Cincinnati Youth Collaborative (CYC)
Empowers vulnerable children and young adults to overcome obstacles and succeed in education, career, and life.
John E. Pepper
John E. Pepper
Retired Chairman & CEO of the Procter & Gamble Co. (illustrious 40-year career)
John Pepper, founded CYC in 1987 in response to rapidly escalating high-school dropout rates. Given his vision & under his guidance, CYC has compiled a 30+ year history of helping over 180,000 vulnerable youth overcome obstacles and succeed in education, career and life.John currently serves on CYC͛s Advisory Committee and has engaged the support of many P&G associates including:
- Toi C. Jones: a P&G Alum and Chair of the CYC Executive Committee. Toi has served with CYC for 12 years and is also Founder & President of Onyx Sourcing Solutions.
- Jeff Wampler: a current P&G employee, is on the CYC Board of Directors and Chairperson of the Marketing Committee. He is a long-time CYC Mentor.
- Stephanie Shepherd: a current P&G employee as well, serves on the CYC board Mission P&G Alum and its Finance Committee.
“CYC has shown me the importance of leadership and the power of the human spirit. The fact that with support, just about everyone can succeed. Providing that support is one of the greatest privilege any one of us can share.” John E. Pepper, CYC Founder
Nearly a third of students in the United States will fail to graduate with their high school class this year. In Ohio alone, 66 students will drop out of high school every day this year. Research proves that the best solutions to escalating dropout rates occur when concerned citizens, educators, employers and civic groups work together to positively affect the lives of those at risk.
To learn more about Cincinnati Youth Collaborative (CYC), click here to visit their website.
CYC’s Jobs for Cincinnati Graduates͛ (JCG) program aims to address dropout rates with prevention/educational support initiatives designed to ensure that youth stay in, progress through and ultimately graduate from high school. The program includes a job-shadowing experience in, and network connections to, the region͛s most in-demand work sectors, allowing youth to graduate the program and enter the type of employment that guarantees both a living wage and progressive, sustainable career.
The 2017 P&G Alumni Foundation grant of $25,000 will support the JCG program, its staffing, and out of class activities including job-shadowing, site visits, and campus tours that expose city youth to post-secondary educational pathways. More than 600 participants will be included in the program this academic year with the goals of delivering a 90% grade improvement rate, an 80% attendance improvement rate and a 90% graduation rate for JCG students, among other outcomes. The program includes an additional post-graduation 12-month follow-up to ensure graduates progress on their chosen path and achieve greater financial independence and economic well-being. An estimated 200 students are expected to become employed during the 2017/18 academic year.
JCG to Cincinnati Cooks to Culinary Arts!
Ra’Niece’s story is one of exceptional perseverance and dedication.
Through the JCG program, Ra’Niece earned her high school diploma and was introduced to the Cincinnati Cooks program participating initially in its Summer Work Experience Opportunity Program. Supported by her JCG & CYC mentors and following her ambition to become a pastry chef, she applied for and was accepted into Cincinnati Cooks Course 2 which paved the way to her acceptance in the Culinary Arts program at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College – where she is currently a freshman.
