Newsletter Issue #66
MARCH 2022

Bildersee Beacon Celebrates Culture

On Friday March 11th the participants of the Bildersee Beacon presented their talents for a mini showcase. This event was created to provide a platform for our young people to display their talents and skills that have been developed in our after school program. We were proud to see beautiful art projects, dance, and the entrepreneurial pride from the Girls Empowerment Movement who shared creations that could be sold. Many parents attended the showcase via Zoom and were delighted by performances.
 

Executive Director's Message

Spring is here! Similar to the trees that are beginning to bud, activities here are Sesame are beginning to bloom. We are gearing up for full in person Summer Camp and the Summer Youth Employment program. As regulations for COVID-19 shift we are adapting and opening our doors more and more. We now look forward to seeing you at the Clubhouse as we share upcoming events. Our next agency event will happen all month in April as we celebrate 39 years of community service. Stay tuned to our social media pages for special anniversary announcements.
 

Happy Women’s History Month Spotlight

This Women’s History month, Sesame Flyers International would like to acknowledge Ketanji Brown Jackson who has made history! She became the first African American Woman nominated to the United States Supreme Court on February 25th 2022. This is not only a historic pick for race and gender she is also the first former federal public defender to be nominated to the nation’s highest court in its 232-year history.

In the announcement of Judge Brown Jackson’s nomination to the Court, President Biden shared that “I believe it’s time that we have a court that reflects the full talents and greatness of our nation with a nominee of extraordinary qualifications and that we inspire all young people to believe that they can one day serve their country at the highest level”.

We salute Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on her nomination and look forward to her confirmation as a Justice on the nation’s highest Court.
 

Thank you Sesame for Amplifying my Voice!

I am extremely thankful for Sesame Flyers International for giving me the opportunity to transcend digital and financial barriers in order to pursue my passion in journalism. This fall, I will be attending Cornell University and am hoping to join the Cornell Daily Sun to provide students at Cornell with rich news regarding campus activities while simultaneously creating articles that showcase social issues around the world. Prior to Sesame Flyers, I did not have the means to purchase a laptop that allowed me to write and work with ease - more often than not, I was stuck waiting longer for my laptop to process and load things when I could have been using the time to complete my work.

Although it has been a short time with my new laptop, I have seen an amazing increase in both my productivity and quality of work. Sesame Flyers International has opened a new door overflowing with possibilities and exciting opportunities. I cannot wait to embark on my journalism journey with my new laptop and I have no doubt that this single giveaway has greatly changed my path to success for my undergraduate years. Thank you Sesame Flyers International for giving me a chance to showcase my full potential and help others find their voice through journalism!
 

SYEP 2022 Participant Applications Available

Spring is in the air and many of you are making plans for the summer! For some young adults that includes submitting an application for the Summer Youth Employment Program. Thanks to Mayor Adams, this year’s program will support 100,00 youth across New York City as they gain valuable work readiness skills that will prepare them for the workforce while earning a stipend or wage. The SYEP Program has been designed to provide greater emphasis on job readiness with project based learning for younger participants and to allow older youth a choice of work through in person, virtual, and hybrid placements. These opportunities give youth more time to build up their resumes with focused work experience.

14-15 year olds are assigned to projects 15 hours per week and are provided a stipend (Must be age 14 by July 1, 2022).

16-24 year olds may work up to 25 hours per week. Older Youth Participants (16-24) are paid NYC minimum wage $15.00.

The SYEP program is 6 weeks. The Program Start date is July 5, 2022. Enrolled SYEP Participants MUST attend an UNPAID Orientation prior to Job/Project Assignment.

SYEP applications are available https://application.nycsyep.com/ and may be completed online. Be sure to select Sesame Flyers International as your provider. The deadline to complete applications is April 22, 2022.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact
sfisyep@sesameflyers.org, 311, or the DYCD Youth Connect hotline (800) 246-4646.

Funding for SYEP is provided in part by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development.
 

2022 Scholarship Announcement

Sesame Flyers International is pleased to announce the release of its 2022 Scholarship applications. The scholarships are supported in part by the Campbell-Nelson fund established by Dr. Camille Nelson a long time major donor. The 5 scholarships have different eligibility criteria so please read carefully prior to submitting an application:

Chad Magloire Scholarship
Created in the name of the late Chad Magloire (1998), who was our first Winthrop Beacon Youth Council President. This scholarship is awarded to a member of the Youth Council at our Beacon Programs who is graduating from High School and going on to College.

• Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a 2022 Graduating High School Senior

  • GPA - 80 and above

  • Plan to attend an accredited four year college or university

  • Demonstrate commitment to community service and leadership

  • Complete Scholarship Award Application

  • Complete Scholarship Essay

  • 2 Letters of Recommendation

Melissa Hunte Scholarship
Created in the name of the late Melissa Hunte (2005), who was an advocate for deserving youth. This scholarship is intended to provide assistance to a young person currently enrolled in college who is active within our agency, who volunteers time to the community, and who has an unwavering desire to succeed in life.

• Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be enrolled in college or university

  • Must be an active member of Sesame Flyers Youth Activities

  • (Steelpan Orchestra/Cultural Dance/Youth Council)

  • GPA – 3.0 and above

  • Demonstrate commitment to the Sesame Flyers mission

  • Demonstrate financial need

  • Complete Scholarship Award Application

  • Complete Scholarship Essay

  • 2 Letters of Recommendation

Chairman’s Award Scholarship
Created by the Sesame Flyers International Chairman, Raymond A. Luke and recognizing the importance Information Technology and the improvement it has made to the lives of many citizens of the world, this scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a college degree in Information Technology who is also a participant and contributor to Sesame Flyers programs in an active or volunteer role.

• Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a 2022 Graduating High School Senior

  • GPA - 80 and above

  • Plan to attend an accredited four year college or university

  • Intention to pursue a major in Information Technology or any of the STEM majors

  • Demonstrate commitment to community service and professional achievement

  • Complete Scholarship Award Application

  • Complete Scholarship Essay

  • 2 Letters of Recommendation

Jumoke McKenzie Scholarship
Created in the name of the late Jumoke Mc Kenzie (2009), who was always resourceful and reliable, and an avid steel pan player and Youth Council member. This scholarship is awarded to an active participant of Sesame Flyers Youth Activities (Steelpan Orchestra/Cultural Dance/Youth Council) who demonstrates these leadership qualities.

• Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a 2022 Graduating High School Senior

  • Must be an active member of the Sesame Flyers Youth Steelpan Orchestra

  • GPA - 80 and above

  • Plan to attend an accredited four year college or university

  • Demonstrate commitment to community service

  • Complete Scholarship Award Application

  • Complete Scholarship Essay

  • 2 Letters of Recommendation

Campbell-Nelson Scholarship
Created by Dr. Camille Nelson, this scholarship is awarded to an active participant of Sesame Flyers Program Activities who has a creative understanding of family, intergenerational relationships, and the historical connection to the African diaspora.

• Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be applying to college, graduate school, or professional/trade school

  • Must be an active member of Sesame Flyers

  • GPA – 3.0 and above

  • Plan to attend an accredited program of study

  • Complete Scholarship Award Application

  • Complete Scholarship submission: Celebration of My Family Ancestors

  • 2 Letters of Recommendation

The application deadline is April 15, 2022. Awardees will be presented at the Cultural Heritage Gala on June 26.  For questions or more information contact: development@sesameflyers.org


 

NOTE : SESAME FLYERS INTERNATIONAL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/PROGRAM AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.

Your privacy, security and trust are important to us.  By using this website, you signify your assent to the policies below.  If you do not agree to these policies please do not use this site.  Your continued use of the website following the posting of changes to these terms will mean you accept those changes.  For more  information contact Sesame Flyers International.  WEB DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT BY SESAME FLYERS INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT.

 Copyright and All Rights Reserved By Sesame Flyers International Incorporated.