Empowering Students. Inspiring Futures.

Join the movement to keep our youth on the path to graduation and success.

Who We Are

I WILL GRADUATE Youth Development Program is dedicated to serving and empowering students, families, and the community by communicating the importance of educational excellence. We accomplish our goals through youth development programs, arts-in-education, college and career guidance, mentoring, parent engagement, school and community workshops, exciting events, and the use of multimedia platforms.

in 2005…

In 2005, moved by NYC’s alarming dropout rates, music executive J.P. Taylor and former educator Tonya Lewis combined their resources and industry connections to create the I WILL GRADUATE Youth Development Program.

Only about 46% of New York City students graduated on time, with nearly half either dropping out or requiring additional time

46%

37%

Only 37% of Black and Latino students graduated on time in some districts, showing persistent racial and economic divides in graduation outcomes

50%

Schools with the lowest graduation rates had dropout rates close to 50%, making educational success an exceptional challenge for many students

INSPIRE.

We inspire our youth to take responsibility for bettering themselves. We utilize high-profile individual's star power and influence to enlighten youth about the importance of education, personal advancement, and social commitment.

CONNECT.

We connect our youth and families to resources and opportunities designed to assist students in overcoming challenges and achieving academic and personal excellence.

EMPOWER.

We empower our youth by sharing information and knowledge through workshops and events that provide the tools needed to set and achieve goals. We help them believe in themselves and realize their incredible potential.

Explore our programs

Help Us Empower NYC Students for success

Your monetary donation will help fund academic, art and youth empowerment programs for over 21,000 students across New York City.

Together, we are providing opportunities and developing our leaders of tomorrow.