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YMWIC Foundation, Inc.

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YMWIC Foundation, Inc.

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YMIC began with an idea generated by its founder and President, Mr. Richard Roberts III. Young Men and Women In Charge (YMWIC) Foundation, Inc.

We accomplish our mission by embracing a family model that provides individually targeted services: academic support and tutoring; involvement of the family in each young scholar’s program; participation in YMWIC programs. As a young engineering student at Widener University, Richard took note that there were not very many young men of color in his program of study. As a professional in the engineering field, he also found that colleagues from minority groups were few and far between. He began to formulate a concept: a program that would support African American and Latino males to develop their academic skills and gain the social supports they would need to be successful in college and in their careers. Initially, a few programs were provided through volunteer efforts, but in 2007, YMIC became incorporated; and in 2010, received its 501 c3 non-profit certification to provide services to youth in 5th through 12th grades in Philadelphia and it's suburban communities. During the 2013-2014 program year, YMIC opened its doors to young women and began doing business as (d.b.a.) to include programs in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) related leadership to young men and young women.

10/29/2026

The YMWIC 2026–2027 Program Year Is Off to a Great Start!

Our Scholars are already engaging in enriching experiences, and there’s still time to join us!

Through hands-on STEM workshops, college and career preparation, academic support, and exciting Scholar events—including our upcoming College & Career Expo on November 14—YMWIC continues to provide opportunities that inspire academic excellence, leadership, and personal growth.

Registration is still open! Don’t miss the opportunity to become part of the YMWIC community. Contact us today to learn more and get involved!

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David Morales, a 7th grade scholar from Coatesville, won a 2nd place medal in the PA Keystone STEM Competition!

His older brother, Jacob Morales, a 9th grade scholar, won 1st place for new competitors at the World Cube Association’s 3x3x3 competition this month.

Scholars working on robotics and programming their robots

10/28/2026

Scholar Spotlight | West Chester Chapter: Symone Howard

Symone Howard has shown great commitment and dedication to YMWIC. Since joining YMWIC in the 6th grade, Symone has continued to grow into a focused, driven, and compassionate young leader. Now a sophomore at Garnet Valley High School, she balances her dedication to academics with her passions for dancing, track, and painting.

Symone’s love for science, especially chemistry, reflects her curiosity and determination to learn and succeed. Her future goals of attending college and becoming a nurse or EMT speak to her caring spirit and desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

We are incredibly proud of her commitment to the YMWIC program over the years and are excited to continue watching her grow, achieve, and inspire those around her.

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10/26/2026

Register Now! YMWIC College & Career Expo – November 14, 2026

The countdown continues! Don’t miss your opportunity to attend the YMWIC Foundation’s Annual College & Career Expo on Saturday, November 14, 2026!

Explore college and career pathways, connect with educational institutions and industry professionals, and discover opportunities to help shape your future.

Have you registered yet? Make sure you have a spot today. Contact us or go to our story for the link to register.

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10/24/2026

Scholar Spotlight – William Penn Chapter: Santigie Thollie

Santigie Thollie is a senior at Penn Wood High School. He has been a Scholar with the YMWIC Foundation since 10th grade. Santigie is interested in pursuing a career in electrical engineering, and he is currently looking at Drexel University, Williamson College of the Trades, and University of Pittsburgh (Pitt).

Initially, Santigie did not love YMWIC; but now, he loves it. His advice to new Scholars is to stick with it, and keep trying no matter what. Santigie’s favorite aspect of YMWIC are the friends he has made.

When asked what the biggest impact of YMWIC Foundation has been for him, he says, “Being able to finally answer the question ‘What do you want to do for your career?’ For the longest time, I didn’t have an answer, but because of this Program, now I do.”

During his high school career, Santigie has achieved Distinguished Honor Roll and received a baseball leadership award. In his free time, Santigie enjoys playing the trumpet and spending time with his niece, nephew, and cat.

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10/23/2026

Coatesville Chapter: Workshop 4 – Preparing for the Science Expo

Our YMWIC Scholars are preparing for the annual Science Expo! During Workshop #4, Scholars explored the scientific process through hands-on experimentation, learning how to collect observations and accurately record data. These essential STEM skills will help them develop, conduct, and present their own scientific experiments at the upcoming YMWIC Science Expo!

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HandsOnLearning ScienceExpo

10/22/2026

Scholar Spotlight – MLK Chapter: Zakiyah Coleman

Zakiyah Coleman is a 12th grade Scholar from the MLK Chapter of YMWIC. She has been a member of YMWIC since 9th grade. Enrollment and active participation in the Program have helped her grow academically and personally. Taking advantage of resources available, guidance from staff, and hands-on learning activities during workshops have helped her become more focused on her education. She enjoys and utilizes Academic Support, Tutoring, Mentoring, and opportunities that prepare Scholars for life skills, college, future careers, and more. The Program has helped her become more responsible and disciplined, encouraged her to maintain good grades and set study goals, and to take her education more seriously.

“In the future, I want to become a realtor, and YMWIC has helped me understand the importance of being prepared, professional, responsible, and confident when working toward a career. The Program provides leadership, financial literacy, and real-world experiences, which are skills I will use now and in the future.”

Zakiyah wants other students to know about YMWIC because it is more than just a scholarship program—it gives students opportunities to improve academically, prepare for college, develop leadership skills, and learn about different careers. She encourages other students to get involved because YMWIC has made a positive impact in my life. Being a Scholar of this Program showed me that the choices I make now can affect opportunities later.

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10/20/2026

Our YMWIC Norristown Chapter Scholars had a great time working together to prepare the reception hall for the NAACP Gala, honoring Norristown officials making a positive impact in our community!

Thank you to the NAACP for allowing our Scholars to serve and be part of this meaningful event!

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10/19/2026

Our Norristown Chapter Scholars also took on the Catapult Challenge during Workshop #3! Through hands-on STEM activities, Scholars explored engineering principles, built catapults, and tested their designs while measuring launch distances.

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10/16/2026

YMWIC Coatesville Chapter – Workshop 3

Our Coatesville Chapter Scholars came together for a hands-on STEM workshop, building catapults, conducting experiments, and measuring launching distances!

YMWIC workshops are designed to foster relationships among Scholars while engaging them in focused activities that explore STEM concepts and their unique interests.

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Login Mohamed and Jana Mohamed

Juliet Johnson with the distance winning catapult ⭐️

Bakari Phelps and Michael Leslie

Milina Dixon and Riya Kumar

Parents: Malinda Tweed-Wilson and Tim Wallace

Karim Mohamed and Tanner Wallace

Jayden Johnson

Parent and Science Guru: Mwita Phelps

10/14/2026

Scholar Spotlight 🔆

Furness Chapter: Ameil Jackson

Ameil Jackson is in 11th grade at Furness High School. He joined YMWIC in 2025 with his twin brother, Aleim. Not only has he attended the College Expo, but he also reports that “it gave me a sense of direction with my career choice and college selection.” After college, Ameil wants to become a mechanical engineer. We admire your hard work, Ameil!

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Address

1160 McDermott Drive
West Chester, PA
19380

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 5pm
Sunday	9am - 5pm

Website

https://www.ymwicfoundation.org/

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