As we all continue to adapt to our new coronavirus-driven professional and personal lives, programs such as YPG must adapt as well. While we remain passionate about our mission, the committees and alumni recognize limitations as to what we can continue to do.

While YPG had chosen its 2020 class of 35 students, the YPG program for this year was put on hold. This was due to two things. First and foremost was concern for the health and well-being of all involved, students and teachers as well as their family members and administrators. Second was the integrity of the YPG experience. We didn’t want people to lose out on the full experience of the program. This includes the companies that commit their best and brightest to the YPG program who would lose out as well, not just in terms of education, but also the soft skills and leadership development and professional network.

At this time, we have deferred the program to April 2021 – and the members chosen for this year will instead be the class of 2021. If necessary, we may have to fill a few spots, but we will seek to keep the program balanced and diverse.

I do want to add that there are now several smaller subsets of YPG alumni that have gotten together. This really speaks to the supportive, collegial atmosphere of the program, even in an environment like this. The smaller breakout sessions allow people to connect and talk which is really good.

We are also using this time to focus on community service so that YPG is still present in our communities. This includes programs such as Working Wardrobes, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and Project Destined .

Thank you.

Michael Chukwueke
 YPG Alumni Chair