The Time is Now: The Campaign for SYA

The Campaign for SYA is not intended to buy, build or renovate a structure, but rather to inspire, embrace and support the people and the heart of SYA. This continues a history of inspiring young people to think beyond what they know and to grow in ways they never thought possible, as the quotes from those above can attest. What does the SYA experience mean to you?

With just over a week to go in our unprecedented comprehensive capital campaign, we are nearly at the $17 million mark of our $18 million goal. Never before has SYA embarked on such an ambitious fundraising endeavor to secure the endowment of student aid, faculty and curricular innovation, and support current operations through the SYA Fund.

No people? No problem!
During a challenging year that saw empty campuses abroad, SYA jumped into the virtual world, hosting a variety of engaging online webinars and classes for alumni, parents and SYA friends.
From Italian cinema to French art deco to Chinese dumplings to the geopolitical landscape in Spain, our faculty covered a variety of topics through “back to school” Zoom events and language clubs. Participants were able to practice their language skills and share knowledge and new ideas – all while reconnecting with their classmates. Faculty members also partnered with some of our member schools to bring foreign perspectives on art and literature to life through a series of informative webinars.

Did you know that the SYA Class of ’22 will see full campuses in Spain, France and Italy in September?

Did you know that campaign support of our financial aid initiative is making resources like the Malú and Carlos Alvarez Global Scholars Fund available to expand access to SYA and ensure a robust and diverse pool of students from all backgrounds?

Did you know that campaign support allowed SYA to bring back virtually all faculty members at nearly full salary in December to work on expanding SYA’s experiential curriculum? They were able to engage in professional development around pedagogy and issues of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion to better support students from all backgrounds and identities. SYA also offered virtual classes to alumni and allowed many to reconnect with their past teachers!

Y2K was a bust, Facebook and other social media platforms exploded, and the Harry Potter series debuted. SYA France dedicated Villa Alvarez, its permanent home in Rennes, SYA Italy opened its doors in Viterbo and SYA China marked its 20-year anniversary in Beijing, highlighted by a visit from First Lady Michelle Obama and China’s First Lady Peng Liyuan. Check out other SYA memories and add your own!

SYA alums continue to shine, thanks to robust financial aid and unique experiential learning opportunities abroad.

"Expecting the Unexpected” - Meet our first Alvarez Global Scholars, Annika Milliman FR’20 and Frances Lebowitz IT’20, and learn why the SYA student aid initiative is so critical to our future.

"Quantum Leap” - Merritt Moore IT’05, ballerina and physicist, on the value of cultural immersion.

“On the Rails in Rennes” - Gardner Krag FR’19 shares the inspiration for his SYA capstone project.  

Ronald Reagan was elected president, the Berlin Wall crumbled, Madonna was big, and our hair was even bigger! In the 90s, the internet exploded and Google, Ebay and Amazon went live. At SYA, we welcomed Francesca Piana of SYA Spain as our first female resident director, and launched a semester program at SYA China with 18 students.

Meet some SYA alums who are using their voices to foster peace and empathy:

 “A provocative, revolutionary story-teller” – Cheo Hodari Coker ES’89 credits SYA for cultural confidence

“Pen Over Sword” - Susan Benesch FR’81 on dismantling dangerous speech around the globe

“The world needs more listeners” - Maya Angela Smith ES’99 and the power of language studies

Whether you wore penny loafers, shoulder pads, bomber jackets or Timberlands, you hold a special place in SYA’s history. 

Learn what inspires SYA pioneer and enduring supporter Stephen Foster ES'65 to stay engaged with SYA 56 years later.

Listen to globetrotting human rights lawyer Douglass Cassel ES'65 ES'11P tell the story of attending protests in Barcelona under Franco's rule.

Trailblazers Emily Nicklin ES'71, Janis Tomlinson ES'71, Laura Heery FR'72 and Laura Rodriguez FR'72 share their experiences as the first SYA female students abroad.

The moment has arrived to shepherd SYA into an exciting and promising future! By joining in support of The Campaign for SYA, you can help ensure SYA's continued role in a changing world.

 With just 28 days to go, can you help us unlock the remaining $50,000 of our $500,000 match challenge?

Through the generous support of our community, we have raised over $15.5 million of an ambitious $18 million goal. You know how important the SYA experience is – you’ve lived it firsthand!

Making a gift to The Campaign for SYA will help to advance excellence across all campuses, make the SYA experience accessible to all students, sustain the central source of inspiration and guidance through our educators, and invest in meaningful and ambitious real-world projects.

As we make our way to June 30, we will be celebrating nearly 60 years of students, faculty, and learning across all SYA campuses. Throughout this month, join in our celebration by making your gift, sharing a photo, connecting with your classmates, and telling us what SYA means to you! Share a memory.