YOU, Inc. continued its long tradition of educating at-risk youth in central Massachusetts with recent graduation ceremonies for two of its programs.

Dynamy's John S. Laws Academy supports first-generation students through four years of high school and their first year of college, motivating them to achieve at their highest potential in high school, and preparing them for lifelong academic and personal success. Through academic advising and mentoring services, an outdoor adventure challenge, leadership and character development, internships and career exploration: post-secondary information and college visits: and work involving parental, family or caregiver involvement.

Lena Nguyen, Director, Dynamy John S. Laws Academy, who is a former student in the program, noted that the Dynamy staff and their fellow students would be there as they embarked on their college journey to support their efforts. Other speakers included Gaelyn Hastings, Director of YOU, Inc.’s College Access Programs, and Joseph Corrazini, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs at Clark University.

The graduates each addressed the audience and also gave advice to the incoming class of the Dynamy John S. Laws Academy in attendance. Graduates are entering higher education institutions in the fall including Boston College, Suffolk University, Boston University, Worcester State University and more.

The YOU, Inc. Career Pathways program also held its graduation and awards ceremony on June 16th with 30 students earning their HiSet Certificates.

Our Career Pathways Program provides structured academic supports and tutoring to students who have dropped out of a traditional high school and want to attain a High School Equivalency (HiSET), formerly known as the GED, or have graduated and are seeking additional enhanced occupational training skills. Career Pathways has classrooms in 4 locations: Worcester, Milford, Webster and Whitinsville, Massachusetts.

With smaller classrooms and low student-to-teacher ratios, our students met with a certified Educational Specialist five days per week, for 3 to 4 hours each day working toward their goals including obtaining a High School Equivalency (HiSET) if they have dropped out of a traditional high school, developing pre-employment skills, exploring higher education or career opportunities, participating in paid and non-paid internships, completing vocational training programs and create and follow a plan to become economically self-sufficient,

Kate Pesa, Director of Career Pathways commended the families and friends on their incredible support and the students for their hard work and perseverance.