Industry NEWS
Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club Hosts Inaugural Scholars Luncheon Celebrating Educational Excellence
The Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club hosted its First Annual Kips Bay Scholars Luncheon on Wednesday, January 29th. The event brought together donors, scholarship recipients and community leaders to celebrate the achievements of local students, and the non-profit’s commitment to supporting and investing in their educational pursuits. On hand was guest speaker Will Reeve, ABC News Correspondent, who inspired attendees with his powerful words on the importance of perseverance and education. To close out the afternoon, organization leaders announced that donor-funded financial awards reached a record-breaking year for the Kips Bay Scholars Program (KBSP)– with over $450,000 awarded to 135 students for the 2024-2025 academic year.
“Education is the foundation for building brighter futures, and through the Kips Bay Scholars Program, we are investing in the potential of our youth,” said Daniel Quintero, Executive Director of the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. “This program is about more than financial support; it’s about fostering confidence, curiosity, and a commitment to achieving one’s dreams while also alleviating some of the economic and emotional stress parents face in navigating their children’s educational journey.”
Since its inception in 2021, KBSP has been a cornerstone of Kips Bay’s mission to empower young people through education, and in recent years, has seen significant growth thanks to the generosity of supporters like The Mott Family and Manny and Elizabeth Villafána, both Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club Trustees. Today’s event highlighted the transformative impact of the program which provides financial assistance to club members and alumni enrolled in tuition-based institutions from elementary school through college.
“Kips Bay didn’t just give me mentors and friends, it gave me a shot and a chance to break free from the cycle everyone expected me to follow,” said Eliezer Then, 2024-25 KBSP Recipient. “The staff showed me what hard work and dedication can achieve. This scholarship isn’t just about money; it’s about proving them – and myself right. It’s about showing everyone back home that a kid from the Bronx can make it, and can have a future brighter than anyone ever imagined. This scholarship is my ticket to that future.”
For over 30 years, Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club has provided scholarship assistance to its club members and alumni on an as needed basis, but since the formation of KBSP, over $1.1 million in financial support has been distributed to over 400 students with goals to exponentially grow the program in the coming year. KBSP is just one of many education and career development-related programs Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club offers, including College Readiness for Teens, Power Hour homework help for youth ages 6-18, DIY STEM for youth ages 9-12 and Money Matters which equips teens with essential financial skills to impact their future. For more information or to donate, please visit www.kipsbay.org.
