My name is Megan Youngs, and I am fundraising on behalf of my sister, Katelynn Youngs. Kate will be a graduate of Sidney High School this June! Those who know Kate know her options out of high school are plentiful. She will be enrolling in SUNY Broome this upcoming fall but has been indecisive about what to study. As her sister, I have watched her navigate through all of her options, but recently, something different has caught her eye. Kate discovered The School of The New York Times, a competitively selective summer program for high school graduates. She has always been in love with writing and journalism, so to no shock, she immediately applied and was accepted quickly! This program would allow her to spend time living in New York City on a college campus while working closely with professional writers, journalists, editors, and media personnel. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will open many doors for her. However, it is very costly. I would like to ask those who know and love Kate to consider giving her an early graduation gift! I truly have never seen her so excited about something, and I want nothing more than for her to experience this! Below, I have attached a copy of Kate’s personal statement that got her accepted into the program if anyone would like to read & see her passion for this field! Thank you in advance! ❤️

I am Katelynn Youngs, and I am eager to be part of the New York Times Summer Academy program, an incredible opportunity to take my interest in writing and journalism to the next level. I have always excelled in English and always wanted to take it further; excited to be a part of something which will only improve skills and mold future paths. In the little town of Sidney, New York, growing up I felt that I was deprived of various academic opportunities. However, it instilled in me the values of hard work and discipline that kept me motivated to pursue my passion for journalism. High school often made me question my chosen path. I was in a dark place of isolation, but writing kept me afloat during the roughest of times. Journalism became my purpose, as it allowed me to speak out and help others. I’m very passionate about writing, feeling, and thinking about human experiences, while understanding different perspectives. Moreover, my passion for history and politics complement my writing literacy to make me a better-informed person as our world keeps changing every single day. This course offers me connections with students who think similarly, insights from the professionals, and a versatile education. This program is the best place for me to grow, gain necessary tools for my career, and build a positive impact on the world. Journalism has no bounds, the ways are unlimited. Literature is the foundation of humanity, instilling passion to every person it touches.