Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring students are prepared for, enroll in, and complete college. Established in 2007, YPIE addresses the challenges faced by low-income, urban school districts by providing equitable access to essential tools and services for college success.

Mission and Vision

Mission: YPIE partners with students to ensure they are ready for, enroll in, and complete college, confronting the challenges of low-income, urban school districts by providing families with equitable access to the critical tools and services necessary for college success.

Vision: Students are lifelong learners equipped to thrive in the future economy and empowered to contribute to their communities and humanity.

Primary Area of Focus

YPIE focuses on college readiness, access, and persistence, serving students from 9th grade through college and into careers. The organization operates primarily in Yonkers, New York, and has expanded to Jersey City, New Jersey, and Nashville, Tennessee.

Industry Significance

YPIE plays a crucial role in addressing educational disparities in under-resourced urban areas, contributing to higher college enrollment and graduation rates among students from low-income backgrounds.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

College Readiness: Preparing students academically and socially for the demands of higher education.

College Access: Guiding students through the college application and financial aid processes.

College Persistence: Providing support to ensure students remain enrolled and graduate from college.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Mentorship Programs: Connecting students with mentors to provide guidance and support.

College Essay Coaching: Assisting students in crafting compelling college application essays.

Science Research Initiatives: Offering programs that enable students to conduct original science research.

Key Technologies Utilized

YPIE employs data-driven approaches to track student progress and outcomes, utilizing student data to implement timely interventions and monitor long-term success.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

YPIE primarily targets students in low-income, urban school districts, focusing on communities with limited access to college preparation resources.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

YPIE has secured funding through various grants and donations to support its programs. In December 2022, the organization received a $322,000 Volunteer Generation Fund grant from AmeriCorps to enhance its volunteer programs.

Total Funds Raised

Specific total funds raised are not publicly disclosed.

Notable Investors

YPIE's funding sources include government grants, private donations, and partnerships with organizations like AmeriCorps.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The capital is utilized to expand and enhance YPIE's programs, including mentorship, college readiness, and science research initiatives.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

YPIE's pipeline development focuses on students from 9th grade through college, providing continuous support to ensure college readiness, access, and persistence.

Stages of Clinical Trials or Product Development

As an educational nonprofit, YPIE does not engage in clinical trials or product development.

Target Conditions

YPIE addresses educational disparities and challenges in college readiness, access, and persistence among students from low-income backgrounds.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

YPIE's milestones include annual program evaluations and the expansion of services to new communities, such as the launch of YPIE Jersey City in fall 2023 and YPIE Nashville in spring 2025.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

YPIE utilizes data management systems to track student progress and outcomes, enabling personalized support and timely interventions.

Significant Scientific Methods

The organization employs evidence-based practices in mentorship, college readiness, and science research programs to enhance student success.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Sam Wallis: Executive Director since July 1, 2019.

Ellen Cutler Levy: Board Chair as of July 1, 2025.

Professional Backgrounds and Contributions

Sam Wallis: Former Chief Program Officer at YPIE, with a background in public school building leadership from Columbia University Teachers College.

Ellen Cutler Levy: A founding executive of YPIE, she has been instrumental in shaping the organization's strategic growth and expansion into new communities.

Leadership Changes

Recent Appointments

Ellen Cutler Levy: Appointed Board Chair effective July 1, 2025, succeeding David Westin.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The nonprofit education sector, particularly organizations focused on college readiness and access, is competitive, with numerous entities vying to address educational disparities in urban areas.

Competitor Analysis

Charter School of Educational Excellence: The only charter school in Yonkers, offering K-12 education.

Rising Ground: A nonprofit organization providing a range of human services, including educational programs.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

YPIE collaborates with various organizations, including AmeriCorps, to enhance its programs and expand its reach.

Operational Insights

YPIE differentiates itself through its comprehensive, data-driven approach to student support, focusing on mentorship, college readiness, and science research initiatives.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

YPIE plans to continue expanding its services to new communities, replicating its successful model in cities like Jersey City and Nashville.

Future Business Directions

The organization aims to strengthen its existing programs and explore new partnerships to further its mission of ensuring college success for all students.