About Dr. Young & The Scholarship
Dr. Nathan Young was a distinguished educator who devoted his professional life to fostering the advancement of children in The Bronx. He himself had been internationally educated, having been born and raised in the working class East End of London. He emigrated to this country as a teenager and settled in the South Bronx with his family in 1929. Soon he enrolled at Morris High School, from which he graduated with Honors in 1932. He then attended City College of New York, earning a Phi Beta Kappa key upon completion of his Bachelor's degree, and proceeding to earn a Master's there as well.
He promptly embarked upon his pedagogical career in the public school system of the City of New York, which was interrupted by service in the United States Army during World War II. Resuming his teaching duties following his discharge, he eventually joined the faculty of Evander Childs High School in the northeast Bronx, where he taught history and social studies for more than two decades. He also undertook further graduate studies, completing his Doctorate in Education at Yeshiva University in 1963.
Following the decentralization of the school system which created community school districts, Dr. Young was chosen as the Assistant Superintendent of District 7 in the South Bronx in charge of supervising guidance counselors throughout its schools. It was from this position, in one of the poorest schools districts in the nation, that he helped propel the academic careers of countless students who - reprising his own experience - were members of financially challenged families in the South Bronx. Serving in this capacity until his retirement in 1978, Dr. Young left an indelible mark on the community and the borough of which he had long been an integral part.
Two years after Dr. Young passed away in 1984, his family established the Dr. Nathan Young Memorial Scholarship Corporation so that students from the South Bronx would continue receiving needed academic help. Though his sagacious advice could never be duplicated, the family decided that providing financial assistance would at least perpetuate the spirit of Dr. Young's endeavors.
Therefore an annual stipend was created to be awarded to a college bound student who was graduating from a New York City public high school and who had attended the secondary schools of District 7. This program was continued until the district was itself abolished under a reorganization. Since then the scholarship has been granted to a graduating senior from the Morris Academy academic complex.
Each year, faculty from Morris Academy nominate graduating seniors pursuing higher education for the Scholarship. A board committee reviews each candidate's credentials thoroughly and chooses a recipient who is presented with the award at Graduation ceremonies each June.
The grants provided by the Corporation make a profound difference in the lives of their recipients. Even when they receive other forms of financial assistance, the costs of their books and other assorted expenses present a daunting financial challenge. The Corporation therefore enables them to pursue their studies on a level playing field. It is truly a situation in which every dollar is extraordinarily helpful.
Therefore, to honor Dr. Young by making an investment in our community, we ask you to consider making a tax deductible contribution to the Corporation as part of your charitable giving.
