Reflections from CYD Alumni

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A year later, after attending an Islamic school in the Bronx, a decision was made — I had to transfer to MCNDHS.

Again, “What is your address?” Ms. Lao asked during the open house.

“787 Prospect Ave, appointment number 10,” I replied proudly.

At least this time, I got five out of six words right!

My name is Ammar Algaithy. I was born in a small village in Yemen—a place where the only “cloud” we talked about was in the sky, and the only “network” was the neighbors who looked out for each other.

At 16, during the Yemeni civil war, my mom, younger siblings, and I fled by boat to Djibouti. It took 20 hours to cross just 18 miles. We didn’t know if we’d make it, but we had faith. Eventually, we joined my father in New York City—and that’s where my new life began.

When I arrived, I didn’t speak English. Everything felt foreign—the language, the streets, even the weather. And don’t even ask about the culture shock.

But there was also something new: opportunity.

In my first year at MCNDHS, I met Mr. Danny, and my CYD journey began. At first, I didn’t know what Comprehensive Youth Development was—I just knew there were people who wanted to help. Over time, I learned CYD was more than a school program. It was a community—a family.

CYD tutored me when classes got hard. They pushed me to apply for programs I never imagined, like the Cooper Union STEM Program. They walked with me through college applications, financial aid, and scholarships. They didn’t just teach me how to reach the next step—they helped me believe I belonged there.

One unforgettable moment was receiving the Delaney Scholarship, created by Robert and Marie Delaney.

I still remember opening the letter and realizing the same people who backed me in high school were still with me in college.

That wasn’t just financial aid — it was a message: *We still believe in you.*

To the Delaney family here tonight: thank you for continuing this legacy.

Because of you, I could focus on learning—and today I’m pursuing a career in technology I never imagined for myself.

With your support, I became the first in my family to complete high school and earn a bachelor’s degree in computer and data science.

I completed a software development internship, and I’m now on the path to becoming a software engineer.

But beyond titles, what matters most is the transformation—from a 16-year-old who felt invisible to a young professional who knows his place in the world.

CYD taught me that success isn’t about how fast you arrive—it’s about who helps you along the way. They gave me hope, direction, and belonging.

To the entire CYD family: thank you for seeing something in me before I could see it myself.

To CYD students: your accent, your struggles, your background—those aren’t weaknesses.

They’re your **superpowers.** Don’t hide them. Use them.

As CYD celebrates 30 years of empowering young people, I’m proud to stand here as one of the many lives changed by this incredible organization. CYD was—and still is—the bridge between where I was and who I am becoming.

From a village with no screens to seeking a career building them…

From clouds in the sky to the clouds in my code…

From “No speak English” to speaking up here tonight—**that’s the bridge you helped me cross.**

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to CYD and to the Delaney family for helping me write my American story, step by step.

You turned challenges into chances and fear into confidence.

Because of you, I stand here not just as one story of success, but as proof of what belief and opportunity can do.

My connection to CYD — or CDI as we called them back in my day — goes back to 2015, when I had the privilege of being a Youth Perspectives Forum panelist. I still remember walking into 200 West Street for the first time. In a sea of suits and Patagonia vests, I felt a bit like a fish out of water. On the ride up from the lobby I briefly reconsidered my decision to give up my morning gym period to possibly embarrass myself. But after the elevator doors to the 42nd floor opened, I was immediately blown away by the view of Manhattan. A sense of possibility rushed through my mind, and my anxiety quickly faded.

That day, I sat alongside my peers sharing ideas about how to better support young people. We talked about what was helping us prepare for life after high school, what we wished we had, and what other students would need to be truly ready for the world ahead. I spoke about the importance of investing in youth programs and building meaningful relationships with inner-city students that create real, lasting change. For a kid from Brooklyn, it was an inspiring and transformative experience.

A seed was planted that day at Goldman. Stepping into that space challenged me to aim higher and reminded me of the importance of lifting others as I climbed. That pursuit of excellence and advocacy guided me to an analyst internship at J.P. Morgan the following Summer, and later to leadership roles focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in college. Those experiences ultimately led to earning my Bachelor of Science degree, double majoring in Finance and Entrepreneurship, from Syracuse University through the generous support of the Higher Education Opportunity Program. Today, I continue to build on that foundation and remain committed to shaping a lasting career in finance, and leadership.

What stands out most to me is that I’ve lived out the very message I shared that day. Everything I’ve achieved from my summer at J.P. Morgan, graduating from Syracuse to the honor of speaking before you today — came from the same kind of programs and mentorship I was calling for at the Youth Perspectives Forum. I am the return of those investments and the fruit of opportunity, advocacy, and ambition.

So tonight, in that same spirit of advocacy, I’m proud to continue championing CYD and their mission of providing tutoring, college prep, and so much more to under-credited students. CYD’s ability to create spaces for young people to be heard, to grow, and to support one another is what makes this organization truly special.

Like so many students, I was fortunate to benefit from a host of impactful programs including Dress for Success, Summer Bridge Institute, Young Entrepreneurs Workshops, Juggling Your Junior Journey, and my favorite, the Men’s Leadership Group. Beyond the classroom, I’ll never forget the trips to Nasdaq HQ, the college tours, and the nature retreats each one made possible thanks to your unwavering support and generosity.

My greatest hope is that CYD remains persistent in their mission, offering that same holistic support and creating opportunities for students to succeed not only in school, but in life. And as we look ahead, my call to each of you is simple: continue this incredible work, expand its reach, and keep opening doors for even more young people to discover what’s possible.
Thank you.