Thinking back, it seems that life since the start of the pandemic hasn’t been a straight path but a zigzag. In working with young people planning their futures, it’s often the same way. The path to success isn’t always straightforward, and, as CYD’s tagline says, it has to be forged. Forging can be hard work! Our small staff serves 3,500 students a year, providing inspiration and motivation as well as individualized support. There is a path to success for each student, and we are dedicated to giving them the tools to plan it and to forge the path ahead.
In 2023, CYD will be developing a new strategic plan. This is an opportunity for our staff and board to re-commit to our mission: breaking cycles of poverty and underemployment by preparing young people for successful futures. Our programming and our advocacy will focus on workforce training for high school students so that they can become cycle-breakers. We are developing new training, including computer skills, that will help close the equity gap that leaves many of our students underprepared for employment. This work needs to be done throughout the city, and we will continue to advocate and share best practices with city government, the DOE, and other stakeholders.
As we re-commit ourselves to our mission, we invite you to re-commit to us. We are grateful to all of you for supporting us. We thank the foundations that support us because they understand the needs of young people and the importance of helping them graduate. We thank all of you who individually are so generous and contribute to CYD by donating or by volunteering the gift of your time.
We are excited for 2023 and wish you a happy and a healthy holiday. Thank you for being part of the CYD family.
Michael Roberts
Executive Director, Comprehensive Youth Development
Your dollars make a difference!
Without the support of each and every one of our individual donors, the stories you read about and the programs that make an impact in the lives of our young people would not be possible. Thank you!
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