Young Scholars' Institute

Programs

Young Scholars’ Institute is a non-profit learning center that provides educational, cultural and recreational activities for students in grades K-12. Through programs such as one-to-one tutoring, SAT preparatory courses, enrichment classes, college tours and college admissions workshops, YSI strengthens the basic skills necessary for our students to excel academically and to pursue higher education opportunities.

Program	Grades	Description
Tutoring	K-12	Volunteer tutors from local colleges and the community provide weekly one-hour instruction in specific subjects. Tutoring is held Monday through Thursday from 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. during the academic year. Registration is required.
After School Enrichment Program (ASEP)	K-8	ASEP is open to Trenton Community Charter School students only. Participants engage in academic and recreational activities. Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m.– 6:00 p.m. Registration is required.
Science Exploration Program (SEP)	4-5	SEP is an enrichment program introducing concepts of science and math in a fun learning environment. Classes are held every Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. during the academic year. Registration is required.
Preparation For Reaching Excellence Program (PREP)	6-8	Middle school students study English and math concepts that reinforce reading, writing and math skills. Classes are held on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registration is required.
Princeton Model Congress (PMC)	10-12	Princeton University students train YSI students during a six-week program, co-sponsored by YSI and Princeton University’s Model Congress. Our students prepare to present public issues, write legislation, and debate public policy. Scholars participate in a four-day national conference in Washington, DC in November. An essay and registration are required.
Supplemental Education Services (SES)	K-12	SES offers academic support through the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Eligible students receive after-school assistance in language arts and math through one-to-one tutoring and small group instruction. Qualifying students must meet federal income standards and be enrolled in a “In Need of Improvement “ district. Registration is required.
English as a Second Language (ESL)	9-12	Students who are enrolled in the ESL classes throughout Mercer County are tutored in English speaking, writing and reading comprehension. Classes are held every Saturday morning and times vary. Registration is required.
SAT Preparation Course	11-12	Princeton Review instructors provide math and verbal instruction to prepare students for the SAT I. The course is offered once each semester. Time and days will vary. Registration is required.
College Tours	7-12	YSI staff and parents chaperone bus trips for middle and high school students to visit colleges and universities in the fall and spring of each year. Dates vary. Scholarships available based on documented need. Registration is required.
College Admissions Workshop (CAW)	8-12	YSI staff facilitates an all-day workshop that provides information on college admission, financial aid and career planning for students and parents. Workshops are held in the spring of each year. Dates vary. Registration is required.
Resource Library	9-12	The resource library contains applications, brochures and catalogues, as well as financial aid forms and scholarship information for independent schools, summer programs and colleges. The Library is open to everyone.
Student Support Services (SSS)	6-12	YSI staff provides individual counseling and assistance with applications to independent schools, enrichment programs and colleges as well as financial aid and career planning to students and parents. Registration is required.
Career Speaker Series (CSS)	6-12	YSI offers motivational talks featuring career professionals from the Trenton community who discuss career planning and relate personal experiences. Question and answer periods are a part of each session. Time and day vary. Light refreshments are provided.
Young Scholars' Institute Summer Enrichment Programs (ESEP, MSEP, PREP)	3-8	Elementary and middle school students participate in morning classes and afternoon recreational activities daily for six weeks. Academic classes include math, science, reading and writing. The program is held Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. during July and August. Registration and a minimum deposit are required.
LINKS - YSI Family to Family Mentoring Program	4-12	Members of LINKS, a professional women's organization serve as mentors providing educational and moral support to children of YSI and their families.
Parents' Workshop	All	Many of today’s serious topics on cognitive development, social and emotional issues and concerns are the highlights of this workshop. Guest speakers discuss issues of concern with families and their children. Dates and times will vary. Registration is required.
YSI Mentoring Program	K- College	YSI staff members mentor youth of YSI and their families. They provide moral and educational support in helping students and their parents make important decisions to plan for their future.
Family Holiday Gathering	All	Each December YSI hosts a festive holiday gathering for YSI families. YSI parents volunteer and donate delicious ethnic foods and desserts. Entertainment and gifts are provided by YSI.
YSI Holiday Project	All	YSI provides holiday food baskets and gifts for families of YSI participants. Generous donors and volunteers coordinate a holiday gift basket and food giveaway to needy families.
College Student Mailing	College	Twice a year, YSI expresses love to approximately 100 YSI college students. “Love packages” are mailed with many needed items and news from home. Families, friends and corporations donate new items and baked goods.
College Student Gathering	College	In December and June YSI hosts a supportive and motivating networking activity for college students. Career speakers discuss career planning and future opportunities and goals. Entertainment and refreshments are included.
YSI Family and Community Mailing	All	Letters and flyers are sent to YSI families, churches, community organizations and schools, informing the community of YSI programs.