Published On: October 12, 202234.6 min read754 words

Beyond Rising: Uplifting the Next Generation Through Career Readiness and Scholarships

At the Oyate Group, we know that all our young people hold the ability to transform their communities for the better if only given the chance. That is why our goal is to close the gaps in resources, access to education and career and life readiness that New York’s underserved youth face to set them on the path to personal and professional success. This summer we were busy uplifting our youth, and we hope you’ll join us in paving the way for the young people of New York City to rise.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2022 BRANDON HENDRICKS SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Two years ago we created the Brandon Hendricks Scholarship in honor of an incredible young man who lost his life to senseless gun violence. Brandon was a shining star in our community and a natural-born leader. He was headed to college with a full scholarship and was determined to use his education to transform his community for the better, and we know he would have. The Brandon Hendricks Scholarship was created to carry out his vision for a better Bronx by enabling young folks in the community to receive an education. Since its founding, we’ve been able to send 20 students to college with $100,000 in scholarships.

This year five incredible young Bronxites received $5,000 each to chase their dreams. Get to know this year’s Brandon Hendricks Scholarship winners!

Gabriella Feldmeth
Attending: Stony Brook University
Majoring in: Psychology on a pre-law track
Hopes to: Use her future law degree to fight for the civil rights of underprivileged communities

Aaron Corey Gray
Attending: Morgan State University
Majoring in: Early education and sports management
Hopes to: Become an educator and an athletic director

Luz Angelica Casiano Galeana
Attending: Hunter College
Majoring in: Computer science
Hopes to: Become a leading woman in tech

Rocelys Crizanto 
Attending: University of Albany
Majoring in: Business administration
Hopes to: Open a successful business in her community

Genesis Dayona Stanley
Attending: SUNY New Paltz
Majoring in: Visual Art
Hopes to: Publish art pieces and become a successful book writer and poet

INTRODUCING BEYOND RISING

There are an estimated 13,000 undocumented youth in public schools across the city – but we believe there are far more. These young people have traditionally been excluded from career readiness programs like the SYEP and often fall behind their peers academically due to language barriers, interrupted schooling, work responsibilities and more, exacerbating a cycle of poverty that is unacceptable in one of the wealthiest cities in the world.

To close these gaps, we launched the Beyond Rising Internship Program this summer offering 20 undocumented high school students the paid opportunity to intern in a Fordham University department of their choosing. It was an incredible experience to see the students discover their passions, work on group projects, build friendships, go to Six Flags and more. You can hear all about the internship experience from two participants on the Immigrantly podcast.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

And we’re happy to share that we’ll continue to work with these bright students through our Beyond Rising Mentorship Program beginning in October! Between now and June 2023, we will host four eight-week long programs for students to learn about the nature and abilities of leadership, develop career readiness skills like resume building, receive free ESL tutoring, explore areas outside of NYC and hear from inspiring speakers and leaders.

Donate To Support Our Youth

If you know any young people who could benefit from a hands-on mentoring program, please reach out.

We rise together,

The Oyate Team 

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