SAYA! understands that students who are new to this country and those who were born to children of South Asian immigrants are in great need of supportive counseling and introductions to their new school system and society. If you've just immigrated to the USA, attending school can be as overwhelming as it is exciting. Recent immigrant students dive into a whole new educational environment: new methods, new people, new ways of doing things. SAYA! helps ease the burden of this experience by acting as a bridge between young people and their schools, workplaces and communities.

Students who've been here for a while have different needs--they sometimes feel both foreign and American. It can be confusing. Sometimes it helps to know that you're not alone--the challenges you're facing are common to teenagers living in urban areas throughout the United States. There is help available. Through SAYA!, students can receive academic tutoring, employment training and college and career guidance. But it's not all work and no play... We offer plenty of chances to let loose and get involved with recreation and the arts!

At SAYA! and on participating school campuses, we offer tutoring, courses in English as a second language, and SAT preparation classes. If you're on your way toward college, SAYA! can help you pick the right college, navigate the application process, show you how to ace the interview, and we'll also introduce you to the world of financial aid.

For many teens, this educational assistance could mean the difference between a successful college experience and no college at all. One of our favorite success stories is about Shanur, who was struggling through his senior year of high school when he first came to SAYA! Initially, Shanur didn't know if he'd even graduate, but after tutoring, college counseling, and a whirlwind SAT preparation program, not only did he get his high school diploma, he also nabbed a scholarship to City College. How's that for a success story? His GPA is currently above 3.0. and he is a valued volunteer tutor at the SAYA! center.