Scholars in focus Archives – �鶹ԭ��

�鶹ԭ�� Class of 2024 Postsecondary Commitments

�鶹ԭ�� — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 19:05:57 +0000

This month, we’re celebrating �鶹ԭ�� Charter High School’s Class of 2024—a cohort of big dreamers who are forging new paths for themselves, their families, and their communities.

In 2024, 100% of �鶹ԭ�� Charter High School graduating class have committed to a college or are pursuing a professional pathway. The Class of 2024—a cohort of 89 graduating seniors, 97% of whom are Black and/or Hispanic and 20% of whom have identified special needs—exemplify what possible when we believe and invest in every child and their dreams.

The Class of 2024 includes DCHS first two Ivy League commitments: Columbia University and University of Pennsylvania.
$2 million in grants and scholarships were awarded to �鶹ԭ�� seniors for their first year of college.
One �鶹ԭ�� student was awarded the highly competitive QuestBridge Match Scholarship to attend Columbia University on a full academic scholarship.
82% will attend a four-year college or university, 2% have chosen a two-year college, and 16% are expected to enroll in a career pathway program.
Of those who will attend a four-year college or university, 33% are headed to private, out-of-state public, or HBCUs; 38% to SUNY 4-year institutions including the high-ranking Binghamton and Albany campuses; and 29% to CUNY 4-year institutions, including Hunter and Baruch.
16 students have committed to Opportunity Programs (HEOP & EOP), accounting for 22% of all committed students.
Students entering professional pathways will earn credentials in fields as wide-ranging as construction, culinary, pharmacy tech, electrical installation, and medical assistant programs.

Our outstanding postsecondary results are grounded in our values: above all, our work aims to support student choice and agency in all that we do. And for our graduating seniors, that’s a game-changer.

Read more about the Class of 2024’s accomplishments by clicking here.

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The Class of 2023: Kiarra Walters

�鶹ԭ�� — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 11:49:31 +0000

Kiarra Walters was looking for a specific fit when choosing her future college—a school with high-level academic options and a lively and diverse surrounding community. Emory University in Atlanta topped her list.

A highly selective private school, Emory boasts just a 13% acceptance rate, so Kiarra worked with �鶹ԭ�� Director of College Briana Avery to prepare to apply Early Decision, a strategy often employed by students in affluent and private high schools. “Ms. Avery wanted to make sure we all got the same equal amount of opportunities,” Kiarra recalls.

Kiarra was confident Emory was the right choice for her, because �鶹ԭ�� college access resources—and its emphasis on finding the best postsecondary pathway for its students—more than prepared her for this next step.

Though Early Decision acceptances are binding, Kiarra was confident Emory was the right choice for her, mainly because �鶹ԭ�� college access resources—and its emphasis on finding the best postsecondary pathway for its students—more than prepared her for this next step.

Starting in 11th grade, Kiarra worked with �鶹ԭ�� Office of College Access and Postsecondary Success to begin the college application process. Counselors helped her create a personal “brag sheet,” a resource for those who would be writing her recommendations, and broke down the different components of application paperwork. They oversaw her work on tricky supplemental materials, and served as writing coaches for any essays. Kiarra says her counselors even helped her wade through her college research, which covered a wide range of factors, like academics, campus diversity, student groups, and even what kind of weather she could expect in her new city.

The preparation definitely paid off—in the smaller Early Decision applicant pool, Kiarra high grades and strong application stood out even more, making her the newest member of Emory class of 2027, and one of the first among her �鶹ԭ�� Charter High School classmates to finalize their college plans.

“It was a weight off my shoulders,” she says. “If you know where you want to go, Early Decision is a great tool in your toolkit.”

You can read more about the �鶹ԭ�� Charter High School Class of 2023 in the report below, and mark your calendars for June 23, when �鶹ԭ�� Charter High School will celebrate all the work of this amazing senior class at its graduation ceremony. Until then, follow along as we laud this class, tell some of our student special stories, and gear up for the big day.

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The Class of 2023: Tyler Bennett

�鶹ԭ�� — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 12:14:49 +0000

Tyler Benett was on a �鶹ԭ�� Charter High School study abroad trip in Colombia when he learned he had become the first-ever DCHS student accepted to an Ivy League school. “Everyone kept telling me to open my email [from Dartmouth], and when I did, I remember thinking, ‘wow, this is really my life,’” he recalls.

But even as Tyler reveled in his tremendous accomplishment, he knew pursuing his passions may mean a different path. A lifelong performer, he is part of the SCAN-Harbor Performing Arts Academy, receiving instruction in dance, theater, and singing from a young age. As a teen, the organization introduced him to the Garden of Dreams—a nonprofit that works with MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports to bring life-changing opportunities to young people—and his love of the stage continued to grow. At the 2022 Garden of Dreams youth talent show, Tyler wowed the crowd with a medley of 90s R&B songs, and this past December, he performed in a Knicks halftime show, opening the show himself.

“My biggest goal is to be an EGOT winner,” he says. “I know I can reach those heights. I want to do Broadway, be in film and television, and release music. I want to do it all and I feel I can.”

“�鶹ԭ�� has taught me that staying focused and determined will always lead you to bigger things. But being who you are in every space always matters.”

– Tyler Bennett ’23

Tyler’s love of performing and his desire to continue this passion motivated him to apply for a Garden of Dreams scholarship, with hopes to use the funding to pursue drama studies at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Though Tisch was initially out of reach financially for Tyler and his family, the Garden of Dreams awarded him $60,000 over four years, just enough to make it a reality.

Faced with two amazing options, Tyler knew he had a difficult decision to make—become DCHS first graduate to take on the Ivy League, or pursue a path at one of the world most preeminent arts schools. Tyler remembers �鶹ԭ�� support in choosing his best fit, which ultimately led him to Tisch.

“�鶹ԭ�� has taught me that staying focused and determined will always lead you to bigger things,” he says. “But being who you are in every space always matters.”

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The Class of 2023: Alicia Caldwell

�鶹ԭ�� — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 11:31:38 +0000

Alicia Caldwell is considered the “go-to” student at �鶹ԭ�� Charter High School—a strong thought partner for school-wide initiatives and a leader within the building. This year alone, she helped plan and emcee DCHS’ Black Excellence Celebration, as well as the school College and Career Panel with UberEats. With dreams of working in sports broadcasting, Alicia served as manager of the varsity boys’ basketball team, and her teachers praise her for always ensuring her classmates feel seen and heard.

“I’m very sensitive, but in tune with who I am,” she says. “I’m not afraid to speak about things that mean something to me, and advocate for my community.”

When thinking about her future college plans, Alicia admits that attending a Historically Black College or University wasn’t on her radar. But �鶹ԭ�� Director of College Briana Avery thought it would be a good fit, and encouraged Alicia to apply for a UNCF New York City Gray Scholarship, worth $50,000 a year toward the HBCU of her choice. After returning from winter break, the pair worked on completing the application together, tweaking materials and deciding which HBCU would be the best fit.

“Going to an HBCU means leaving a legacy at a school that made for you, not against you.”

– Alicia Caldwell ’23

It wasn’t long before Alicia got an all-caps message from Avery telling her to check her email. When she did, she received the life-changing news that she earned a Gray Scholarship—and that college would be fully funded. What more, she was one of just 10 students throughout the city (and one of two at DCHS!) who had earned the honor. “I ran out of the cafeteria,” Alicia recalls. “Ms. Avery was waiting for me. It was a sweet moment.”

Now headed to Clark Atlanta University, Alicia is excited to start her journey towards working in Atlanta fast-paced sports industry, as well as immersing herself into her new school campus community, just like she did at �鶹ԭ��.

“There are a lot of schools with kids who don’t look like me,” Alicia says. “Going to an HBCU means leaving a legacy at a school that made for you, not against you.”

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The Class of 2023: Ishmael Manon

�鶹ԭ�� — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 11:28:06 +0000

For Ishmael Manon, a native of the Bronx who became part of the �鶹ԭ�� Charter School network in ninth grade, the college application process was surprisingly easy. Starting as early as 11th grade, his teachers and staff—including the team in �鶹ԭ�� Office of College Access and Postsecondary Success—worked with him to research his top schools, outline possible majors, and complete his applications. The early preparation made the process less stressful, and when all was said and done, Ishmael found himself choosing between 10 college acceptances, and a lot of great opportunities.

It was then, however, that Ishmael realized making a decision was actually going to be the hard part. His deciding factors kept coming down to cost, rather than the best fit for him and his future plans. Ishmael first choice, Binghamton University, had the strong business programs that he wanted, as well as a lively campus community and competitive athletics. It was also the top choice of Ishmael �鶹ԭ�� advisors, who knew the school graduation rate for minority students was significantly higher than his next best option, a huge factor in a student likelihood to persist through college.

“Money is the first thing people think about when they go to college. Close the Gap will help get you there.”

– Ishmael Manon ’23

Ishmael college counselor advised him to apply for �鶹ԭ�� Close the Gap initiative, which provides critical funding for students whose first-choice college did not meet their full financial need. He was awarded a grant of $6,000 per year, making Binghamton a reality. And, Ishmael wasn’t alone. This year, �鶹ԭ�� offered $68,000—an average of $8,500/year—to cover the financial aid gap for eight graduating seniors to attend their first choice college. Since the initiative started, �鶹ԭ�� Close the Gap recipients are collectively attending schools with an average institutional graduation that is 6.5x the national average for low-income students, a number that also exceeds the national graduation rate for all students.

This July, Ishmael will enroll in Binghamton Educational Opportunity Program, which will give him an early taste of college life and the chance to take several introductory courses before his freshman year starts this fall. Because of Close the Gap, he had agency over his college decision, and the opportunity to find the place that will best support his future.

“Money is the first thing people think about when they go to college,” he says. “Close the Gap will help get you there.”

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The Class of 2023: �鶹ԭ��’s Postsecondary Commitments

�鶹ԭ�� — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 11:52:55 +0000

In just a few weeks, the remarkable Class of 2023 will join �鶹ԭ��’s rapidly growing community of alumni, known as Legends. They’re ready to embark on a variety of best-fit college and career paths—with the power and support of the entire �鶹ԭ�� community behind them.

At �鶹ԭ��, we know that finding best-fit college pathways for our students increases their chances of college persistence. With supportive academic environments, limited financial burdens, and campus communities where they can thrive, �鶹ԭ�� graduates have even greater chances to fulfill their visions of success. This year outstanding postsecondary results are grounded in our values: above all, our work aims to support student self-direction and agency in all that we do.

Here are just a few highlights for the Class of 2023:

The Class of 2023 achieved a 100% acceptance rate to college and professional pathways for those who applied, including the school first-ever Ivy League acceptance.
�鶹ԭ�� seniors were awarded a total of more than $2 million in grants and scholarships for their first year of college, including two �鶹ԭ�� students who were among 10 in NYC to be awarded the prestigious UNCF Gray Scholars scholarship, valued at $50,000 per year toward any HBCU. A third �鶹ԭ�� student was awarded the highly competitive QuestBridge Match Scholarship to attend Boston College on a full ride.
�鶹ԭ��’s Close the Gap grants offered $68,000—an average of $8,500/year—to close the financial aid gap for eight graduating seniors to attend their first-choice college. On average, Close the Gap recipients are able to attend schools with a graduation rate that is 6.5x the national average for low-income students.

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Trip of a Lifetime: DCHS Students Study Abroad in Ghana

�鶹ԭ�� — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 12:52:38 +0000

This month, �鶹ԭ�� Charter High School students embarked on the trip of a lifetime to Ghana as part of a study abroad opportunity with I Am C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D., an organization that works to address the barriers to travel for high schools students and creates experiences for young people to help them envision life beyond their immediate communities.

Over the course of a week, students participated in a wide range of enrichment activities, from learning traditional Batik Fabric-making, visiting the historic sites of Accra, and honoring the memory of enslaved African people who were taken from the shores of Ghana centuries ago.

Below, several DCHS students share their reflections and photos from Ghana, and recount certain experiences that made an imprint on their hearts and minds. You can find more photos and videos from DCHS’ study abroad trip by visiting our gallery on �鶹ԭ�� .

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Meet the Ruiz brothers – all five of them.

�鶹ԭ�� — Fri, 14 May 2021 14:39:39 +0000

Meet the Ruiz brothers. They range in age from 6 to 20 years old – and between the five of them, they’ve logged collective decades in �鶹ԭ�� programs. Oldest brother Alex Jr. describes the day that the youngest Ruiz became a part of the �鶹ԭ�� family – as a newborn, his parents brought him directly from the hospital to his older brother baseball game.

Their �鶹ԭ�� journey began when longtime employee Judy Padilla told their mom about a local program that was then called Harlem RBI. “My mom was like, You’re going,” recalls Alex, who now a third-year Legend at Skidmore College.

At the time, RBI was an afterschool and summer baseball league – but the Ruiz boys are quick to assert that it meant so much more than sports. “It gave me my first set of friends,” Alex says. “It was a guiding force. Without RBI, I would have been lost.”

His brother Blaise, now a senior in high school, agrees, describing how baseball taught him to be a team player, even working his way up to become captain of his team. “It took me from selfish to selfless,” he says. Now, years later, �鶹ԭ�� staff helped him with his college and financial aid applications, just as they did with his older brother.

“It was a guiding force. Without RBI, I would have been lost.”

Alex Ruiz Jr., third-year Legend at Skidmore College

It requires a willingness to evolve and a passion for serving each generation unique needs. Collectively, this work represents the harvest of seeds sown into the ground thirty years ago on the abandoned lot that would become the Field of Dreams. And now, as �鶹ԭ�� builds new schools and welcomes new families, we’re setting the stage for impact that will be felt for generations to come.

After all – 15 years ago, Alex and Blaise were little kids on the field for the first time, and this summer, they’ll be coaching their own REAL Kids teams at �鶹ԭ��. Because at �鶹ԭ��, our young people recognize the importance of coming back and paying it forward for their community, just like others did for them when they were program participants. Alex calls that “seeing both sides of the coin.”

. When a community is powered by its people – when every member has a stake in its success – that what has kept �鶹ԭ�� standing for 30 years. That time enough to bear witness to the power of playing the long game – the game we only win when we play together, stand together, dream together.

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