SEEDS - Access Changes Everything Celebrates the Graduation of 92 Scholars and Young Scholars

NEWARK, N.J., Aug. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SEEDS – Access Changes Everything, a nonprofit that provides educational access to students from low-income households, proudly celebrated the graduation of 92 rising sixth-, seventh-, and ninth-graders part of its Scholars and Young Scholars programs. The commencement program, which took place Saturday, July 31 at Summit High School, was attended by family and friends of students, as well as SEEDS staff, faculty, trustees, alumni, and donors.

This year, 99 percent of graduating Scholars and Young Scholars were placed into selective schools with enough financial aid to allow them to matriculate. Students are enrolled in 62 schools across 14 states and will collectively receive more than $4.8 million in financial aid directly from the schools they will attend.

SEEDS President + CEO John F. Castano kicked off the ceremony with a welcome address, stating, "You could never have imagined this world you are living in; of taking your classes from home, applying to schools you had never visited… and then making plans to enroll there." He continued, "On this, your graduation day from SEEDS, let's put away that phrase "couldn't have imagined…" that phrase that makes us feel tired, like we have missed out, like our life is less, and let's take back our imagination today, your graduation day. Look at yourself – imagine everything you ever wanted actually happening. Challenges will always be here. But imagine, imagine all that is ahead. Imagine your best you. And I imagine, you will make it all come true."

Following the welcome address, Director of the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law's Office of Diversity and Inclusion and SEEDS alum Bobby Codjoe '02 spoke of his SEEDS experience and imparted words of wisdom upon the classes of 2021, "You all have made tremendous sacrifices to get to this point and those sacrifices will open doors for you that you may have never expected. As these doors open, I challenge you to define your own success. So wherever you go, find your joy, your enthusiasm your passion – put your best foot forward, and I have no doubt you'll succeed."

Before the presentation of diplomas, commencement speakers Jenene Hall (SP) and Iyanna Romans (YSP) shared their own experience as scholars. "When I learned about SEEDS, I knew I wanted to apply, but I didn't know if I wanted to commit to the SEEDS process to get into an independent school," said Hall. "With the support of my loving family, I survived the Summer Challenge Program and the selection process. There were times when I felt like giving up. I did not want to have to spend my time doing work while my friends were out having fun. But I remembered that I was working towards a goal that would help me achieve some of my biggest dreams not too far in the distance. Five more weeks of strenuous work, and now I am standing on this stage in front of you today as a graduate of SEEDS."

"As a student, I was never educationally challenged before – I was always ahead," said Romans. "I was like a walking answer sheet, knowing the answer to everything that came my way. That changed when it was time for YSP Step 2. During Step 2, I had to go through interviews, homework, essays, and more homework. Sometimes I would just have to cry it all out. Every tear was worth staying and worth working. I would like to thank SEEDS for helping me across the ocean line. If it were not for SEEDS I would still be swimming with the fish. I am now swimming with the sharks."

The Scholars and Young Scholars Programs are free 14-month initiatives for high-achieving, low-income students. SEEDS provides its scholars with rigorous academic classes over the course of two summers and the Saturdays in between. The Scholars Program serves students across the state during their eighth-grade year, providing additional coursework and application assistance for selective high schools. The Young Scholars Program works with students in the Greater Newark area in the fifth and sixth grades; in addition to academic classes, SEEDS helps students and their families with applications to selective day and junior boarding schools.

For high resolution photos of this year's event, please contact Jasmine Guerra at [email protected].

About SEEDS – Access Changes Everything
Founded in 1992, SEEDS – Access Changes Everything, is a nonprofit organization committed to providing gifted students with access to top-tier education that would have otherwise been unattainable due to socioeconomic status. Through three challenging academic programs, SEEDS prepares students for eventual placement into competitive independent schools and colleges. SEEDS programs encompass rigorous curriculums, critical leadership training, and cultural experiences that help students recognize and achieve their full potential. Upon completion of SEEDS programs, alumni are supported through their school careers and beyond, and encouraged to be ethical, engaged, and responsible citizens who engage in and contribute to their communities.

Media Inquiries:
Jasmine L. Guerra
E: [email protected]
P: 862.227.9150

SOURCE SEEDS - Access Changes Everything

Related Links

http://www.seedsaccess.org