How YCCOSP Helped Me to Become a Professional

by Ruth Tyler ’09, Underwriting Assistant, Glatfelter Public Practice

I was very fortunate to be selected to be in the York College Community Opportunity Scholarship Program (YCCOSP). YCCOSP provides York City School District students (like me) the opportunity to attend college regardless of financial circumstances. The program also promotes and assists with career and leadership opportunities, which is crucial in today's economy.

When I was a freshman at William Penn High School, I first learned of the scholarship program. After I went through the process of applying, I was eventually selected. During the next four years, I received additional enrichment and guidance to facilitate graduating from high school with the academic credentials required for acceptance to York College.

Nothing can really prepare you for college, but YCCOSP helped me navigate my way so I didn't feel lost or overwhelmed. When things did become difficult, I was also able to lean on other YCCOSP students and staff for support. 

The program also gave me the financial support I needed, and in exchange, required me to work on campus. I worked in the Campus Programming Center to fulfill my ten-hour work obligation to live on campus. Because of my job, I was able to network with people from all over campus.

Admittedly, I began the program as one of the students who was very vocal about not liking the workshops YCCOSP students were required to attend. It was not until my junior and senior years at York College that I really understood and appreciated what YCCOSP workshops had to offer. For example, as a freshman I would complain about having to write and rewrite my resume. As I matured, I realized how important my resume would be to my success and how lucky I was to attend these types of workshops. 

During your senior year of college you can feel just as lost as your freshman year. I know that's how I felt. Fortunately, YCCOSP was there again to help me move on to the next step in my life. The networking events were very helpful in learning how to dress, talk and act in the professional world. When I finally did get an internship with Glatfelter Insurance Group, I applied everything I learned from York College and YCCOSP. My professionalism and proficient work ethic contributed to me landing a full-time position in a division of Glatfelter at the completion of the internship. In fact, the position was created for me because of the impression I made on the organization during my internship.

Some people may not realize how much a program like YCCOSP can help York City and its youth, but I do. YCCOSP gives hope to so many students who desire to better their lives but don't have money to do it on their own. YCCOSP is letting York City students know it doesn't matter what color they are or how much money their parents make, they too can go to college and become a professional.

Since 1989, over 162 students have been or are currently enrolled in YCCOSP. The program began with four sophomore students at William Penn High School and has expanded to now enroll 24 students at the high school level and 34 students at York College. As of June 2009, YCCOSP graduated 21 students from York College, with eight more graduating in Spring 2010.

For more information on the YCCOSP program contact Selina Walker, YCCOSP coordinator, at 717.815.1482 or smwalker@ycp.edu.