Trustee's program turns dream into reality

Harold Shields grew up a stone's throw from the University. But although he would often see University students walk past his home on Poplar Street, he knew their world was light years removed from his and college was little more than a fantasy. Now, thanks to University alumnus George Weiss and his Say Yes program, that fantasy has become reality for Shields, who will attend the Wharton School next September. Shields excelled academically in high school, and said he owes a lot of his success to the program. "It gave me the motivation and confidence to continue even after I messed up," he said. "They stood behind me all the time." Weiss' program is simple and has been effective in granting underprivileged children a chance to attend college. In 1985 Weiss selected an entire Philadelphia sixth grade class and agreed to pay for their university education if they graduated from high school. As part of the program, he provides constant tutoring, internship programs and guidance counseling throughout middle school and high school. "We expected four to six students to graduate and go to college," he said. Instead, according to Randall Syms, the University's Say Yes program director, "two graduated last year, 48 are graduating this year and 30 more are graduating next year." Weiss, a self-made millionaire and University Trustee, stressed that his program differs considerably from other programs because it is comprehensive and focuses on an entire class rather than on individuals. "Most programs just pay for tuition, but I pay for everything," he said. "Also, we help out an entire class, not just certain students." Syms added that students in urban public schools simply do not have the same amount of money spent on them as suburban or private school students. "We just give them a lot of personal time and attention," he said. "We show them that we care and that makes a difference in motivation and direction." Weiss said that he developed a close relationship with many of the kids involved in his program. "Harold [Shields] is a great kid," said Weiss. "He never gave us any problems." Weiss did add however that at one point Shields jeopardized his entire college future. "He told me that he was applying to Princeton and I told him that I would never pay if he went there," said Weiss. "Even my own two daughters would have to pay their own way if they went there." Weiss said that his life changed when, as a University student, he attended a party for underprivileged South Philadelphia children as part of his fraternity's community service program. "One of the kids told me he didn't want to look me in the eye because he was embarrassed," he said. "I realized then that I had to do something with these kids." Cedric Mallory, another Say Yes participant, said the program helped him because it meant college was something achievable, rather than just a fantasy. "Ever since sixth grade, I knew I wanted to go to college," he said. "They're making it a possibility for me." Mallory will be applying to the Nursing School next year and hopes to eventually attend medical school. "I'd just like to thank Mr. Weiss for the opportunity," he said. "Without him none of this would've been possible."

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