An affiliated organization of YMA. Free academic support and SHSAT tutoring for students in underfunded communities.
The Youth Academic Initiative (YAI) is a separate organization affiliated with the Youth Medical Association. YAI was established to bridge the gap in academic support for students in underfunded communities by offering free tutoring in SHSAT prep, Algebra 1, Chemistry, Biology, and Geometry.
YAI's mission is to give students the resources and guidance they need to excel academically, regardless of their financial or social circumstances. Not all communities have access to high-quality academic resources, and many students struggle to prepare for major exams like the SHSAT, which determines placement in New York City's specialized high schools.
YAI levels the playing field for students from different backgrounds and creates opportunities for students to take control of their own education.
All sessions are led by tutors from specialized high schools who have excelled in these subjects and achieved high scores on the SHSAT themselves. The SHSAT program is completely remote, making it accessible to students across the city. Students can opt in or out as needed, with no pressure to commit long-term.
For tutors, YAI offers benefits like gaining teaching experience, community service hours, and the opportunity to help students achieve their academic goals while developing valuable leadership and teaching skills.