Seniors from Corcoran High School we’re out enjoying the nice day with a picnic just for them Monday at Santaro Park on Onondaga Hill. They signed a board indicating where they’ll enjoy a tuition-free education through the Say Yes to Education program. It’s a perk that’s provided to all graduating students in good academic standing in the Syracuse City School District. Jakubek Wicks decided he wanted to pursue his love of music in his hometown.
“I plan to go to Syracuse University in the fall. I’m going to be a music industry major, but I don’t want to be a performing musician. I’d rather be involved in the stuff that’s more behind the scenes.”
Wicks adds that while he was in high school, he’s been a member of the “Corcoran Live” band. While some students decide to stay closer to home, others branch-out like Tuyra Sims. She is headed to the University of Albany for Industrial Engineering.
“I found out in middle school, so once I hit high school it was just like, ‘alright, I’m going to keep my grades up, make sure I do well so I can get help from Say Yes,’ who would turn down the help?”
Say Yes is offered free to all students in good academic standing. Say Yes to Education Director of Operations Pat Driscoll explains it's constant work to keep the program going.
“I think what is a positive aspect though is, there never was a scholarship endowment in place for young people in the Syracuse City School District until the partnership known as Say Yes came into play. So to be able to raise close to 10-million dollars to support young people going to college is a great start. Now we know full-well that we need to build on that so the following classes, I’m talking about young people in kindergarten, first grade, will have that same opportunity down the road.”
Driscoll says last fall the program placed close to 160 students at Syracuse University and more than 230 students at Onondaga Community College. A number of other schools are also partners. Say Yes has been around long enough for Mayor Stephanie Miner to hear from those students and families who have benefitted.
“We have some of our first graduates of college coming back to Syracuse talking about what a positive impact it’s made in their lives and enable them to make choices that they never thought they’d be able to make.”
Miner adds, in order to succeed in the 21st century, you need to have high skills. She says there are also job vacancies as people retire; however, too many kids are still dropping-out of school or don’t have access to higher education. The Mayor feels Say Yes is an integral part to secure an educated workforce.
