Graduation

SYF knows that when students reach graduation day, they unlock doors that enable them to transform their lives measurably. Compared to high school and college graduates, high school dropouts are more likely to have poorer health, to die prematurely from preventable conditions, to be unemployed, to be uninsured, to live at or below the poverty level, and to experience adverse outcomes such as using illicit substances or being arrested or fired.

When the 2020-2021 academic year began – following a tumultuous and uncertain end to the 2019-2020 academic year given COVID-19-related shutdowns – SYF was determined to help as many students as possible earn their diplomas and chart new paths in their lives. The majority of Simon Youth Academies began the year entirely remote or in a hybrid modality. By late fall, that trend reversed: the majority of Academies had returned to in-person learning or a hybrid setup, with few remaining entirely virtual.

Academies that provided in-person learning made physical accommodations to space and provided safe social distancing for students and staff. At several Academies, student cohorts – in which certain students attended school on certain days or at certain times – were established to allow enough physical space and adequate disinfecting mechanisms between cohorts.

Students come to Simon Youth Academies for a variety of reasons. Some required a flexible schedule that enables them to work to support their families. Others felt unseen by teachers or were bullied by students in their neighborhood high school. And nearly 9% of Simon Youth Academy students in the 2020-2021 academic year were pregnant or parents.

Nathania Palencia is one of these students.

Two years ago, Nathania had nearly given up on graduating high school. She struggled in a series of bad relationships that negatively impacted her self-esteem, and she did not have a teacher or other caring adult in whom to confide. Fortunately, all that changed when she arrived at Simon Youth Academy at The Mills at Jersey Gardens.

Jasmin Lee, the Academy’s leader, is a tireless advocate for her students. The first question she asks every student is, “What brings you to Simon?” and tells them to be as upfront as possible. “I’m not here to sell a dream,” Jasmin said. “It will be real, hard work, but they can do it.”

Jasmin’s focus on mental health and building relationships has made all the difference for students like Nathania. When Nathania learned she was pregnant with twins, Jasmin would not give up on her or let her drop out. Jasmin was there for late-night encouraging phone calls, long school days throughout Nathania’s pregnancy, and after Zion and Alaia arrived in January 2021, Jasmin even began watching the twins at school while Nathania completed her work.

Nathania said, “Without Ms. Lee, I wouldn’t have gotten his far. She changed the game for me.” As a result, Nathania will overcome one of the biggest obstacles facing teen parents: graduating high school, something only about 50% of U.S. teen mothers accomplish by age 22.

When asked what she wants other young people to know, Nathania said, “Honestly, you can do it. There are always going to be obstacles. Nothing is easy. But you are more than capable. Surround yourself with good people who care about you, support you, and believe in you. Believe in yourself. Do it for yourself. Love yourself. You can do it all.”

Jasmin has a message for students too: “We’re here to help. I don’t care what issues you come here with, you will overcome them by the time you graduate.” Because #SYFmeansGraduation – no matter what.