WHO WE ARE
Inspiring Young Minds (IYM) is a nonprofit charitable organization created in 2005 by Mark and Marion Cheong and the late Diane Brown. When the Cheong’s youngest son was placed at Kent School, by the Boy’s Club of New York, an unexpected and passionate journey was ignited to educate parents about the remarkable opportunities available for their children at college preparatory boarding schools (Prep Schools).
In 2005, IYM held its first Prep School Fair at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Brooklyn, New York, attended by only nine schools. Since that time, our fair has become an annual event that has grown to include more than eighty-five schools in 2015. Since the fair’s inception, IYM has continued to build strong relationships with prep schools from around the country. In only twelve years, IYM has helped place students in some of the nation’s most prestigious preparatory schools. In the process, they secured substantial financial aid and scholarship awards for our students.
Our Mission And Values
IYM prepares today’s students for what we know will be a profoundly different tomorrow. Our mission is to help bright and motivated students obtain higher education at prestigious boarding schools around the country. Although several other organizations provide placement services, many academically motivated children are not served by these programs, and their parents are unaware of the educational opportunities outside of their communities. IYM is committed to assisting all students regardless of their racial, ethnic, or religious backgrounds or economic circumstances. Our students, some of whom were marginal students in their former schools, often excel in the boarding school environment both academically and in other areas.
Results to Date
IYM has placed more than 350 students in over 85 independent schools and has obtained approximately 40 million in financial aid for those students.
IYM targets students in the greatest need of its services.