Governance Structure
When Say Yes to Education established a Syracuse chapter in 2008 to ensure that all Syracuse City School District (SCSD) students would have the opportunity to obtain a post-secondary education, the long-term goal was for the chapter to become independently governed and administered at the local level. That day came on July 1, 2020 when the Central New York Community Foundation assumed the governance of Say Yes scholarships and personnel from Say Yes to Education, Inc.
Say Yes Syracuse continues to offer a fully endowed last-dollar tuition guarantee scholarship to all eligible SCSD students. All wrap-around supports, including family support specialists, mental health clinics and legal services continue unchanged. We are excited to begin this new phase based in local guidance and expertise, which is sure to benefit Syracuse children for generations to come.
In addition to the work of the Community Foundation, Say Yes Syracuse is governed through a partnership between the Syracuse City School District, Onondaga County, the city of Syracuse, Syracuse University, Onondaga Community College, college and university partners, the Syracuse Teachers’ Association, the Syracuse Association of Administrators and Supervisors, the American Institutes for Research, and a diverse group of Syracuse area corporate, non-profit, and philanthropic organizations. This collaborative, cross-government approach provides holistic, year-round support to Syracuse City School District students during their K-12 years and beyond.