Young Scholars Academy

Founded and sponsored by Richard D. Waterfield, YSA aims to improve educational options for northeast Indiana students in several ways:

• Making college more accessible
• Raising the standards of scholarship and the quality of education
• Nurturing a genuine community that serves others and gives back to the world
• Developing character in future leaders

Academic Support and Educational Experiences

Students receive academic support and experience a variety of educational opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom:

• Mentorship from 7th to 12th grade
• Individualized advising with college counselors
• College trips and field studies
• Arts and cultural excursions
• Access to academic and career opportunities

A Drive to Learn and a Passion to Succeed

While academic aptitude is important, YSA also looks for these characteristics in prospective students:

• Commitment to the academy and its mission
• Persistence in academic and career goals
• Desire to attend college after high school
• Openness to join a supportive, challenging, and stimulating learning community
• Vision to learn from and listen to people who come from diverse racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds
• Passion for serving people and the community

Activities

The program includes student opportunities for both group activities and individual support throughout the year:

• Weekly or biweekly meetings during the school year with a faculty mentor 
• Monthly meetings from September to April (held on the second Saturday)
• Two-to-three-week Summer Academy every June (unless the student is enrolled in a different academic summer camp)

Parents also play an important and active role through their service and engagement. They assist the students and the academy in a variety of ways:

• Attending meetings, seminars, or workshops 
• Volunteering during at least one academy-related event in a school year
• Chaperoning at least one of the field studies or college trips

YSA is now housed at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne.

If you have questions, please contact Nicholas Gray, VP of Strategic Partnerships and Workforce Development: [email protected]