EDUCATION FIRST
BETTER WAY ACADEMICS.
The education-focused arm of Better Way, providing dedicated mentorship and academic support to underserved youth and families.
01
OUR MISSION
Transforming the lives of at-risk and underprivileged youth, one child at a time, by providing pathways to a better future through mentorship, academic support, sports, travel opportunities and access to new experiences.
Academic Support
By attending study hall sessions after school with undergraduate students from our local colleges, students will receive one-on-one support with academic role models in an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
02
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Too often, our youth underachieve because there is no expectation of success placed on their lives. We intend to place academic as well as behavioral expectations on their lives and reward their efforts in the classroom as well as their modified behavior with college visits, tickets to professional and collegiate sporting events, recreational trips, educational trips and weekend vacation opportunities.
SHADERI P. TAYLOR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Partnering with local businesses and civic groups, Better Way NY will hold fundraisers to ensure funding for college scholarships. But we cannot do it without you. Relying on you, our generous donors, together we will build pathways to a better future for our youth, one child at a time.
Purpose:
The Shaderi Taylor Memorial Scholarship is established to honor the memory of Shaderi Hopson-Taylor, a dedicated alumna of New Rochelle High School, Class of 1998. Shaderi passed after a hard fought battle with colon cancer. Throughout her battle she maintained a positive outlook on life and continued to uplift and inspire her students despite her physical condition. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing a degree in Education who exemplify resilience and community impact.
Eligibility Criteria:
1. Academic Requirements:
○ Must be a graduating high school senior or current college student.
○ Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
2. Field of Study:
○ Must be planning to major in Education (Elementary, Secondary, Special Education, or related fields).
3. Community Involvement:
○ Demonstrated positive impact on the community through volunteer work, extracurricular activities, or leadership roles (detailed in below essay).
4. Recommendation Letters:
○ One letter of recommendation is required, one from a teacher, school administrator, community leader or mentor.
5. Essays:
○ A personal essay (500-1000 words) detailing the applicant's journey,
contributions to the community, and goals in the field of education; as well as a story of how the applicant overcame a personal challenge or adversity.
6. Application Deadline:
○ All applications must be submitted by May 1st, 2026.
7. Selection Criteria:
○ A selection committee will review applications based on scholarship, community impact, resilience, and potential to contribute positively to the field of Education. Award Amount:
● $1,000
Disbursement:
● The scholarship will be awarded annually and can be used for tuition, books, and other educational expenses.
This scholarship not only honors Shaderi Taylor's legacy but also encourages future educators who are committed to making a difference in their communities despite the challenges they face.
YOUTH TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
For many of our students, the neighborhood that they live in is all that they know of the world. By taking students out of their hometown, state and country we can expose them to the opportunities that await them if they dare to dream bigger!
Travel broadens students’ horizons by immersing them in diverse cultures and global perspectives. These curated trips are designed to build confidence, independence, and a deeper understanding of the world, fostering resilience and curiosity beyond the classroom.
COLLEGE VISITS
We've found that exposing students to college campuses early, starting in 6th grade, helps them visualize themselves in a higher learning environment. By understanding what it takes to get there, they develop a tangible goal that encourages them to take their academic achievements more seriously.
Colleges Visited (Number of Students Taken):
Delaware State University - 7
Hofstra University - 43
Iona College - 21
Rutgers University - 46
Buffalo University - 3
St. Johns University - 6
Georgetown University - 17
Morehouse College - 7
200+ students taken to 8 different colleges and counting...
TRAVELING ABROAD
International travel can profoundly shape a young person’s sense of self by exposing them to diverse cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. It challenges their assumptions, broadens their worldview, and fosters adaptability and independence. Navigating unfamiliar environments helps them develop confidence and resilience, while interactions with people from different backgrounds encourage empathy and open-mindedness. These experiences often lead to personal growth, helping youth better understand who they are and where they fit in the world.
Traveling Abroad (Number of Students Taken):
New Zealand - 1
Puerto Rico - 4
Canada - 3
8 students taken to 3 countries!
BETTER WAY LEARNING ACADEMY
PROGRAM REACH
A high-impact learning environment providing tutoring, enrichment, and a safe learning space for students to excel academically and beyond.
ENRICHMENT
Broadening horizons through creative workshops, leadership training, and critical thinking exercises.
TUTORING
Personalized academic support to help students master core subjects and build sustainable study habits.
SAFE SPACE
A welcoming and secure environment where students feel supported and focused on their growth.