Youth and alumni tell us why they come to SAYA! in their own words:

"I come to SAYA! for community. In high school, everyone is mean.  They gossip, they turn their backs on you.  At SAYA! I see people who look like me, dress like me, know about what I eat and the holidays I celebrate. I feel safe."

"I come to SAYA! for the free SAT classes."

"It’s all about the basketball!  I was a real bully in school before I came to SAYA!  Sports has helped me work out my anger issues."

"I'm the first in my family to go to college.  At SAYA!, they helped me make a decision about college.   I had no idea about where to apply or how to write a college essay. I didn’t know I was eligible for scholarships or financial aid.  I attended an essay workshop and receive ongoing support on many drafts until I was ready to submit my application."

"I come to SAYA! for the 1-1 relationship with an adult mentor.  At my school, none of the counselors know my name!"

"I can take pride in being brown, Muslim, South Asian and immigrant."

"SAYA! is youth-centered. Youth have a real voice in the programs."

"My parents trust SAYA!"