The NYC Department of Social Services commemorated the achievements of more than 100 high school graduates residing in DHS shelters at the tenth annual Future Leaders celebration.
The graduates and their families were joined by Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Molly Wasow Park, Department of Homeless Services (DHS) Administrator Joslyn Carter, DHS leadership and staff, and representatives of the Thompson Family Benevolent Fund at the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of the American Indian for an evening reception and celebration of their accomplishments.
“… determination, educational success, and above all, a commitment to learning. “
Thanks to generous donations from the Thompson Family Benevolent Fund, the DHS Future Leaders College Scholarship Program awarded scholarships, amounting to $2,000, and iPads to eight college-bound high school seniors who, despite multi-layered challenges, have demonstrated determination, educational success, and above all, a commitment to learning. Additionally, all students participating in the Future Leaders program received a DHS-funded laptop and “Move-in” duffel bag full of supplies, funded by generous donors and coordinated through NYC Service’s corporate volunteer program, Be In-Kind.
“Graduation season is a wonderful time for so many young people and their friends, families, and loved ones.,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom.. “It is a milestone that is years in the making and for many comes in the face of adversity and demonstrates profound perseverance. That’s the case for our Future Leaders who are soon to embark on new life challenges whether in post-secondary education or elsewhere. Congratulations to all those in this year’s class and thank you to all our partners in this initiative.”
“Congratulations to this year’s Future Leaders who have demonstrated incredible grit, determination, and an unwavering commitment to learning on their way to graduating high school,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park. “Each of these students has encountered a unique and daunting set of challenges, but nevertheless persevered to accomplish great things, and we know this is only the beginning of their achievements. We are committed to ensuring that every student in our care has access to the supports and resources they need to reach their full potential, and we continue to build on these efforts day in and day out. We look forward to honoring many more graduates in the future and thank the Thompson Family Benevolent Fund for their continued support of this event.”
“For the tenth consecutive year, we are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of New York City’s most remarkable graduates as they embark on an exciting new chapter in their lives,” said Department of Homeless Services Administrator Joslyn Carter. “Congratulations to all our Future Leaders who have displayed incredible tenacity and resolve in the face of adversity and uncertainty. These students, who have come here from around the world, exemplify the best of New York City and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for this amazing group of young scholars.”
“… sharing advice with the graduates as well as her experiences overcoming adversity …”
In honor of this year’s event marking the tenth occurrence of the Future Leaders celebration, former Future Leader scholarship awardee and Harvard graduate Athena Capo-Battaglia addressed this year’s graduating class, sharing advice with the graduates as well as her experiences overcoming adversity and achieving success in her educational pursuits. The success of these students underscores the importance of ensuring robust educational opportunities for all – regardless of housing status.
This year’s honorees have been accepted to an impressive array of colleges including, Barnard College, Columbia University; Baruch College; Medgar Evers College; Maritime College; Kingsborough Community College; and SUNY Delhi.
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