like Y Rowe Scholars that prioritize social-emotional learning, equipping students with the confidence to thrive both academically and socially in college life.

This year marks the ten-year naming anniversary of Y Rowe Scholars, which has transformed so many lives thanks to the generosity of Jack and Valerie Rowe. More than 2,500 young people have graduated, achieving remarkable milestones with a 93% on-time high school graduation rate, outperforming the 82% citywide average. The Y is committed to creating pathways to success for young people with the support of our donors, Jack and Valerie Rowe, Bank of America, Capital One, Colgate, the Deloitte Foundation, Delta, Macy’s, Morgan Stanley, and National Grid Foundation.•