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Youth of the Year

2024 Youth of the Year
AVID/TOPS Representatives

Ameria S.

My name is Ameria Scott, and I am a senior at Vel Phillips Memorial High School. My future goal is to attend a four-year institution such as Morgan State University in Baltimore, Mary- land. With my education I plan to become a Behavioral Therapist or a Family Consumer Sci- ence Teacher, also minoring in business to give myself more options and opportunities. I would love to pursue those careers because I am very passionate about helping others with their mental health challenges in their day-to-day lives. I am also passionate about actively promoting the voices of black people, advocating for equal opportunities, and supporting mental health within the black community. As I grow I would like to move to different states to experience new adventures and differ- ent cultures. Some extracurriculars I participate in: being a council member of Dear Diary, a Council member of The Youth Advisory Board, helping younger students with literacy, presi- dent of Black Student Union, president of multicultural club, and volunteer club.

Jesse L.

My name is Jesse Lenya, and I am a senior at La Follette High School. After graduating high school, my plan is to attend college with a major in biology. I've been able to apply to numer- ous colleges, but my top two college choices are UW Madison and the University of Chicago. Growing up, I've been able to explore the many career opportunities I could partake in, ultimately deciding to take my interest into the health field to become an anesthesiologist. When I am not at school and preparing for my post-secondary education, one of my favorite hobbies to partake in is binge watching shows/movies. I've been able to be a part of track and field for three years now and soon to be four. There are varieties of issues to focus on but I'm set on being an advocate for social justice. As a black male, or rather, being black in my society, I've come to see the unfair distribution of resources laid upon us as individuals. All together, I am honored for the amazing opportu- nity that was given to me to be the La Follette High School Youth of the Year.

Sandy Flores Ruiz

My name is Sandy Flores Ruiz, and I am a senior at West High School. I want to attend Colum- bia University to study political science and then go to law school. I was inspired to pursue a career in law after realizing there are thousands of immigrant families unaware of their rights who have no voice in this country. I wish to advocate for immigrant families and help families reunite with their loved ones. I am also the president of Familia Latina and a part of two scholarship programs, PEOPLE program and the Sanchez Scholars. When I am not in the classroom, I am often at the gym. For the future, I hope to open up my own law firm and inspire others to pursue their dreams no matter the circumstances they may encounter.

Will Carter

My name is Will Carter, and I'm a junior at East High interested in law and politics. My dream school is Northwestern University because of the amazing people in my family it has pro- duced. I enjoy piano as a time to free my mind from academics and practice creating my own interpretation for pieces I enjoy. I love reading novels to immerse myself in complex world-building that can replace reality. I love debate for its in-depth problem solving with other passionate students. I hope to bring my passion around problem solving and optimiza- tion to a career in law and help make decisions for the better of my community.

Jocelyn Hernandez

My name is Jocelyn Hernandez, and I am a senior at Verona Area High School. I identify as Mexican American, daughter of immigrant parents. I aspire to go to college at the Universi- ty of Wisconsin-Madison to pursue a career in STEM. I enjoy spending time with friends, the color green, and helping others. I am involved in school organizations such as Avance Latinx and Latinos Unidos. I hope to one day work towards acceptance and inclusion for all immigrant individuals in academic settings. As Youth of the Year, my main objective will be to simply be there. Being there to represent students who are just like me; those who come from hard-working communities and strive to get far in life, if not for them, then for the people who face unspeakable challenges to be here next to them.

COLLEGE DECISION DAY

College Decision Day is a partnership event between Madison Metropolitan School District and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, designed to celebrate our AVID/TOPS students as they transition from high school to their post-secondary plans.

The scholars attend La Follette, Memorial, East or West High Schools and are part of the AVID/TOPS program. AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) is a college readiness system that includes an elective course focused on organizational strategies, study skills, critical thinking, tutorial support, and career and college awareness. AVID is partnered with the TOPS (Teens of Promise) program through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County.

Join us in recognizing these exceptional individuals by registering for this virtual event.

Book Stipend FUND

How Stipends Impact Students

Book stipends will support all of our graduating high school seniors and help them purchase textbooks next fall.

In 2021, the average cost for full-time, undergraduate students at a four-year university for books and supplies per year was approximately $1240.00
In 2020, 25% of students indicated they worked extra hours to pay for their books and materials and 11% skipped meals in order to afford books and course materials
In 2021, nearly 66% of students avoided buying course materials when possible due to steep prices

$2,500 RAISED TOWARDS our goal of $60,000 IN BOOK STIPENDS FOR THIS YEAR

Help us ensure success for our college bound members and donate TODAY

Student Testimonials

"BGCDC has given me opportunities that normally would have not been achievable without coaching and encouragement. I went from someone who hated school to finding freedom in college as I found a career path I loved, and I learned to enjoy classes"

Mario C.

Madison College

"Being in college has been incredibly expensive and difficult. My last semester books were incredibly expensive and costly. It would help me get the books I needed right away without hesitation of money being an issue. I currently work 3 jobs to pay for my bills and school along with helping my family when I can, so I don't have extra money to spend on things that aren't necessities."

Cynthia C.

University of Dubuque

"Stipends would help me by alleviating a lot of my financial burden and allowing me to put all of my time and focus into my studies. If awarded this stipend, I will continue to put in the effort and hours needed in order to succeed, making my education my top priority in school."

Lhaki T.

Edgewood College

over 650 students enrolled in college

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