What is Youth4AM SHSAT Prep and Public Speaking Camp (Youth4AM Prep)?

The New York Residents Alliance (NYRA), a federally registered 501(3c) nonprofit organization, has provided a 6-week SHSAT Prep and Public Speaking Summer Camp since 2019. We are committed to safeguarding and striving for Chinese Americans’ equal rights in education and safety, and this camp guides future leaders with SHSAT tutoring and public speaking training. It’s the ONLY program recognized and/or certified by 10+ local elected officials because of its community-service-driven, not profit-driven nature.   All staff are NON PAID volunteers who are committed to safeguarding and striving for Chinese Americans’ equal rights in education and safety.  The TAs here are motivated to give back to the community by helping students. 

Why Youth4AM?

  • Professional teachers with more than 20 years of SHSAT teaching experience.
  • Deep analysis about students’ individualized strengths and weaknesses (create a personalized lists of weak topics for maximum improvement).
  • The ONLY SHSAT prep that is only $4.58/hour
  • 1:2 TA to Student Ratio – TAs must have a minimum GPA of 92 from a Specialized or a top high school. 
  • Develop fundamental public speaking skills from lessons provided by college professors.
  • Learn the basics of civic education, Chinese culture, and more. 

Past Programs

IN 2021,
  • 75% of students received a score higher than the minimum cutoff score
  • 52% of students met the cutoff for the top three specialized high schools
  • 38% improvement in scores from start of camp to end of camp
IN 2020,
  • 78% of students received a score higher than the minimum cutoff score
  • 47% of students met the cutoff for the top three specialized high schools
  • 27% improvement in scores from start of camp to end of camp
In 2019,
  • 65% of students received a score higher than the minimum cutoff score
  • 50% of students met the cutoff for the top three specialized high schools
  • 30% improvement in scores from start of camp to end of camp

Payment Details

This 120-hour camp only charges $550 ($4.58/hour), which covers the cost for all learning materials and an original quality Youth4AM T-shirt, thanks to volunteers at the New York Residents Alliance (NYRA).  In comparison, the average 75-hour (3 hours/day, 5 days/week, 5 weeks long) SHSAT Prep camp costs at least $1000 (>=$13.33/hour). 

However, we would be extremely grateful if you’re willing to donate. Should you pay more than $550, the amount you paid over $550 is treated as a donation, which will be qualified for 50% tax-deductible because NYRA is a federally registered 501(3c) nonprofit organization.

Applicant Requirements

  • Current 6th and 7th graders
  • Minimum GPA of 85
  • Combined State Test score of at least 7.0 in 2021
  • Cameras must be turned on during teacher and group review sessions
  • Attendance at all activities
  • If you do not meet Criteria 1-4, we still encourage you to apply, and we will let you know if we can still offer you a spot in the program.
Apply Here