The nonprofit has an opportunity to tell the story of how the organization adapted to tremendous external changes in the last year.
During the pandemic, YPIE focused on keeping our students engaged and on track for college. All programming continued, including our academic readiness, college advising, and support for our students in college.
YPIE adapted to the changing conditions caused by COVID-19 by transitioning to a remote, and eventually, hybrid model where all staff meetings, student check-ins, and student programming were conducted online.
YPIE also quickly pivoted to use online communications tools, including Slack, Google Calendar, Zoom, and Google Meet. We employed these tools to keep in touch with students and families and each other to make remote communication easier.
YPIE has three key initiatives that were especially helpful during the pandemic:
(1) YPIE Blueprints: All YPIE Scholars design their own “YPIE Blueprint,” where they identify their goals and develop a plan to incorporate supports from YPIE to ensure they are on the path to college success.
(2) YPIE Majors: YPIE has leveraged community partnerships to create a career pathways program that incorporates academics, 21st-century workplace skills, and social and emotional learning. YPIE Majors include Science Research, Entrepreneurship, Journalism, Technology, among others.
(3) Mental Health: YPIE leveraged our partnership with our community-based mental health partner, Westchester Jewish Community Services, to help students access the care and mental health support they may need.