CYC 2023-2024 Annual Report by Carolina Youth Coalition

Foreword

Dear Carolina Youth Coalition Community,

We proudly present to you our 2023-2024 annual report, written this year as a nod to the essential ingredients and secret sauce that continue to help us flourish.

This year has been nothing short of a triumph. Thanks to the vital ingredient of generosity from our donors, we successfully completed our first major gifts campaign - the Flourishing Fund. This achievement will fuel our growth in the coming years, providing the programmatic and operational resources needed to achieve our goal of tripling our impact by 2028. We also witnessed the second wave of our “First 40” the two cohorts of Fellows that helped launch CYC — graduate from college this year. This milestone is a signature dish showcasing the dedication of our Fellows and the unwavering support of our community.

In 2023-2024, we served over 400 Torch Fellows and College Fellows. Each Fellow added their unique flavor to our vibrant community, creating a dynamic environment where dreams can flourish and futures are crafted with care.

We extend our deepest thanks to our Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, donors, and community supporters. Together, we are cooking up a future brimming with promise, hope, and endless possibilities. We are eternally grateful for your continued sup

With heartfelt gratitude,

Kathryn Schanen Kissam Co-Founder & Board Chair

Aaron Randolph Co-Founder & Executive Director

CYC Staff & Board

DANY NISBET Vice Chair

LASHONDA FUSELIER

Treasurer

STEVE BOLAND JR.

Secretary

NATALIE ALSTON Board Member

DAN KAHN Board Member

MOLLY SHAW Board Member

KATIE-ROSE AUSTIN Board Member

LASHAWN ROBERTSON Managing Director of College Access

MARIA DIAZ Director of Persistence and Evaluation

PAULETTE PURNELL Director of Development

LINDSEY GRAVES Director of College Access and Community Programs

JADORA ROSS Director of Culture and Community Engagement

KATIE WEISMAN Director of Academic Success

TIM MYERS Assoc. Director of Underclassmen Programs

KARA RICHARDSON Associate Director of Writing

STEPHANIE SUAREZ Assoc. Director of Persistence

CATHERINE JIMENEZ Operations Coordinator

NGOC LE

Goodwin Meissner Alumni Fellow

GLORIA NZUZI

Goodwin Meissner Alumni Fellow

TYLLER MENSA

CYC’S FIRST FELLOW

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY ‘24

ding CYC

This dish is rooted in the rich history and passion of Carolina Youth Coalition. Infused with the essence of community spirit, hope, and resilience. It promises a flavor unlike anything you've experienced before. Just as the Coalition was born from a unique vision, so too does this dish offer a unique and unforgettable taste.

INGREDIENTS

1 impactful mission and proven model

2 passionate co-founders

5-year seed funding commitment from Albemarle Corporation

1 city-wide effort to improve economic mobility

INSTRUCTIONS

4-month feasibility study

3 committed founding Board members

40 determined high school students

1 small, but mighty staff

Preparation: In the Summer of 2017, have the co-founders Aaron Randolph, a former BRYC employee, and Kathryn Kissam, a dedicated BRYC donor and philanthropic tastemaker — meet in Charlotte to discuss the vision and lay the groundwork for the feasibility study.

Feasibility Study: Conduct a 4-month feasibility study in Fall 2017 to determine the need for the program and identify potential partners and collaborators. Use the findings to shape the strategic direction of CYC.

Inspiration: Draw inspiration from the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition (BRYC). Adapt and tailor this proven model to the Charlotte community, ensuring a wide range of free, top-tier college prep, career readiness, and college persistence programs for high-achieving, under-resourced students.

Commitment: Secure a 5-year seed funding commitment from Albemarle Corporation to support the organization's launch, growth, and ongoing development. Add in early support from C.D. Spangler Foundation, Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation, Duke Energy, Wells Fargo, and the Wells Fargo Championship.

Launch: In the summer of 2018, identify a Youth Union location on the east side of Charlotte to serve as the program's hub. Partner with schools and community organizations to identify 40 high school junior and senior Fellows. Hire the inaugural team to ensure the successful implementation and growth of the program.

SERVING SUGGESTION

Involve the first Fellows in painting, setting up, and readying the Youth Union space to foster a sense of ownership ahead of the first school year. Build community and trust at every turn.

Ms. JaDora

This recipe encapsulates JaDora Ross's journey as Director of Culture and Community Engagement at CYC.

Over 4 years, she's balanced building operational excellence and external relationship-building while tastefully strengthening CYC's culture. Her dedication to cooking up a sense of community has ensured that Fellows, families, and volunteers all feel valued and connected to the CYC family.

INGREDIENTS

B.A. in Communication Studies from UNC Charlotte

Proud membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Natural leadership as the oldest sister and grandchild

A strong sense of duty and care

INSTRUCTION

Balance of strategic initiatives and relationship-building

Transformative professional and personal experiences

Commitment to community and collaboration

A growth mindset aligned with CYC core values

Foundation in Education and Involvement: Start with a B.A. in Communication Studies: Public Relations from UNC Charlotte, blended with active participation in Lambda Pi Eta, PRSSA, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Inherent Leadership: Mix in the natural leadership qualities developed as the oldest sister and grandchild, nurturing the roles of guide, problem solver, and support system.

Dedicated Professionalism: Combine her strong sense of duty and care with the motive to ensure CYC offers more than just an organization by providing red-carpet treatment for Fellows, their families, and volunteers.

Balance and Flexibility: Fold in her ability to balance strategic initiatives with building relationships, navigating diverse responsibilities, and maintaining the flexibility, emotional energy, and time management required.

Transformative Impact: Stir in the transformative experiences gained at CYC, recognizing the power of community and valuing both small and big wins.

Leadership and Growth: Blend her leadership role with a commitment to growth, both personal and organizational, ensuring she contributes to volunteer opportunities, culture building, and overall organizational development.

Community Focus: Season with the power of community, continuously adapting to meet the needs of Fellows and families and fostering collaboration towards common goals.

REVIEW

"Working at CYC has shown me the true power of community and collaboration. Seeing our Fellows grow and succeed is a constant reminder that every small win contributes to a much larger impact. I'm honored to be part of a team that strives for excellence while embracing growth and innovation.” - Ms. JaDora

Ms. Katie

Like a master chef, Katie Weisman has been crafting the perfect blend of educational excellence and curricular leadership at CYC since 2022. As the Director of Academic Success, Katie skillfully combines her expertise to cook up engaging workshops with individualized resources to enrich the academic journey of our Fellows.

INGREDIENTS

B.A in English from the University of Texas at Austin, Magna Cum Laude

Expertise in teaching and curriculum development

Strategic leadership and marketing skills

INSTRUCTION

Commitment to bridging educational gaps for underresourced students

Ability to design engaging workshops and manage academic programs

A strong belief in excellence and high expectations

Educational Foundation: Start with a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Texas at Austin, mixing in a foundation of teaching and curriculum development.

Strategic Leadership: Combine experience with best-in-class tutoring and college prep company prior to CYC, where Katie held roles from Instructor to Marketing Manager, blending her skills in educational expertise and strategic leadership.

Commitment to Student Success: Fold in Katie’s dedication to bridging the gap for students facing financial barriers, ensuring they have access to tutoring, academic enrichment, and test preparation.

Program Development: Add her ability to design and deliver engaging workshops, manage ACT test preparation programs, and oversee STEM and Writing Workshops.

Community Engagement: Mix in her passion for academic enrichment and student success, working closely with Fellows, families, and volunteers to provide the highest quality support.

High Expectations: Stir in Katie’s belief in excellence and high expectations, encouraging Fellows to strive for greatness and never accept low expectations.

Growth and Adaptation: Season with the flexibility to adapt and innovate, continuously evolving as a leader and enhancing the educational experience for all Fellows.

SERVING SUGGESTION

"It’s no secret that my favorite CYC core value is Excellence. I encourage our Fellows to raise the bar for themselves, often telling them to 'never accept the insult of low expectations.' I hold high expectations because our Fellows are filled with integrity, talent, and drive. Not pushing them toward excellence would be a disservice to their potential." - Ms. Katie

$17.7M 98% 75%

154 96% 94% 63% ATTENDED UNC SYSTEM SCHOOLS

“Secret” Sauce

Our Secret Sauce encapsulates the essence of the CYC's supportive and empowering culture. This blend of inclusivity, connectedness, encouragement, and resilience creates an environment where Fellows feel valued, inspired, and equipped to achieve their dreams.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup of 2 tablespoons o

3 teaspoons of of

INSTRUCTION

Start with a large scoop of COMMUNITY ensuring connectedness inclusivity.

GROWTH: continuous improvement. OPENNESS: values diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

EXCELLENCE to invest in their absolute best. Mix in EMPOWERMENT:

take charge and be powerful.

Self-Advocacy

navigate their paths confidently.

Warning: This Secret Sauce may significantly enhance impact and inspire achievement. Handle with care and enthusiasm!

S i n c e 2 0 1 8

447

160

40 SERVED IN 2018

$74.7M $26.9M REDEEMED

76%

38 CLASS OF 2023 & CLASS OF 2024

97% OF ALL FELLOWS HAVE REMAINED ENROLLED OR HAVE COMPLETED A DEGREE PROGRAM

APPALACHIAN STATE ^

BEREA COLLEGE ^

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY

BROWN UNIVERSITY ^

CENTRAL PIEDMONT CC ^

COLBY COLLEGE

COLGATE UNIVERSITY

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

DAVIDSON COLLEGE

DREXEL UNIVERSITY

DUKE UNIVERSITY

EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

EASTERN CONNECTICUT ST.

EMORY UNIVERSITY

FURMAN UNIVERSITY ^

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY ^

GEORGIA TECH

GRINNELL COLLEGE

GUILFORD COLLEGE

HAMPTON UNIVERSITY

HOWARD UNIVERSITY

JOHNSONC.SMITHUNIVERSITY

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

MEREDITH COLLEGE

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

NC STATE UNIVERSITY ^

NORTH CAROLINA A&T

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL

OBERLIN COLLEGE

QUEENS UNIVERSITY ^

RHODES COLLEGE

RICE UNIVERSITY

ROANOKE COLLEGE

ROCKY MOUNTAIN COLLEGE

OF ART AND DESIGN

SAVANNAH COLLEGE

OF ART AND DESIGN

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

SPELMAN COLLEGE

UNC ASHEVILLE

UNC CHAPEL HILL ^

UNC CHARLOTTE ^

UNC GREENSBORO ^

UNC WILMINGTON ^

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI ^

UNIVERSITY OF NW OHIO

UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA ^

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CAL.

WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY^

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

WHEATON COLLEGE

WINGATE UNIVERSITY

WINSTON-SALEMSTATEUNIVERSITY

WOFFORD COLLEGE^

YALE UNIVERSITY

BOLD = CLASS OF 2024 ATTENDING

^COLLEGES GRADUATED FROM SINCE 2018

Torch Fellows

Ignite students’ futures with CYC’s Torch Fellows Program. Blending high-achieving students, comprehensive support systems, and a generous serving of community spirit, this dish ensures our Fellows are academically, financially, and socially prepared to enroll in a best-fit postsecondary institution.

INGREDIENTS

253 high school Fellows, thoughtfully selected

Free 10-month afterschool program, full-serving

Personalized college guidance, generously spread

Standardized test prep, finely ground

1:1 mentorship, heaping scoop

364 hours of academic tutoring, timely matched

College tours, evenly diced

INSTRUCTION

Application cost coverage, as needed

Exclusive scholarships, full to the brim

Career exploration and leadership development, well-mixed

Access to Youth Union Space, generous scoop

Mentors and writing coaches, supportive sprinkle

Tight-knit community, to taste

Prep the Ingredients: Start with a free 10-month after-school program seamlessly mixing in wraparound support and best-in-class college prep resources.

9th Grade Transition: Incorporate activities to help Fellows successfully transition to high school and build selfawareness, key executive functioning skills, and a strong GPA.

10th Grade Development: Mix in a strong insight into application factors and types of colleges with a healthy dose of self-awareness and where they stack up in the admissions process. Add a sprinkle of social-emotional learning throughout.

11th Grade College Prep: Add finely cut pieces on the college process timeline, understanding and researching types of colleges, building social capital, communicating professionally, identifying recommenders, writing emails, and creating brag sheets. Blend in leadership development and career exploration with corporate partners.

12th Grade Application Support: Fold in support for Fellows to work with mentors and CYC staff to craft and apply to a best-fit college list, apply for scholarships, and make best-fit college decisions.

Highly-Supportive Staff: Fold in the dedicated portion of highly committed staff executing core programs, providing individualized guidance, and enhancing the dish's structure and support.

Season with a Tight-Knit Community: Generously season with tight-knit community feel for a well-rounded flavor.

SERVING SUGGESTION

Serve with ample parts encouragement and accountability. Best enjoyed in the company of mentors, peers, and family members who have supported the journey.

College Fellows

This recipe highlights the journey from Torch Fellows to College Fellows, ensuring a smooth transition and continued support throughout their college journey. CYC equips College Fellows to enroll, persist, and succeed in college, ultimately preparing them for launching their careers or postgraduate studies.

INGREDIENTS

Torch Fellows, freshly graduated College transition case management, finely prepared

Internship and job opportunities, generously mixed

Career coaching and mentorship, evenly distributed

INSTRUCTION

Graduate school guidance, well-seasoned

Care packages and campus Visits, lovingly packed

Emergency financial assistance, thoughtfully sprinkled

Volunteering activities, smoothly integrated

Begin the Transition: Once Torch Fellows make their college decision, start with support FOR (not capitalized, but just pointing out the preposition change) scheduling.

Prepare for Campus: Fold in college transition case management to assist Fellows with various tasks and make the transition smoother.

Mix Opportunities: Incorporate generously mixed internship and job opportunities throughout the college journey, utilizing corporate partners when possible.

Blend Career Support: Evenly distribute career coaching, mentorship, and graduate school guidance to enhance Fellows' preparedness.

Partner with Nonprofits: Partner with other nonprofit organizations to provide mental health support, internship and job connections, and graduate school exam and application preparation.

Pack Care Essentials: Lovingly pack care packages with dorm supplies and plan campus visits to provide ongoing support, care, and connectedness.

Provide Assistance: Thoughtfully sprinkle emergency financial assistance as needed.

Integrate Volunteering: Smoothly integrate volunteer activities with the Torch Fellows Program, allowing College Fellows and Alumni to give back.

SERVING SUGGESTION

Serve the College Fellows Program with a side of social capital and networking with the extended CYC community. Best enjoyed with opportunities to remain connected to CYC while on campus, ensuring they continue to thrive and and remain visible to Torch Fellows as role models for what’s possible.

This recipe encapsulates the vibrant celebration of CYC's inaugural Community Cup, where Fellows united at Memorial Stadium in partnership with Charlotte Independence. Blending spirited team competitions, problemsolving activities, and a thrilling relay race, this dish highlights the power of community building and teamwork. With support from Bank of America and Equitable volunteers, this event underscores the importance of fostering student engagement and collaboration, culminating in a memorable Independence soccer game.

INGREDIENTS

Memorial Stadium and Grady Cole Center

1 generous partnership with Charlotte Independence

100+ enthusiastic Fellows

20+ spirited volunteers from Bank of America and Equitable

1 intense soccer game featuring Charlotte Independence

Teams named after CYC's core values

INSTRUCTION

A sprinkle of team competitions

A dash of problem-solving activities

A pinch of communication challenges

Several cups of teamwork tasks

Unlimited excitement and fun

1. Team Formation and Leadership: Assign inspiring Fellows to lead and motivate their respective teams. Volunteers will run the game stations and support the team leaders throughout the event.

Pep Rally Kickoff: Begin the day in the Grady Cole Center with an energizing pep rally to boost excitement and divide Fellows into teams named after CYC's core values. Ensure the energy is high and everyone is ready for the day's activities.

Engaging Activities: Engage the teams in various competitions that promote problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. Each activity offers an opportunity to earn points and showcase Fellows' skills.

Building Community: Foster a sense of community as teams work together, support each other, and participate in team-building exercises. This is the heart of the event, ensuring everyone feels included and valued.

4. Ultimate Showdown: Conclude with the thrilling relay race where the squad with the most points, Team Excellence, challenges the Carolina Youth Coalition staff team. The staff team emerges victorious, showcasing their skills and spirit.

5. Post-Event Celebration: After the culmination of activities, Fellows stay to enjoy a delightful meal together, fostering further camaraderie. The day is rounded off with an exciting Charlotte Independence soccer game, creating unforgettable memories for all participants.

NCAN Hill Day

Samir Flamer

COLLEGE FELLOW

HOWARD UNIVERSITY ‘27

Camryn Bailey

This recipe captures the advocacy journey of CYC College Fellows, Samir and Camryn, as they took on Capitol Hill during the NCAN Hill Day in Washington, D.C alongside other students from Charlotte, NC. Blending personal experiences, direct engagements with legislators, and generous support from Equitable Foundation, this dish emphasizes the importance of expanding access to higher education and empowering student voices.

INGREDIENTS

5 Determined Students, finely selected

3 Supportive nonprofit organizations (Carolina Youth Coalition, GenOne, Road to Hire), combined deliberately

1 Passionate collaborative (Crescent Coalition), integrated seamlessly

1 National College Attainment Network (NCAN) Hill Day Event, executed meticulously

Generous support from Equitable Foundation poured abundantly Engagement with House and Senate legislators, stirred thoroughly

INSTRUCTION

Preparation: Begin with the selection of five determined high school and college students from the Charlotte area, chosen through their involvement with Carolina Youth Coalition, GenOne, and Road to Hire.

Combine Nonprofit Support: Add the unwavering support of three local nonprofit organizations and the Crescent Coalition, a collaborative focused on serving under-resourced students.

Fold in NCAN Hill Day: Mix in the National College Attainment Network's annual Hill Day event, providing students an invaluable opportunity to advocate for better FAFSA and higher education access.

Blend Generous Support: Carefully blend in the generous support from Equitable Foundation, ensuring the students' participation in Hill Day.

5. Serve with Advocacy: Serve the event with a strong focus on advocating for the Pell Grant, simplifying the FAFSA, and expanding access to higher education.

Stir in Legislator Engagement: Engage with House and Senate legislators, including Sen. Tedd Budd (RNC), Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC), Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-NC), Rep. Wiley Nickel (DNC), and Rep. Martha Gallagher (R-NC).

REVIEW

“I had an amazing experience not only being able to talk to Congress members one-on-one about my experiences as it relates to higher education and my community but also hearing alternative perspectives from those representing other college access organizations from around the United States who help advocate for these resources that are so important to us.” - Samir Flamer ‘23

EVERYONE CAN FLY.

Emy Pacheco Ramirez

CYC is a proud community partner of WINGS, the Jordan Brand’s community impact platform. This recipe showcases the 2023-2024 chapter of the partnership which featured engaging activities, creative projects, and empowering opportunities for Fellows. Inspired by Michael Jordan’s legacy, Jordan Brand empowers youth to find their voice, own their style, and achieve greatness on and off the court.

INGREDIENTS

Motivated Fellows from Carolina Youth Coalition (CYC)

Inspiring Jordan Brand's WINGS initiatives

Empowering community volunteers and mentors

Memorable experiences to inspire creativity and confidence

INSTRUCTION

Exposure to various career paths and professionals

Exciting race car design projects for 23XI driver Tyler

Reddick and the 2023 Jumpman Invitational

VIP experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Full-ride scholarship to a Fellow’s university of choice

Tip-off: Begin with the strong foundation of CYC's partnership with Jordan WINGS, inspired by Michael Jordan’s legacy and commitment to education.

Creative Engagement: Engage students from CYC, Charlotte Lab School, and Rise2Impact in the Jordan Wings Design Program to design a race car for 23XI driver Tyler Reddick. This 8-week program exposes students to graphic design, ideation, collaboration, and pitching ideas, guided by professional designers from Jordan Brand.

VIP Experience: Debut the car design at the Roval 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, providing a unique VIP experience for participants.

T-Shirt Design: Create custom race day t-shirts through the design program, showcasing students' graphic design skills and teamwork. These designs are debuted at the 2023 Jumpman Invitational.

Jumpman Invitational: Recognize Fellows on court at the 2023 Jumpman Invitational for their efforts and achievements, made possible by the support of Jordan Wings, Triple Threat Mentoring, Charlotte Sports Foundation, Social Status, Lowe’s, and Truist.

Product Donation: Sprinkle in the donation of Jordan Brand products to motivate and inspire Fellows to achieve greatness, reinforcing the message of confidence and empowerment.

Scholarship Surprise: Conclude with a surprise presentation of a full-ride scholarship to CYC senior Fellow Emy Pacheco Ramirez, accompanied by her family, highlighting the partnership's dedication to educational support.

Career Club

The ultimate recipe for career exposure, CYC's Career Club program blended innovative partnerships and experiential visits to expose Fellows to various career options, enhance their networking skills, and grow their social capital. With visits to industry leaders like Falfurrias Capital, Albemarle Corporation, and McKinsey, Fellows were equipped with firsthand insights and connections to propel their careers forward.

INGREDIENTS

A dash of innovative partnerships

A generous helping of experiential visits

A sprinkle of networking skills

A touch of career exposure

A pinch of social capital

INSTRUCTION

Blend Base of Career Club: Begin by planning visits to industry-leading companies that offer diverse career insights and opportunities.

Knead in Innovative Partnerships: Mix in collaborative efforts with corporate partners to ensure a robust and enriching experience for Fellows.

Add Experiential Visits: Carefully fold in experiential visits to the following companies: 3.

Falfurrias Capital: Hosted by CYC Board Member and Falfurrias Vice President Katie-Rose Austin, Fellows were immersed in the world of private equity.

Add a generous serving of finance, accounting, and management consulting insights. i.

ii.

Toss in a surprise visit from Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus Hugh McColl II and an engaging lunch with Falfurrias team members.

b. Mix in firsthand experiences with lithium and bromine businesses. i.

Albemarle Corporation: Season with insight from employees about transforming essential resources into critical ingredients for mobility, energy, connectivity, and health.

Fold in conversations with employees across various roles within the company about their college and career journeys. ii.

McKinsey: Gently stir in a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a McKinsey associate.

c. Infuse with knowledge about various education pathways and careers within consulting. i.

Garnish with Social Capital Growth: 4.

Sprinkle with ample opportunities for Fellows to network and build meaningful connections with industry professionals.

Goodwin Meissner Alum

Feast on this creation of the Goodwin Meissner Alumni Fellowship, thanks to our long-time partner, the Goodwin Meissner Family Foundation (GMFF). Ngoc Le and Gloria Nzuzi, familiar faces and recent college graduates from CYC's “First 40” cohort of Fellows, joined CYC as the inaugural Alumni Fellows. This Fellowship provided them the opportunity to work at CYC in meaningful roles while receiving financial support for graduate school exam prep, test fees, and travel costs.

INGREDIENTS

2 fresh college graduates

1 generous portion of support from the Goodwin Meissner Family Foundation

A dash of experience from CYC's founding cohort of Fellows

A sprinkle of financial support for graduate school preparation

A heap of meaningful work at CYC

INSTRUCTION

Prepare the Foundation: Begin with the strong support and partnership of the Goodwin Meissner Family Foundation. Mix in the mission to support recent college graduates taking a gap year before graduate school.

Select the Fellows: Carefully choose two exceptional graduates from CYC's founding cohort of Fellows.

Ngoc Le, a recent graduate from Queens University of Charlotte preparing for dental school, was selected to serve as the Executive and Operations Fellow.

Gloria Nzuzi, a recent graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill preparing for a Master’s program in Physical Therapy, was selected to serve as the Persistence and Data Fellow.

Infuse with Meaningful Work: Assign meaningful roles at CYC for both Fellows, allowing them to contribute to the organization's mission while gaining valuable work experience.

Gloria: Managed College Fellows' data, distributed sponsored games and event tickets, and built a mentorship relationship with EmpowerMentee, London.

Le: Supported stewardship efforts, assisted the Operations team with Fellow recruitment and school outreach, and collaborated on planning the Torch Award event.

Both: Serve as Flourishing Fund ambassadors, adding the key ingredient of Fellow testimony to the successful fundraising campaign.

Garnish with Financial Support: Provide additional financial support for graduate school exam prep, test fees, and travel costs to ensure Goodwin Meissner Alumni Fellows are well-prepared for their next steps.

The Torch Awards

Get FIRED UP as we blend the finest ingredients for a stirring celebration of achievements and milestones with lots and lots of cheering. This annual event is a red-carpet affair with a flavorful fusion of memorable moments and hearty highlights of our community throughout the year. Bon appétit!

INGREDIENTS

1 large group of graduating senior Fellows

1 bright red carpet

A reunion of College Fellows, alumni, and families

A dash of proud family, volunteers, and supporters

INSTRUCTION

A generous helping of memorable experiences to inspire and strengthen CYC’s community

A collection of awards and recognitions for outstanding achievements

1. Add Sponsor Recognition: Stir in gratitude for the event sponsors, including Duke Energy, PNC Bank, Brighthouse Financial, Truliant Federal Credit Union, SchermCo, and Terrascope Public Relations.

Preheat the Event: Start with a toast featuring speeches from members of the graduating class and a warm welcome from CYC alumni. Get the crowd fired up with the energy of MC Ohavia Phillips and Fellows Ronie Jean and Chris Romero.

2 Blend in the Red Carpet: Loudly fold in the highlight of the evening, seniors walking the red carpet lined with College Fellows and alumni to show off their recent college decisions. Outfit seniors in kicks provided by Jordan Brand to add some heat. Surround with the emphatic cheers and support from family members and community stakeholders.

3. Whisk in Community Voice: Mix in the excitement of presenting the Community Voice Award to Evoni Martin for her exceptional efforts in recruiting volunteers and deepening relationships with Bank of America's employee affinity groups.

4. Sprinkle Core Values Awards: Liberally sprinkle recognition on seniors who have embodied CYC's core values, including Growth, Openness, Community, Excellence, and Empowerment. Celebrate the recipients of the prestigious Torch Award for exemplifying all five values.

5. Simmer Special Scholarships: Add the announcement of winners for the Smith Opportunity Scholarship, the Goodwin Meissner Family Foundation scholarships, and the Marand Builders STEM Scholarship, highlighting their contributions to removing barriers to higher education.

6. Surprise Shopping Spree: Infuse the event with two unexpected twists by thanking LockerRoomCLT for surprising

7. seniors with a shopping spree to pick out their first-day fits and Jane's Fund for providing laptops for each senior, adding an extra layer of excitement.

8. Finish with Gratitude: Serve the evening with a warm thank you to everyone who made the event possible, emphasizing the importance of community support in empowering our Fellows to achieve greatness.

This 2024 Torch Award winner recipe celebrates Abel Adem, a Fellow who has been a part of CYC for over 3 years. Abel embodies CYC's core values and has made outstanding contributions to the CYC community. This recipe captures his journey from high school to Wake Forest University, highlighting his perseverance, proactive attitude, determination, patience, and optimism.

INGREDIENTS

ACT scores, significantly improved through CYC prep and mentoring

Strong extracurricular involvement in school leadership groups

Discovery of Wake Forest University through CYC college tours

Sense of family and mentorship from CYC, strongly felt

INSTRUCTION

Personal core values: perseverance, proactivity, determination, patience, and optimism, persistently embodied

Community impacts, widely recognized

Commitment to pushing through obstacles and continuous growth, continually nurtured

Foundation in Engagement: Start with involvement in various activities at Cato Middle College High School, including National Honors Society, Men’s Motivational Movement, multiple volunteering services, and student government.

1. Discovery through CYC: Add a memorable CYC college tour that led to finding his favorite college, Wake Forest University.

Academic Improvement: Fold in the guidance from ACT prep and mentoring at CYC, boosting ACT scores from 21 to 28. 3.

Sense of Community: Mix in the support and mentorship from CYC, creating a family-like environment that fosters success.

Embody Core Values: Stir in perseverance, proactive attitude, determination, patience, and optimism and add to CYC’s core values of growth, openness, excellence, community, and empowerment. 5.

Recognition and Impact: Season with the recognition of Abel's hard work and massive impacts in the community, as acknowledged by his mentors. 6.

Continuous Growth: Garnish with Abel’s advice for future students to push through obstacles, learn from mistakes, and always be a work-in-progress.

REVIEW

“Being a part of CYC has shown me what a real family that wants you to succeed looks like. There will always be bumpy roads, but with the support and mentorship from CYC, I've learned to navigate them and thrive. Every loss isn't a loss but a learning lesson, and I believe in taking it day by day and putting my faith in God.” - Abel

This recipe celebrates Nadia Sesay, a Fellow who has been a part of CYC for over 2 years and the 2024 Torch Award Winner. Nadia embodies CYC's core values and has made outstanding contributions to the CYC community. This recipe captures her journey from high school to Spelman College, highlighting her leadership skills, academic achievements, and sense of belonging at CYC.

INGREDIENTS

College tours, mind opened to new possibilities, generously expanded

Sense of belonging at CYC, place of connection, deeply valued

Core value: Excellence - Invest in your absolute best, consistently practiced

INSTRUCTION REVIEW

5. ACT prep, essential to academic success, scores improved from 19 to 30, thoroughly enhanced Leadership skills refined through CYC, civic engagement, and school involvement

Foundation in Leadership: Start with various leadership roles at Olympic/Palisades High School, including student body president, vice president of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Youth Council, senior class president, Model UN publicity, and internships at the governor's office and KPMG.

Academic Achievement: Add essential ACT prep provided by CYC, boosting scores from 19 to 30.

Exploration and Discovery: Fold in college tours that expanded Nadia's horizons and introduced her to schools she hadn't considered before.

Sense of Community: Mix in the sense of belonging that CYC provided, creating a supportive environment where Nadia felt connected and valued.

Embody Core Values: Stir in the core value of Excellence, investing in her absolute best and striving for greatness in all endeavors.

“CYC gave me a place of belonging when I felt isolated at my school because of my ambition. I looked forward to Wednesdays every week. Excellence means investing in your absolute best, and I am committed to that standard in everything I do.” - Nadia

2024 MENTOR OF THE YEAR

5-YEAR MENTOR

Stevie Young

This recipe is a savory celebration of Stevie Young, the 2024 Mentor of the Year, who has been an EmpowerMentor with CYC for several years and worked closely with senior Abel Adem this year. Our CYC Mentors are one of the main ingredients in our community, individuals throughout Charlotte who passionately give their time, resources, social capital, and knowledge to our Torch Fellows.

INGREDIENTS

5 years of dedicated, consistent mentoring

1 empathetic and understanding mentor

A generous helping of knowledge and wisdom

Endless encouragement and unwavering support

1 inspired and motivated senior

INSTRUCTION

Combine Empathy and Understanding: Blend Stevie Young's empathy and understanding with his dedication to mentoring.

Mix in Knowledge and Wisdom: Add a generous helping of Stevie's knowledge and wisdom, ensuring it permeates every interaction with his mentee.

Fold in Encouragement: Gently fold in endless encouragement and unwavering support, helping Abel Adem to rise with confidence and resilience throughout the college application process.

Simmer with Support: Allow the mixture to simmer with constant checkups, a listening ear, and Stevie's ability to see the best in Abel, even when he lacked confidence. Let it cook slowly to build depth and richness.

5. Finish with Gratitude: Garnish with a heartfelt thank you to Stevie Young for his exceptional mentorship and dedication.

Strain the Stress: Pour in Stevie's support during a challenging time, such as when Abel did not get into his first choice college. Stevie's words of encouragement, constant checkups, a listening ear, and unwavering support instilled confidence in Abel beyond the classroom.

REVIEW

“My mentor, Stevie, always saw the best in me even when I did not have confidence, which pushed me to be even better moving forward. With a heart full of compassion and a mind full of wisdom, my mentor has served as a beacon of hope and guidance for me."

-Abel Adem’ 24, mentee

Donor of the Year

Mold the next generation of #Futureshapers with this nod to Honeywell, our 2023-2024 Donor of the Year! Our partnership with Honeywell is rooted in a shared commitment to community investment, STEM education, and youth empowerment. Honeywell's multi-faceted support of CYC has helped CYC continue to thrive, while guiding our Fellows toward bright futures.

INGREDIENTS

A generous portion of Honeywell's Futureshaper spirit

A commitment to STEM education

Engagement of Honeywell employees as mentors and Young Professional Board Members

Visits to Honeywell's state-of-the-art HQ

INSTRUCTION

300 care packages filled with essential items

CYC Fellows’ participation in the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy

A dash of innovation and inspiration

Begin with the Futureshaper Spirit: Start with Honeywell's unwavering commitment to community investment and STEM education.

Blend in Employee Engagement: Mix in the active participation of Honeywell employees as Young Professional Board members and mentors to Fellows, providing invaluable guidance and support.

Add Career Pathway Exposure: Fold in opportunities for CYC juniors and seniors to visit Honeywell's state-ofthe-art HQ, learn about various career pathways, and interact with innovative technologies.

Infuse with Care and Support: Honeywell employees carefully assemble hundreds of care packages filled with essential items for College Fellows during midterm and final exam periods.

5. Garnish with Gratitude Recognize Randell Nairn, MBA, Honeywell employee, and the incoming CYC Young Professional Board President, for accepting the award on behalf of Honeywell.

Take Flight with the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy: Stir in the unforgettable experience where 10 CYC Fellows participate in hands-on STEM activities, leadership development, and teamwork exercises at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL.

Serve with Pride: Celebrate Honeywell's dedication to uplifting education, increasing STEM exposure, and inspiring our Fellows to shape their futures.

REVIEWS

"Allowing Fellows interested in STEM to participate in activities like HLCA is invaluable and could be the key to unlocking a world of possibilities." - Mariah Alexander, Associate Director of STEM

"My favorite part of the HCLA trip was getting to fly a plane. No joke, I had a suit and everything!" - Chris Romero '25

CYC launched the Flourishing Fund, a capacity-building campaign aimed at securing $10 million from our local community, in 2023. The goal of this major gifts campaign was to triple our impact by scaling our Torch Fellows program to serve 500 Fellows annually by 2028.

In June 2024, the campaign was successfully completed thanks to the hard work of our campaign leadership, committee members, advisors, and the generosity of over 50 donors.

CO-CHAIRS

CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE

Kieth Cockrell

David Dooley

Netha Johnson

Kathryn & Luke Kissam

Jeannette & Francisco Alvarado

Mike & Mary Lamach

Matt Magan

Katie & Walker Morris

Danielle & Chip Nisbet

Molly Shaw

Andrea & Sean Smith

Gary Sobba Dontá Wilson

$3 MILLION+

Albemarle Foundation

$1 MILLION+

Luke and Kathryn Kissam

Mike and Mary Lamach

$500K+

Honeywell

The Leon Levine Foundation

$250K+

Bank of America

Margot and Charlie Brinley

CBI Workplace Solutions &

Live Love Serve Foundation

C.D. Spangler Foundation

Dany and Chip Nisbet

Ten Oaks Philanthropic

$150K+

Truist Charitable Fund

Andrea and Sean Smith

Wells Fargo Championship

$100K+

Kelly and Darius Adamcyzk

Susan and Bob Calton

Barbara and Bill Christensen

Serena and Kieth Cockrell

Kathy and Tom Ewing

Lynn and Netha Johnson

Kelli and Pete Lash

Katie and Walker Morris

Steelfab

Betsy Fleming and Ed Weisiger

$50K+

Natalie and Will Alston

Kathryn and Darren Ash

Zan and Heath Byrd

Walker and Jordan Collier

Ted Garner

Moore Van & Allen

Peter and Claire Pappas

Carla and Ed Rose (Shelco)

Jane and Carl Showalter

Springsteen Foundation

Molly Shaw and David Webb

Buffy and Tim York

$10K+

Karen and Kendall Alley

Betsy and Bill Blue

Carolyn and John Hudson

Elaine and Joe Peterson

Gary Sobba

Gary and Stephanie Starr

Dale and Larry Polsky

Stewart Wallace

Bonika and Dontá Wilson

$1+

Sarah and Tim Belk

Heather and Ben Braun

Tom and Maria Glick

Sara and Andy Hunter

Eric and Sarah Norris

Cortney and Fritz Nauck

Renee and Hugh McColl III

Carrie Reeder

Anne and David Regnery

Anne and Robert Stolz

Edith and Landon Wyatt

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Flourishing Fund campaign.

We are grateful for your belief in and commitment to CYC, our mission, and most importantly, the future of our Fellows!

*Totals include donations and multi-year pledges.

Donors

Thank You

$300,000+

Ross and Michele Annable

$100,000-$299,999

Equitable Foundation

C.D. Spangler Foundation

Merancas Foundation

NBA Foundation

$50,000-$99,999

Brighthouse Financial

Marand Builders

Mecklenburg County

Springsteen Foundation

$25,000-$49,999

Katherine M. Belk

Goodwin Meissner Foundation

The Leon Levine Foundation

PWC

Vanguard

$10,000-$24,999

William Ackerman III

Ally Financial

Alpha & Omega Foundation

BMe Community

Charlotte Young Professional Group

Charlotte Meck. Community Foundation

City of Charlotte

LaShonda Fuselier and Terrance Cotton

Mecklenburg County ABC Board

Tracey and Scott Tozier

$5,000-$9,999

Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation

Marty and Weston Andress

Steve Boland

Charlotte Sports Foundation

Jane and Gary Green

Phyllis Schultz and Matthew Gromet

Joe Hallow

Leslie and Michael Marsicano

Microsoft

Ulrike and Alex Miles

PNC

Jennifer and Sean Reilly

Rodgers Builders

Ann and Welford Tabor

Christie and Wesley Walls

$1,000-$4,999

Segun Akinyemi

Rebekah and MacKenzie Alpert

Katie-Rose and Davis Austin

Bonnie and Bernard Banks

Kathryn and Brad Black

Martha and John Burtis

Dan Cottingham

Falfurrias Capital Partners

Sally and Kurt Fochtmann

Emily and Mike Gaffney

Todd Galeota

Sonja Gantt and Mitch Gibson

HoopTee Charities

Amy and Dave Jacobs

Ellen and Doug Kahn

Sarah and Teddy Koch

Shelly and Adam Landau

Whitney Loeber

Posey and Mark Mealy

Cyndee Patterson and John Munce

New Venture Funds

Lori and Greg Schermbeck

Marcie and Torrence Shealy

Susan and Kevin Shepherd

Yolanda Thorne

Allison and John Tibe

N. Carolyn Schanen and Jeff Twiss

Vandever Batten

Ainslie and Ed Wall

Pam and Andy Warlick

$1-$999

Carmen Abreu

Christopher Bowman

Michael Bowman

Riley Brandt

Jean and Dan Buffum

Patrick Buffum

Ryan Chatman

Maxwell Church

Michael Claffey, Jr.

Jessie Clark

Joy Hord and Neal Cook

Scott Cornwell

Kendra and Al Dodds

Kayci Emry

Mark Emry

Kim and Jeff Ewert

Jessica Freely

William Geiger

Chip Griffin

David Gunter

Tracy and H.K. Hallett

Laura Hamby

Jeanette Hammontree

Gigi and William Harris

Vida Harvey

Zannah Hatch

Molly Hunt

Matthew Joseph

Delvin Joyce

Denise Kidder

Richard Larson

Jasmyn Lindsay

Tamiko Lockett

Aml and Jack Lohavichan

Austin Lowrey

TinaMarie and Dan Lugo

Evoni Martin

April McDonald

Melissa McFall

Peggy and Danny Morrison

Marian Nisbet

Funmi Omoliki

Greg Patterson

Matthew Pearson

Richard Petta

Kara Poindexter

Tommy Randolph

Jackson Rider

Dory Rogers

Flave Rogers

Joann and Giles Schanen

Melissa and Paul Tomlie

Christina Traub

Jennifer and Charles Watson

Len White

Beth and Mike Whitehead

Kathryn Wholley

Margaret and Ward Williams

John Woodcock

Rebecca Young

IN-KIND

Jessie Clark

Food Lion

Jane’s Fund

Jordan Brand

Locker Room Charlotte

Financials

Carolina Youth Coalition is proud to report another year of strong support from our generous donors that 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.

REVENUE

$11,014,712*

EXPENSES

$1,841,163

*Revenue includes multi-year pledges made to CYC’s Flourishing Fund campaign in FY24

CYC anticipates leveraging surplus funds for significant program growth in FY25, with a long-term goal of scaling the Torch Fellows Program from 254 participants in FY24 to 500 by FY28.

Volunteers

Thank you to our incredible volunteers and mentors – the DREAM TEAM! Your dedication and guidance are essential ingredients in our program impact and help us craft a brighter future, one Fellow at a time.