Executive Summary

As one of the first South Asian organizations in the United States, SAYA fills a critical role in the positive and holistic development of underserved New York City immigrant youth. Our culturally-responsive programming - centered on the pillars of leadership, academic support, and enrichment - propels the social and emotional growth of our young people and drives education equity. SAYA has made a significant impact on the well-being of our community by fostering resilience and wellness, and increasing access to academic and professional opportunities. A key tenet of our work is cultivating vital social and emotional learning (SEL) skills such as belonging, confidence, and self-efficacy through intentionally designed, research-based curricula. Across our organization, services tailored for different age groups include leadership and identity development, academic support that bridges learning gaps, comprehensive college preparation, and activities that nurture creativity and build positive peer connections. We prioritize cultural proficiency by actively recruiting staff who have personal connections to the community, and value the inclusion of SAYA alumni, college students, and community members. We are proud to have our leadership reflect the youth we serve - with our executive team comprised entirely of individuals of color, and our board all individuals of South Asian descent. Our work remains agile and adaptive, providing high quality programs that develop our young people’s personal agency. By providing mentorship and facilitating opportunities to an increasing number of youth each year, we not only contribute to their personal success but also generate positive outcomes for their families and future generations.

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