Good day, CharterFolk.
Today we are pleased to present a Contributor Column from Sobeida Cruz, Co-Founder and Trustee at the Charter School of Educational Excellence (CSEE) in Yonkers, New York.
We provide a bio for Sobeida below.
Sobeida Cruz is a Founder of the Charter School of Educational Excellence and a member of the Board. Ms. Cruz was the Director of Public and Governmental Affairs, the Lower Hudson Valley, for the New York Power Authority (“NYPA”). Before joining NYPA in 1983, Ms. Cruz was elected by the members of Community Planning Board #1 in the South Bronx as the first female district manager. Ms. Cruz was the recipient of the National Fellow Program representing the North Eastern Region of the United States, which included a one-year internship in Washington, D.C., at the Department of Heath and Human Services and the White House. She also co-founded the NAICA and 100 Hispanic Women Inc of which she is the President of the Westchester Chapter. She received her bachelor’s degree from Hunter College in New York City and her master’s degree from the University of Southern California.
Longtime readers of CharterFolk may remember that Sobeida was among the trio of extraordinary leaders from CSEE whose contributions we celebrated with a CharterFolk X post.
CSEE managed to push through the challenges portrayed in that column to open their new high school in the fall of 2021. But ridiculous opposition to the school has imposed additional costs on the school, even as it offers program enhancements that make it unique. The challenge has required that CSEE become even more resourceful as it continues to pursue its mission to serve historically underserved students in Yonkers. Today’s column sheds light on how CSEE keeps overcoming obstacles and forging new ground. A special thanks to Sobeida for contributing it.
Let’s get to it.
Foundations Play a Vital Role in Charter School Success
Charter schools have always aimed to provide high-quality education and foster innovation in teaching and learning. However, achieving this mission often requires resources beyond what public funding can provide.
This is where not-for-profit foundations come into play, serving as critical support systems for charter schools. At the Charter School of Educational Excellence (CSEE) in Yonkers, New York …
… we have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of our Foundation in Support of Educational Excellence.
Our foundation hosts an annual gala, a golf event, and other fundraising efforts to supplement the enrichment programs for our K-12 students.
These funds are not merely a financial cushion; they are a lifeline that enables us to provide our low-income Black and Hispanic students with opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible.
The foundation also initiates and develops partnerships with nonprofits that share similar goals. One example is the CSEE’s relationship with STEER for Student Athletes …
… an organization that targets seventh-to-twelfth grade “at promise” student-athletes. STEER defines an “at promise” student-athlete as someone who, by virtue of their circumstance, may be exposed to risk-factors but possess unique qualities and talents that contribute to positive development.
This summer, STEER financed a high school senior’s attendance at a one-week STEM program at Cornell University. This experience introduced the student to university life, with the goal of igniting a passion for science and technology. Additionally, STEER sponsored two seniors to attend a four-day program at Harvard University and sent four other students to the Bruce Beck School of Broadcasting Camp for a week. These opportunities allowed our students to explore their interests in sports broadcasting and experience prestigious academic environments, broadening their horizons and aspirations.
Beyond individual student experiences, our foundation plays a crucial role in preparing our students for long-term success. We have established a partnership with Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) …
… a vital initiative that ensures our students are ready for, enroll in, and complete college. YPIE confronts the challenges of low-income, urban schools by providing families with equitable access to critical tools and services necessary for college success. This partnership has been instrumental in bridging the gap between potential and achievement for our students.
The foundation’s support extends to our communications efforts. By retaining a marketing agency, we can effectively share our success stories with the broader community …
… attract donors, and organize events like our annual gala. This strategic communication helps build a strong network of support around our school, ensuring sustained donor engagement and investment in our mission.
The results of our foundation’s efforts are evident in the achievements of our students. The CSEE’s first graduating seniors in the Class of 2023 accepted offers from prestigious colleges and universities, including two Ivy League admissions. This June’s Class of 2024 saw admissions to New York University, Fordham University, and Pace University. These accomplishments are not isolated incidents but a testament to the consistent support and enrichment provided by our foundation.
Without the critical support of our foundation, these success stories might not be possible. The foundation has helped the CSEE prove that children in poor communities can succeed and compete at the highest levels if they receive the same support and enrichment as students in wealthy communities. This belief in the potential of every child drives our work and underscores the importance of having a dedicated not-for-profit foundation.
Private financial support is indispensable to the success of charter schools. Foundations provide the necessary resources to offer enrichment programs, establish crucial partnerships, and communicate the school’s successes. At CSEE, our foundation has been a cornerstone of our mission to provide high-quality education to all students, regardless of their economic background.
The achievements of our students are a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we invest in their futures. As charter school officials, it is imperative that we recognize and support the vital role of foundations in creating equitable educational opportunities for all students.