EVERY DREAM NEEDS A TEAM
C A R O L I N A Y O U T H C O A L I T I O N
2021-2022 2021-2022 Year 4 Year 4 Lakenya nicholson COLLEGE FELLOW | WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY '25 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R O U R N E W E S T F E L L O W S ALL ACROSS THE CAROLINAS A R E C O M I N G S O O N ! SPECIAL EDITION
Fellows in CYC's first sophomore cohort are headed off to college... they grow up so fast!
Torch Fellows College Fellows 2021-2022 Impact YTD Impact 4 5 6 8 Class of 2025 Goodwin-Meissner OurFirstCollegeGrad ChandlerandMusie CAPSScholarship 10 11 12 13 15 Year in Review Equitable Tour Signing Day 5K 2 14 16 Donor of the Year FY22 Supporters Financials Board and Staff 17 18 20 21
IMPACT PROFILES EVENTS DREAM TEAM
W H O W E A R E
MISSION
CYC nurtures and propels
high-achieving, under-resourced students to and through college
DEAR CYC COMMUNITY,
The last few years have been full of many twists, turns, and surprises Yet, the one thing I am not surprised about is how our CYC community continues to rally around our Fellows to ensure they have what they need to thrive. We cannot say it enoughEvery Dream Needs a Team - and I am more proud than ever to lead a team of Board members, staff, donors, and volunteers who step up and lean in when we need them most. The impact laid out in this report is a result of their commitment to our cause combined with our Fellows' hard work toward fulfilling their futures
In many ways, 2021-2022 was a year of resetting for our organization We returned to in-person programming for the first time since the pandemic began with 80 new Fellows and families joining our community In addition to reestablishing the culture of connectedness and belonging that are the bedrock of our community, we found innovative ways to evolve our programs to include hybrid execution and a new, fully online volunteer training platform. We also solidified several new partnerships that will expand and deepen the support we are able to provide to Fellows
PURPOSE VALUES
To transform the life trajectory of CYC Fellows by helping them fulfill their promise through college and beyond.
GROWTH OPENNESS COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE EMPOWERMENT
With our five year anniversary and first cohort of graduating College Fellows upon us in 2023, I am thrilled at where we are and where we are headed
Thank you for your continued support of Carolina Youth Coalition!
Sincerely,
Aaron Randolph Co-Founder & Executive Director
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CYC CO-FOUNDERS Executive Director Aaron Randolph and Board Chair Kathryn Kissam
Y E A R I N R E V I E W
'21
J U L Y A U G U S T S E P T E M B E R O C T O B E R N O V E M B E R
CYC partners with the Charlotte Hornets to co-brand our van!
Two new staff members, Mr Tim (9th grade) and Ms Lindsey (11th grade), join the team!
CYC returns to in-person and hybrid weekly programs, adds on a new 9th grade cohort.
Inaugural Charlotte Young Professional Group Golf Tournament raises $5K for CYC!
Inaugural Marand Scholarship Clay Shoot raises over $140K to support STEM scholarships!
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Jordan Bolden (R ) y (Yale) become the 3rd and 4th CYC Fellows to earn the Questbridge National Match Scholarship - a full-ride!
Inaugural Signing Day 5K is a huge success!
J A N U A R Y FEBRUARY '22
CYC inks partnership with Communities in SchoolsCharlotte!
CYC partners with Merancas Foundation to launch CAPS Scholarship Program
The Mystic Krewe of Diplomas returns and names new King and Queen - David Dooley and Sandra Holub - for Mardi Gras 2022!
APRIL
A Y
Dyamond Grate becomes the 5th CYC Fellow awarded the Jordan Wings Scholarship!
M
3
CYC wins Best Mentoring Pivot by a Grassroots Organization from the Mayor's Mentoring Alliance!
PROGRAMS
FELLOWS
WHO WE SERVE
9th-12th graders who: are first-generation college students and/or have significant financial need have demonstrated academic promise
OVERVIEW:
The Torch Fellows Program is a free, 10-month after-school program that pairs high-performing, under-resourced high school students, called “Fellows,” with a comprehensive set of academic, college-readiness, and social-emotional learning programs and experiences which include:
college application guidance
d test prep and writing coaching and academic tutoring
s and coverage of college application costs ration and leadership development opportunities
C’s Youth Union after-school space and technology community of like-minded peers
This program ensures each Fellow is prepared to identify, gain entrance to, and successfully matriculate through a college that is an academic, social, and financial fit.
C O L L E G E A C C E S S
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FELLOWS
Graduates of CYC’s Torch Fellows Program become "College Fellows" soon after they make their college decision In tandem with the Torch Fellows Program, the College Fellows Program completes a pipeline of targeted, individualized supports that both remove barriers to college enrollment and greatly increase the likelihood of completion
ThisprogramincludessupportthroughoutFellows'collegejourneyincluding:
Collegetransitioncasemanagementduringfreshmanandsophomoreyear.
Connectiontointernshipandjobopportunities
Careercoachingandmentoringduringjuniorandsenioryear.
Carepackagesanddormsupplies
Emergencyfinancialassistance
VolunteeringwiththeTorchFellowsProgram
This program ensures that CYC College Fellows are equipped to successfully transition to and persist through college and are ready to enter the workforce or pursue postgraduate studies.
P E R S I S T E N C E & S U C C E S S
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H O U R S O F 1 : 1 M E N T O R I N G 78 T O R C H F E L L O W S 162 795 252 H O U R S o f 1 : 1 P R O B O N O T U T O R I n g 443 AVERAGE ACT GROWTH 2.6 M E T 4 A C T R E A D I N E S S B E N C H M A R K S 33% C O L L E G E F E L L O W S 87% F I R S T - G E N E R A T I O N C O L L E G E G O E R S H O U R S O F 1 : 1 W R I T I N G C O A C H I N G 4 5 % G R O W T H A t 2 5 d i f f e r e n t c o l l e g e s A V E R A G E A C T S C O R E 22.6 US -19.8 | NC-18.5 | CMS-19.1 US -25% | NC-18% | CMS-21 6% 6 *ACT FIGURES AND COMPARISONS CALCULATED FOR GRADUATING CLASS OF 2022
I N s c h o l a r s h i p s a n d g r a n t s E A R N E D $13.2M O F C O L L E G E F E L L O W S R E M A I N E D E N R O L L E D A N D O N T R A C K T O G R A D U A T E O F S E N I O R S A T T E N D I N G C O L L E G E D E B T - F R E E 67%
IN scholarships and grants REDEEMED $3.5M 99% 7
"CYC has allowed me to actually take action to pursue my goals instead of just hoping that I will reach them one day. It has taught me that community is possible and that there are people willing to help."
87% OF COLLEGE FELLOWS ARE FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS
SENIORS MET ALL 4 ACT OLLEGE READINESS BENCHMARKS
41% 99% COLLEGE enrollment rate 92% attending 4 year colleges
umber attending 20 314 F E L L O W S S E R V E D * 114 C O L L E G E F E L L O W S S E R V E D
AVG SENIOR ACT SCORE 3.1 AvG POINT GROWTH
22.8
CYC College Fellows have enrolled in 39 institutions in 17 states...
*As of January 2023 8
**Comparison data from 21-22 school year
97% OF COLLEGE FELLOWS HAVE REMAINED COLLEGE Or HAVE COMPLETED A DEGREE.
$45M +
63% OF COLLEGE FELLOWS ARE ATTENDING 4-YEar UNIVERSITIES DEBT-FREE A
96% OF COLLEGE FELLOWS BORROWING LESS THAN NC AVE
I N S C H O L A R S H I P S & G R A N T S E A R N E D
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ifficult and intimidating t's adjusting to new levels , or managing a busy a student's development. its first 9th-grade cohort school year!
cal for Fellows, Mr. Tim, also ys "As a 9th-grade Fellow able to you, you're given a ge, to gain access to nities, resources you can All to the benefit of your ence. Not to mention, like ity -- which becomes nstrumental in one's ming years!
U N D E R C L A S S M E N P R O G R A M S J O H A N A W E S T C H A R L O T T E H I G H S C H O O L ' 2 5 A N D R E W H A R D I N G U N V E R S I T Y H I G H S C H O O L ' 2 5
"Being in CYC in 9th grade helped me learn more about the college process as well as make new friends"
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"Having Mr. Tim as a program director was great, he always motivates me to do better, is always very uplifting, always has a smile on his face, just a great person with positive energy."
The Goodwin-Meissner Foundation (GMFF) became CYC's first scholarship partner shortly after our founding in 2018 A perfect match between need and purpose, GMFF annually awards "Last Dollar Scholarships" to CYC Fellows These scholarships bridge the funding gap left after Pell grants, loans, and other merit-based scholarships but can mean much more to a recipient's college experience.
This funding - typically around $3,500 per yearprovides relief from the stress of making ends meet while balancing a full course load and this in turn results in exemplary scholastics. In addition, having this gap covered can often free students up to participate in meaningful organizations on campus and take advantage of internships that most often lead to employment after graduation.
Since 2018, GMFF has awarded twenty-six "Last Dollar" scholarships to CYC Fellows! In 2022, they expanded their support through awarding a $25,000 grant to support our College Fellows Program!
"CYC Fellows are always accomplished, bright, mature, and centered. Academics are clearly a priority for CYC Fellows as well as our other scholarship recipients. However, we find that CYC Fellows stand out in two ways. First, a clarity of purpose in their journey to and through college… we call this the how and why of pursuing higher education. CYC Fellows are refreshingly grounded in what it is they’d like to achieve and how they plan to better their communities as a result.
Second, CYC Fellows demonstrate the poise we’d expect from young professionals. They are confident, well spoken and clearly versed in the basics of professional conduct."
T H A N K S T O G O O D W I N - M E I S S N E R F O U N D A T I O N P R E S I D E N T , G M F F
L A U R A M E I S S N E R
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Above: Laura and Todd Meissner with CYC Co-Founder Kathryn Kissam and Last Dollar Scholarship recipients
In December 2022, Yasmin made CYC history by becoming the first Fellow to graduate with a Bachelor's degree - one semester early! Here's what the recent Tar Heel grad had to say about her journey and what's next...
MY PATH
I chose Neuroscience as major because I am planning on applying to medical school to become a physician in the near future. This major allowed me to combine my interest and passion for the field of neuroscience while also fulfilling the prerequisites required for medical school admission I believe that a major such as neuroscience gave me a more well-rounded form of education throughout my college career
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES
What motives me to persist through challenges and school in order to accomplish my goals would be the fact that I know that once I do get to where I want to in life, the reward will far outweigh the challenges I have experienced Therefore, I constantly remind myself of the type of doctor I want to be, what kind of doctor I want to be for my patients, and the communities I want to help in the future. Thinking of all of these ways I will be able to reach and help people helps me to focus on the larger picture and not focus too much on the setbacks I experience sometimes.
WHAT CYC MEANS TO ME
CYC has helped me immensely by just always being my support system not only in high school but especially throughout college. One thing I appreciate about CYC is that their unwavering support is not just limited to one category. For example, I was always provided with the resources I needed to excel not just in academics but also my professional life, my career path, personal things in general and just so much more I believe that having this type of support system is so important for students throughout high school and college, so I always feel lucky for being apart of CYC.
NEXT STEPS
I am preparing to apply to medical school!
J U L I U S C H A M B E R S H I G H S C H O O L 1 9 U N C - C H A P E L H I L L ' 2 2 | N E U R O S C I E N C E
Chandler, also a recipient of the Smith Opportunity Scholarship through CYC, is forging her own path through the Fashion industry...
MY PATH
I am majoring in Fashion and Textile Design in the Wilson College of Textiles I hope to work in product design and management for a large clothing company
IN THE FIELD
My first summer, I interned at Belk through a partnership with CYC and Gardhouse. This past summer, I interned with Lands' End on product quality, design, and management
WHAT CYC MEANS TO ME
I am grateful to CYC for contributing to my social network and opening doors to opportunities that have led to my growth and professional trajectory The SOS Fund has provided peace of mind; I do not have to choose between work or investing in my career through internships.
Musie, also the older brother of another Fellow, is finding success through mentorship....
MY PATH
I am double majoring in Information Science and Psychology as well as minoring in Data Science I decided to major in Information Science because I am interested in the joint role that people, information, and technology play in the realm of businesses and organizations
IN THE FIELD
I recently accepted an offer for Bank of America’s Global Technology Sophomore Summer Analyst Program 2023. I will be interning as a business analyst and am really looking forward to this experience.
Joni Adams, the fiancé to my mentor and who I can now consider a mentor as well, really helped and guided me throughout the process
WHAT CYC MEANS TO ME
Being a part of CYC has not only blessed me in my academic endeavors but also as I go about my path to finding a career that will best suit me From the people I have met, the connections, resources, etc I truly would not be where I am without the organization!
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W I T H
The exposure gained on a college tour can have a profound impact on a Fellow's ability to envision themselves on a particular campus Thanks to the Equitable Foundation, CYC underclassmen were able to visit universities “All Across the Carolinas” on a firstclass college tour experience!
This past summer, 35 high school Fellows had the opportunity to tour 9 colleges across North Carolina, visit the International Civil Rights Museum, and enjoy connecting with other Fellows
To top it all off, Equitable team members joined the trip in Greensboro, NC for an etiquette dinner to review the do's and don'ts of networking and professional dining. For many of our rising Senior Fellows, this tour provided a valuable learning experience and exposure to college life prior to heading into the college application season!
“The college tour was a wonderful learning experience for me as an upcoming senior. Being able to tour so many different schools allowed me to better understand what I'm truly looking for in a college. Aside from the colleges, I felt that the tour brought me closer to CYC as a community. Overall, I had so much fun and hope for an opportunity to do something similar again,” said Tina, a senior at East Mecklenburg High School.
A L
L A C R O S S
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In February 2022, CYC partnered with the Merancas Foundation to launch the CAPS Scholarship Program This initiative will provide our most challenged CYC Fellows - those most often overlooked for scholarshipsthe opportunity to attend college debt-free
In addition to participating in CYC's best-in-class college readiness programming, CAPS Scholarship recipients are identified as high school juniors and provided with:
Full gap scholarships to pursue a 2-year and 4-year degree, as well as vocational programs
1:1 mentorship beginning junior year of high school and extending through their first year in their post-graduation job
Access to emergency funds for books, travel, and other education-related expenses
Thank you to the Mercancas Foundation for your commitment to expanding access to postsecondary education for our youth!
“We cannot sit back while smart, hard-working students with so much potential get derailed from their educational path. We want to provide them with this additional layer of support so they can achieve their goals and dreams," says Nicole Mermans, the Merancas Foundation board member who conceived the CAPS Scholarship Fund.
CAPS recipient, Yohannes, with his mother, Roman, after being notified of his selection
Ms Lindsey, CAPS Program lead, discusses the scholarship and other support with CYC Fellows
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The average person takes approximately 6,250 steps to complete a 5K race. Given the oft-confusing process of college admissions, it can seem like there are just as many steps needed to get into and pay for a best-fit college! Even then, getting into college is only half the battle.
In May 2022, CYC hosted our inaugural 5K and Fun Run to raise funds for our College Persistence Program This program follows CYC Fellows immediately after high school all the way through college to ensure that they have the necessary supports and resources to successfully transition to, excel in, and graduate from college ready for the workforce or post-graduate studies.
Runners and walkers from the Charlotte community and CYC descended upon McAlpine Creek Park sporting their school colors in support of CYC seniors making their College Decisions later that day!
Thanks to our participants and sponsors, we raised a total of $28,456 92 to help our Fellows persist to and thrive in college!
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The success of CYC and our Fellows would not be possible without the support and generosity from our donors, sponsors, and community champions. Our Donor of the Year Award, presented annually at our Torch Awards, recognizes an individual, company, or foundation that has gone above and beyond in their support of CYC
This year's winner, Brighthouse Financial Foundation, awarded CYC a $50,000 grant to help expand our Torch Fellows Program! Then, they followed that up with a donation of 25 Mac laptops and four flight vouchers to assist Fellows and their families with traveling to and from college visits!
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Above: CYC Board Member Dany Nisbet is joined by Crystal Dunham and Theresa Foust from the Brighthouse Foundation
$500,000 +
Albemarle Foundation
$100,000-$499,999
Margot and Charlie Brinley
Merancas Foundation
C D Spangler Foundation
Wells Fargo Championship
$50,000-$99,999
Brighthouse Financial
Kathryn and Luke Kissam
Marand Builders
$25,000-$49,999
Charlotte Mecklenburg Comm Found
Equitable Foundation
Leon Levine Foundation
Women's Impact Fund
$10,000-$24,999
Kelly and Darius Adamczyk
Apparo
Bank of America
Katherine M Belk
Erica and Lorin Crenshaw
LaShonda Fuselier
Mary and Mike Lamach
Greg and Barb Lewis
Hugh and Jane McColl II
MER Foundation
Dany and Chip Nisbet
Verizon
$5,000-$9,999
William Ackerman III
Kenneth & Denise Chrisman
Sallie and Derick Close
Amelia and Gregory Gach
Johnny and Debora Harris
Johno and Anna Harris
Hendrick Automotive
Jim and Peggy Hynes
Jack and Jill - Queen City Chapter
Lynn and Netha Johnson
Jordan Brand
Hugh and Jane McColl II
Elaine and Joe Peterson
Phoenix Fund
E Frank Smith Residential Design
Dan Kahn and Euhbin Song
SPX FLOW
Ann and Wellford Tabor
Target Corporation
William H Williamson III
Tim and Buffy York
$1,000-$4,999
Joe Alala III
Kaylan Alderson
Kendall Alley
Weston Andress
Bonnie and Bernard Banks
Charlotte Young Professionals Group
Dan and Linda Cottingham
Tom and Julie Eiselt
Emani and Joelle Fenton
Emily and Mike Gaffney
Dr Matthew Gromet and Phyllis Schultz
Jack and Jill - Charlotte Chapter
John Henderson
Joy Hord and Neal Cook
Amy and Dave Jacobs
Ellen and Doug Kahn
Luis Lluberas
Anne Madden
McFarland Construction
Poesy and Mark Mealy
Moore & Van Allen PLLC
Northwestern Mutual
OrthoCarolina
Larry and Dale Polsky
Paige and Art Rosselle
Marcie Shealy
Susan and Kevin Shepherd
Teeny Tiny Flower Creations
Wesley Walls
Wells Fargo Foundation
Bonika and Donta Wilson
$500-$999
Boston Consulting Group
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Sonja Gantt
Tom & Maria Glick
David Klanecky
Ulrike Miles
Tommy Randolph
Amanda Robertson
Pheriche Robinson
Giles and Christine Schanen
SchermCo
Dr. Henry Smith III
$1-$499
Debbie Agisim
Segun Akinyemi
Dori Armstead
asda asdasd
Shanika Asher
Kyle Bailey
Jennifer Barnaba
Maddie Barnaba
Katie Benston
Christopher Best
Tonya Bobbitt
Katrice Boland
Michael Claffey
Laura Clark
Meghan Cline
Terrance Cotton
Arriana Covington
Allen Davis
Sue Duchanois
Jaxzel Enamorado
Amanda Ernst
Vicki Fetherston
Tyrone Fleurizard
Lashonda Fuselier
Wade Glaser
Gary Green
David Gunter
Heather Heath
Faulkner Hereford
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This
between July 2021-June 2022
list reflects donations made
$1-$499 CONT.
Melissa Hodge
Adam Holtman
Christy Horwitz
Haley Hunt
Jennifer Jimenez
Delvin Joyce
Carol Kaufman
Jennifer Kinsley
Sandra Kraus
Kim Levy
Jasmyn Lindsay
Aml and Jack Lohavichan
MaKenzie Lytton
Justin Manley
Jennifer Martin
Anita Matai
Melissa McFall
Windi Measimer
Ulrike Miles
Dwight Miller
Casey Moore
Mary B Moore
Rashidah Morgan
Forrest Narwold
Brian Nguyen
Ashlyn Osborne
Sarah Overcash
Eleni Papadopoulos
Matthew Pearson
Cheryl Perry
Meredith Pierson
Shalanna Pirtle
Pohlad Family Foundation
Meghan Preslar
Caitlyn Ranson
Jackson Rider
Kassidy Rider
William Runge
Piper Sandler
Stacey Schanzlin
Lori Schermbeck
Sarah and Allen Shifflet
Janet Smith
Rachel Spector
John Statsick
Irena Stavreska
Kelly Steggles
Jessica Stewart
Roman and Birte Streitberger
Ashli Summerville
Skip & Jeanne Tappy
Erika Templeton
Jason Terrell
Elizabeth Thompson
Russ Van Buren
Sara Carta Wagman
Margaret Walbert
Jen Walker
Ed Wall
Jennifer Ward
Mike Whitehead
Craig Williams
Shannon Winchester
Women's Executives
Rebecca Young
Samantha Yuen
Miranda Zolot
SCHOLARSHIP PARTNERS
Goodwin Meissner Foundation
Live Love Serve Foundation
Marand Builders
Merancas Foundation
Sean and Andrea Smith
IN-KIND PARTNERS
Brighthouse Financial
Feeding Charlotte
Jordan Brand
MasteryPrep
Tutor Associates
Young PROFESSional Board
Steve Boland
Christopher Bowman
Forrest Narwold
Maddie Rider
Flave Rogers
VOLUNTEERS
Katie Morris, Writing Coach
Segun Akinyemi
Spencer Alexander
Tracey Allsbrook
Andres Alvarado
Tekoa Barnes
Joanna Beck
Austin Beebe
Makayla Binter
Keith Bobbitt
Christopher Bowman
Rosa-La Brown
Eboni Bryson
Shonta Bullock
Kristen Chung
Kojo Cobb
Kimberly Cross
Cynthia Dumizo
Timothy Emry
Natalie Foy
Brett Fuller
Janay Graham
Sheridan Hodges
Patricia Hurdle Aguilera
Alex Jenkins
Mark Key
Nicole and Mike Lamach
Trimeasha Lanier
Lacretia McCollough
April McDonald
Jordan Mitchell
Katie Morris
Colin Nash
Tim Palmer
Lizzy Randolph
Leah Rapley
Shannon Rolinger
Betsy Schneider
Cissy Segujja
Nicole Short
Nicole Singh
Lucy Smith
Danielle Stennett
Crystal Stroupe
Lindsey Sutton
Yolanda Thorne
Valeria Torres
Genetta Vinson
Shaya White
Stevie Young
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Carolina Youth Coalition is proud to report another year of strong support from our generous donors which enabled us to put more Fellows on track to college success than ever before We remain committed to fiscal prudence as we look forward to continued growth and deepening our impact
$1,555,983
CYC anticipates leveraging surplus for significant program growth in FY23.
$918,578.98
CYC has set a shortterm goal to expand the Torch Fellows Program from 162 in FY22 to 300 by FY25
Corporate 54% PrivateFoundation 31% Individual 14% In-kind 1% Program 62% Administrative 21% Fundraising 17%
FY22 figures are currently under review as part of our annual audit and subject to change
REVENUE EXPENSES
F Y 2 2 F I N A N C I
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A L S
KATHRYN KISSAM Co-Founder & Board Chair
ERICA CRENSHAW Vice Chair
LASHONDA FUSELIER Treasurer
KELLY ADAMCZYK Secretary
DANIEL KAHN Board Member
DANY NISBET Board Member
AARON RANDOLPH Co-Founder & Executive Director
LASHAWN ROBERTSON
Managing Director of College Programs
MARIA DIAZ
Director of Persistence and Evaluation
JADORA ROSS
Assoc Director of Program Operations
LINDSEY GRAVES
Assoc. Director of College Programs
TIM MYERS
Assoc. Director of Underclassmen Programs
CHRISTINA WHITE Administrative Assistant
CATHERINE JIMENEZ
MSW Intern, UNC Charlotte
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EVERY DREAM NEEDS A TEAM
W W W . C A R O L I N A Y O U T H . O R G @ C A R O L I N A Y O U T H C O
