"Defying the Odds" for Students in Newburgh, NY

This fall, San Miguel Academy of Newburgh entered its tenth year of teaching underserved, at-risk children in one of the most violent cities in New York State. The success of the program is the changed lives of both of students and their families and those who work with them. At the Tenth Annual Dinner held in October, we honored founding member and trustee Gregory Kiernan. The tremendous support of families and friends of SMAN at the dinner was a sight to behold.  The keynote speaker for the evening was one of our eighth graders, who is the fourth and youngest child in his family to attend the school. His words exemplified the changes occurring due to the nurturing environment and strong education at SMAN. His oldest brother was already drifting into trouble by the end of fourth grade and his parents found San Miguel and put their hopes for their child in the hands of the newly formed school.  The youngest brother said that he grew up knowing he was going to go to SMAN and that college was his goal. Research shows that growing up thinking you are going to college is a strong indicator of success versus growing up thinking high school is your highest educational goal.  Our students see where they are headed because they now see where their predecessors are and the alumni come back to SMAN to talk to the younger students. Each year, alumni come back the day before Thanksgiving to talk to the current students and this year was no different. The younger children are "all ears" as the alumni tell them how to be open to change, set their own goals, and to make it through high school and college without getting derailed.

The major building blocks of the SMAN education are Place and Project Based Learning, the Step Up (after school) program, Summer Scholars Program, High School Placement and Graduate Support Program, College Access Program and the Child and Family Services Program.  Because the school is tuition-free, fundraising is a huge part of our daily mission. We have two fundraisers, including the Annual Dinner and a spring walk across the Beacon Bridge. The rest of the funds are from individuals, foundations and businesses. It is through the generosity of many that the lives of these children are transformed.  With your help, we can make it happen.

Thank you and we wish you all a happy holiday season.