YMWIC Foundation, Inc.

10/25/2023

Here is an excerpt by Kimora White from YMWIC’s Norristown Chapter. To read her full article, please subscribe to our Newsletter!

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 WesternEuropean 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. Pope Gregory III designated November 1st as the time to honor all the good spirits and energy that is brought on to them and reserved the 31st of October to ensure that no evil would be in their way. The costumes worn by the Celtics are nothing like the costumes you would see in modern days. Celtics made their costumes using natural resources such as animal skin, and plants. They often used the heads of animals to disguise themselves as something bigger and scarier than the evil entities they figured would try to cause distress and horror to their people and land. There is not much concrete evidence that can support the reason as to why trick-or-treating even started, but there are three main theories that have developed over time, one being that the Celtics would leave a huge meal for the spirits roaming around that night. Over time, people dressed as these evil spirits they believed roamed the earth so that they could receive food and drink.
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10/20/2023

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.
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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. She will be studying dance in college and has applied to The Juilliard School, Fordham University, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, University of the Arts, Point Park University, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, and George Mason University. When not studying or dancing, Janis enjoys making jewelry, altering old clothes, playing video games, and watching television. She enjoys journaling about her thoughts. We are so proud of your growth, Janis, and we know you will do well!
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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.

10/19/2023

Here is an excerpt from Matthew Thomas from YMWIC’s Coatesville Chapter. To read his full article, please subscribe to our Newsletter!

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. The more I played, the more chess became a significant part of my life. I loved how each game was distinct, requiring new strategies and careful thought. Plus, I enjoyed the feeling of competition and the thrill of victory. Every game I won fueled my desire to keep beating tougher and more experienced opponents. However, there was one opponent I never defeated, no matter how hard I tried: my father. Yes, even over 8+ years of continual games and improvements, I never beat the person that originally taught me the game. Whenever we played, my father was invariably three steps ahead and would consistently win in the end. Adding insult to injury, anytime I asked him the secret to becoming skilled and ultimately defeating him, he gave me the same non-answer: “I’m a natural at chess. You can’t beat someone who was born to play.” Unfortunately for him, he failed to consider one fact: hard work unfailingly beats natural talent.
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10/18/2023

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.

10/16/2023

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 part 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.

10/02/2023

More photos from last weekend’s Overnight College Tour

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09/21/2023

Greetings, YMWIC Supporters:

We have wrapped up another very successful Summer Enrichment Program and are pleased to have provided structured learning activities for students to stay connected to academics during summer vacation in engaging, hands-on and exciting ways.

We are especially thankful for our university partners! Saint Vincent College hosted YMWIC high school and middle school Scholars for yet another exceptional residential Science Retreat. We also hosted our six-week summer Upward Bound Program on the campus of West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCUPA) for the Coatesville and Upper Darby School District Scholars. Both of these partner institutions provided invaluable learning content and resources for our Scholars.

Excitedly, we have planned and are now ready to launch the YMWIC 2023-2024 Program Year! We have built on the successes of our previous 13 years and incorporated lessons learned into this year’s programming as we expand our reach to provide opportunities to new Scholars. We are consistently improving and progressing as we grow. We call on you, our university and corporate partners and community advocates, to gear up and join us for all the transformative opportunities and learning activities planned this Program Year. Our continued success is not possible without your input and ideas as well as your financial and volunteer support.

For those who have not yet committed to being a YMWIC Partner, we encourage you to consider investing your time, talent or making a financial donation to YMWIC. Your support of our programming allows YMWIC to positively impact and strengthen our families and communities. Please contact me if you would like to discuss becoming a valued member of our team.

With immense gratitude,
Richard Roberts III
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09/19/2023

YMWIC is hosting an overnight visit to Saint Vincent College on Thursday, September 28 to Friday, 29, 2023, as part of a 3-part local college tour series. Scholars will leave on Thursday evening from YMWIC Headquarters at 1160 McDermott Drive. Please arrive at 5:30PM for a 6:15PM departure. We will stay overnight at the Marriott Hotel (room and board are included), and participate in the campus tour on Friday. On the tour, Scholars will visit with the Admissions Department, Business Department, and Athletic Department, which includes meeting coaching staff. This trip is open to 11th and 12th grade Scholars. A number of YMWIC Scholars have graduated from and enjoyed very successful experiences as Saint Vincent College undergraduate students. Don't miss this exciting and educational event! Let us know ASAP if you will attend. Sign up by clicking below.
https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejzlef7e1aacd03d&oseq=&c=5be6644c-caba-11ea-8bff-d4ae52a45a09&ch=5bf5ab0a-caba-11ea-8bff-d4ae52a45a09
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09/18/2023

One of the most emphasized themes in our program is the strength of community. We think it is very important that every scholar feels supported and is given many examples of what their future success will look like, as they refine their strengths and gain new interests.
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09/14/2023

We know and understand the importance of our Mission, which is to empower and prepare the underrepresented youth in the communities of Philadelphia and surrounding suburbs for a brighter future. To learn how you join or get involved, go to our Newsletter tab on our Instagram profile page, or visit our website at www.ymwicfoundation.org
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09/13/2023

Our next big event is approaching! On November 11, 2023, join us for our 18th Annual College & Career Expo. Scholars will learn from university representatives and partners about career paths, college life and academics, as well as lessons on financial literacy and social services. YMWIC knows how important choosing the right college is for your career, and we want to give you some tools in advance to succeed wherever your professional life takes you!
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09/11/2023

Volunteer, Bill Allaire: My name is Bill Allaire, and I am a YMWIC STEM Educator who works with Scholars and Robotics. I am a Principal Engineer – Sr. Program Manager at Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Xilinx, and have 40 years of work experience in software, hardware and semiconductors in a range of roles in software, board and system level development, and intellectual property. I knew I wanted to be an Engineer when I was fortunate enough to have access to a computer and a computer programming class as a seventh grade student in 1973, five years before the Apple II personal computer even came out! Curiosity led me to explore the sciences and math to learn how different things worked. In high school I took as many advanced courses and extra classes as I could to help with improving my college entrance exams (SATs). I entered the University of Delaware in 1979, majoring in Electrical Engineering with a concentration on Computer Science – four long and very challenging years later I received my Bachelor’s degree. One additional aspect of my education was sports and athletics. Throughout my life I have always played and competed in sports – football, baseball, martial arts, marathon running, triathlon, and distance cycling. To this day, I compete multiple times per week in ice hockey, often against athletes half my age and far more skilled. The challenges of pushing yourself physically teach you how to push yourself mentally as well. As in life, failure in sports happens often and achievement in life happens when you can take the lessons from failure and improve.

-Look for the rest of of Bill’s career journey in our August Newsletter!
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09/06/2023

West Chester Chapter: Payton Palmer will be entering the 5th grade at Penn Wood Elementary School. She has been a member of our West Chester Chapter for two years. Reasons she joined was to take advantage of our programming, learn more about science and math, and get more practice in those subjects to improve her grades. She has been studying diligently and staying focused in the workshops.

Payton would like to go to college in the future and study to become a Veterinarian.

Continue to work hard, Payton; we are proud of you, your effort and your accomplishments!

William Penn Chapter: Allysa-Mari Beck was introduced to YMWIC when she accompanied her brother on a college tour in the summer of 2022. She connected with some other Scholars on the trip, which helped her to become more social and comfortable with getting to know others. She decided she wanted to be an active member of our Program and joined in the fall when she was in the 8th grade at Penn Wood Middle School.

As a member, Allysa-Mari has enjoyed working with her peers and building her confidence when presenting in front of others. She is taking advantage of all the new opportunities and life lessons YMWIC is making available, which helps her to examine things from varying perspectives. Allysa would like to go to college and study to become a Psychiatrist, because she enjoys helping others.

We are excited to have you as a member of YMWIC, Allysa!

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09/04/2023

09/03/2023

The school year is here! Go to YMWICFoundation.org for more information on how you can build on your success with us this year!
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09/01/2023

Phoenixville Chapter: Mikahel Anselm will be an 11th grade student at Phoenixville Area High School in the fall. As a member of YMWIC, he intends to continue building his character. He has learned from experience that procrastination can keep him from accomplishing all he sets out to do and made improvements in that area last program year.
Mikahel is looking forward to attending college and has gathered information about his career choices through YMWIC. He would like to become an Astrophysicist. We can see your growth as well, Mikahel. Keep up your hard work and dedication.

Upper Darby Chapter: Charlieze Ganges will be a 10th grade student at Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School where she is an Honors student, was number 3 in her class last year, and is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). She has participated in her school's play and was able to display her leadership qualities by helping to organize other struggling students and assist them in learning their lines for the play. Charlieze appreciates the great opportunities and experiences YMWIC offers her such as the College Tour, which she attended in 2023. She has learned more about robotics as a member and how she can utilize STEM subjects to solve real-world problems. She believes her grades have improved because she is more focused and has also improved her study skills. This summer, Charlieze is participating in summer stage (theater) and dances with the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center. Charlieze says, "When in college, some of my interests may be musical theatre, dance, and criminal defense law." She would like to become a Professional Actor or a Criminal Defense Lawyer. With hard work and determination, we know you can do it all, Charlieze!
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08/31/2023

Scholars from our Upper Darby, Chester Upland, and William Penn Chapters recently embarked on a trip to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, PA, with our Civics & Debate Special Interest Group leader, Cintia Isles and her husband, Sheldon Isles. The Scholars engaged in live shows about civil liberties, explored the various exhibits in the museum, attended a guided tour and finally shared a meal together in the cafeteria.

Scholars had a great time learning more about the history of our nation and making new friends in other YMWIC Chapters. There were tons of laughs and exposure to new, fascinating information for all who participated.

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08/31/2023

YMWIC was represented beautifully at the William Penn Back to School Event. As the school year kicks off, we are still recruiting for enrollment for our 2023-24 Program Year, and we would love for you or your child to join us!🎗️🎗️🎗️ Good luck to all students starting off a new year at William Penn!
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08/29/2023

The August Junior Editor’s excerpt in our YMWIC Newsletter, titled “The Importance of Using Sunscreen,” was written by Dayanis Morales-Salgato from our program’s Norristown Chapter. To see her full article, please go check out the full YMWIC August Newsletter.

“Who doesn’t enjoy lying on the beach on a sunny day? Many families travel during the summer under the scorching sun. While the sun in many ways helps keep us warm and supports vegetation growth, excessive sun exposure can have harmful health effects, including skin cancer. Because of this, sunscreen was invented. Prolonged interaction with ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as tanning or being at the beach, is a key risk factor for skin cancer. UV radiation, considered to be a carcinogen, is emitted through natural energy produced by the rays of the sun. Your eyes cannot see UV light because its wavelengths are shorter than visible light on the electromagnetic spectrum, but your skin can feel it. The two main UV radiations that are linked to skin cancer and immune system weakness are ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB). Both do harm but differ in the way they affect the skin.”
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08/28/2023

Go to YMWICFoundation.org to start your journey with us today!

08/28/2023

This past July, our scholars toured La Salle University, a smaller school in Northwest Philadelphia with about 2,500 studentS enrolled as undergrads. La Salle is fairly pricey with the average annual cost per student at $50,000, but financial aid and scholarships bring the cost down to about $23,000 as an annual average. La Salle is a private Catholic school, but does not require its applicants to be affiliated or practice catholic traditions to attend.
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08/25/2023

https://conta.cc/3QRfmb5

YMWIC August, 2023 Newsletter YMWIC August 2023 Newsletter Celebrating 14 Years of Service   It Takes a Village of Supporters to Deliver a Year of YMWIC Programming Quote of the Month “The function of

08/24/2023

More photos from this week's 10th Annual Scholarship & STEM Golf Classic
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08/22/2023

Thank you to all who attended and participated in our 10th Annual Scholarship and STEM Golf Classic!
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08/18/2023

https://conta.cc/45es5sW

YMWIC July, 2023 Newsletter YMWIC July 2023 Newsletter Celebrating 13 Years of Service   Summer is the time for Fun, Learning and Preparation for the new Program Year Quote of the Month “Tell me and

08/16/2023

I AM A YOUNG SCHOLAR IN CHARGE.
I AM BOLD AND STRONG.
I WILL BANISH FEAR AND DOUBT, AND I KNOW THAT I AM NOT ALONE IN MY JOURNEY TOWARDS SUCCESS.
I AM A YOUNG SCHOLAR IN CHARGE.
I HAVE ACCEPTED THE CHALLENGE OF COMMITTING MYSELF TO THE YMWIC FOUNDATION INC.
I UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ABLE TO DRAW FROM MY FAITH AND EXPERIENCES TO SHAPE AND INFLUENCE MY ACADEMICS, MY RELATIONSHIPS, AND MY FUTURE AS A PROFESSIONAL.
I AM A YOUNG SCHOLAR IN CHARGE.

08/15/2023

Please join us on Monday, August 21, 2023, at the fabulous Penn Oaks Golf Club in a Scramble Golf Tournament and Fundraiser to support the Scholarship and After-School Programming for the Young Men and Women In Charge (YMWIC) Foundation, Inc. This popular annual event includes great gifts, an open buffet brunch, an open buffet dinner, a Silent Auction, and plenty of prizes for our guests and winners!

This event includes so much for the price:

1. The opportunity to golf on an awesome course

2. Great gifts at Check-In

3. Open buffet brunch, an open buffet dinner and Silent Auction

4. Prizes for our guests and winners

5. Great Silent Auction packages

08/11/2023

Quiz time!! Imagine a caterpillar's humble existence transforming into a breathtaking butterfly. This magical process involves four stages: egg, caterpillar, pupa (chrysalis), and adult. The caterpillar's body goes through a dramatic reorganization inside the chrysalis, emerging as a stunning butterfly. It's nature's ultimate makeover, showcasing the incredible power of change and adaptation. This is called Metamorphosis!

08/10/2023

This summer, our scholars embarked on inspiring college tours at William Penn, Temple University and many more. These visits aren't just about wandering campuses; they're about igniting ambitions and opening doors.

Why do these tours matter?

1) Exploring campuses gives scholars a taste of what's possible and helps them envision their higher education journey.

2) Walking through college halls fuels their aspirations, pushing them to strive for greatness.

3)Interacting with students offers a glimpse into the sense of community each college provides.

These tours plant the seeds of dreams, motivating scholars to set goals and work towards a brighter future. Stepping onto these campuses isn't just a summer activity; it's a step towards realizing their potential.

08/09/2023

Our STEM career highlight of the week is Information security analysts.

Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.

To learn more about this STEM career and the job outlook, visit www.bls.gov for more information.