First, we want to congratulate the CYDI Class of 2022. The graduating class of 2022 has overcome unprecedented challenges both inside and outside the classroom. Despite the changes, these CYDI high school seniors’ accomplishments are very meaningful to us. During this school year, these students overcame a range of challenges such as lack of motivation, difficulty managing distractions at home, and/or lack of structure. Many of our students couldn’t take advantage of traditional academic supports, and some have already transitioned to full or part time in the workforce. We salute the entire CYDI Class of 2022 for displaying grit, fortitude and perseverance in the face of unprecedented challenges brought on by the pandemic. Every element of life has been disrupted and things still have lots of uncertainty. There is no such thing as “normal life”. The pandemic has forced this graduating class to be thankful and appreciative for health, life and opportunities. In a totally new way, many graduates appreciated the opportunity to continue working safely in the hands-on CYDI Labs throughout the pandemic. In this school year, our graduates learned to be much more appreciative about having access to the stable and encouraging CYDI school environment, caring staff and the student supports offered at CYDI.
We held our 2022 Commencement Ceremony at the Kroc Center on June 15th, 2022 at 10am. This year, we’re proud to say that we graduated 40 students. The event was attended by approximately 200 parents, friends and other family. We were also honored to commemorate the occasion with special guests Senator Jacqueline Collins and Alderman David Moore. Both of these civic leaders took time out of their busy schedules to share and encourage the students. Both Senator Collins and Alderman Moore are long term residents and supporters of the community, education and specifically supporters of CYDI. The students heard their powerful messages about the “Alternative becoming the preferred” and being “CYDI Ready”. We believe each and every student felt their passion and will build upon today’s powerful motivational and inspirational messages. We are eternally grateful for their commitment to the community and for investing in our students and the CYDI 2022 Commencement Ceremony.
Personalized Learning Experience
The 2022 graduates have worked hard to get where they are, and we know they’re going to do great things in the future. We know that student achievement is a direct result of the passion and dedication of our staff. They’ve gone above and beyond to make sure that our students have the skills they need to be successful after high school. Each of these graduates came to CYDI and crafted an individual learning plan based on their goals, interests and skills. Each plan is ubique for every student and designed to help students pursue their dreams. CYDI uses each learning plan to provide flexible and adaptive solutions in terms of curriculum, course offerings and assistance for students and still provide a high-quality, equitable education for each student. Each instructor maintained high standards and allowed students multiple avenues to reach those standards. The school provided engaging and rigorous work, and support each day virtually and in person in the hands on CYDI Labs. It was amazing to see how students were motivated to find new ways of accomplishing school tasks. Students were stretched beyond their comfort zone and into the creative zone as independent problem solvers.
Although it hasn’t been a traditional learning year, CYDI graduating students have had to consistently use 21st-century skills that they will use throughout their professional careers. They have adapted their learning to meet their individual needs and their learning environment. They are going to carry this adaptability with them for a long time as they work toward post-secondary goals. Even through these uncertain times, the CYDI graduates have demonstrated the knowledge and skills to lead productive and rewarding lives. But perhaps more importantly than the academic knowledge, these graduates also have developed non-cognitive skills - such as self-control and executive function -and social emotional skills.
Our Students Are Amazing!
This graduating class can do anything they set their minds to!
Students that can work successfully through the impact of COVID-19 can handle any adversity that comes their way. The perseverance required to survive this past year should bring a new level of confidence about handling adversity in the future. Here are some brief highlights of these seniors’ accomplishments through the global crisis-exceptional attendance, good grades, earned industry certifications, new student businesses started, new student fashion lines, original audio and video production, portfolios of graphic design work, students continuing to rehab a house in the community. Students in this graduating class learned technology and now have an IT portfolio to include gaming computer builds, system setups and software integrations. Students in this graduating class grew as Youtube content creators and increased their following and developed new partnership opportunities. We use a term at Community Youth Development Institute High School called “CYDI Ready”. This is our focus and goal for each of our students to leave our school truly ready for the challenges of the 21st century. CYDI Ready students have the academic, social emotional, job readiness and executive skills to accomplish student’s goals after high school and to a career whether it be college, military, trade school and/or the workforce. These graduates can SHOW you that they are “CYDI Ready”.
“CYDI Ready students have the academic, social emotional, job readiness and executive skills to accomplish student’s goals after high school and to a career whether it be college, military, trade school and/or the workforce. ”
In the history books, the worldwide COVID 19 pandemic will be described as a challenging time. But it’s also a time that the 2022 CYDI graduates got through it and we got through it together. Our graduates learned to make the best use of an unsettling time and adjust to perhaps our “new normal”. Graduation for these students is truly a commencement and I cannot wait to see where they go next! Each student came to CYDI with unique experiences, expectation and background. But now they have a deep shared experience that required focus and intense dedication. They all leave CYDI equipped with a distinctive set of skills and a commitment to improving our community and making a positive impact in the world. They will leave CYDI and find their unique calling in the world. Many will excel in local colleges and HBCUs round the country. Many will transition to the world of work. Whatever path they choose, they will solve tough problems and help create a better future. They will be the business owners, leaders, teachers and activists that our community needs. They will continue to make their families, including the CYDI family, proud. Either way we’ll know that they are strong, they are compassionate, they are resilient and that they are CYDI Ready!
Thank you to all of the teachers, staff, and volunteers who have helped our students along the way. We would also like to thank our governing board, partners, donors, and supporters for making CYDI possible. We want to thank our founders Apostle Aaron and Mable Royster for having a vision that continues on. Lastly, we want to give a special shout-out to the staff at the Kroc Center and their excellent hospitality who helped us on how to make our ceremony a success.
Ready To Reimagine School?
Know someone who needs help achieving their dream career? CYDI can help. Career dreams should be attainable for everyone. No matter your needs, we ensure that you are capable of attaining the career you’ve dreamed of. Click the button below and take the first step to learn more.