518 Elevated

ONLY 10 DAYS LEFT UNTIL SCHOLAR CELEBRATION 2026! Register now: www.518elevated.org/sc2026

Join us on June 11, 2026 at the Museum of Innovation and Science for Scholar Celebration 2026! We'll celebrate our incredible graduating class and premiere two PSA films WRITTEN AND DIRECTED by our talented scholars, in collaboration with the Albany County Legislature, the DON'T WAIT Project, and The RED Bookshelf!

Tickets:
$125 General Admission
$75 Alumni
$65 Mentors (active 518 ElevatED)

RSVP now and support the future of Capital Region youth!

As we close out Decision Month, we highlight: James 🎓

Congrats to James on committing to UAlbany! Choosing UAlbany allows this incredible student leader to major in Business Administration and minor in marketing while continuing to grow his clothing business right where it started.

To keep the excitement going, don't forget that our Scholar Celebration 2026 is just around the corner on June 11, 2026! 🎉

Have you registered yet? Visit www.518elevated.org/sc2026 to register and celebrate James, Mennah, Zaryus, and all of our 518 ElevatED scholars' achievements. Plus, join us to watch the WORLD PREMIERE of 2 PSA short films written and directed by talented local Capital Region youth. 🎬✨

We can't wait to celebrate with our community. See you there!

We're excited to announce our new Executive Director, Tamara McCallum! 💼✨

Tamara has spent the last two years transforming our college and career pathways as Director of Programs. As a seasoned educator with 15+ years of experience in non-profit management, her passion for equity, community building, and youth advocacy shines through everything she does.

👉Read Tamara’s statement on stepping into this new role and her vision for our scholars, and help us celebrate in the comments!

🎓 Decision Month Spotlight: Mennah 🎓

Congratulations to Mennah on committing to the University of Houston! As a first-generation Sudanese American with a passion for helping others, Mennah plans to pursue a degree in Public Health. The University of Houston stood out to her because of its strong health program and diverse, welcoming community.

Join us in celebrating Mennah and all of our 518 Elevated Scholars at Scholar Celebration on June 11, 2026! Register now: www.518elevated.org/sc2026

🎓 Decision Month Spotlight: Zaryus 🎓

Congratulations to Zaryus on committing to SUNY Oneonta! With a strong passion for fashion and dreams of creating his own clothing line, SUNY Oneonta felt like the perfect fit, especially with its Fashion and Textiles program.

Join us in celebrating Zaryus and all of our 518 Elevated Scholars at Scholar Celebration on June 11, 2026! Register now: www.518elevated.org/sc2026

You can register for Scholar Celebration NOW: www.518elevated.org/sc2026

This year’s event will feature the world premiere of two Public Service Announcement films written and directed by 518 ElevatED Scholars. These films highlight issues facing youth in the Capital Region, from the importance of third spaces to safety while walking home. They were created as part of the Albany County Legislature’s Anti-Bullying Initiative, in collaboration with The Don’t Wait Project and The Red Bookshelf.

Here are some behind-the-scenes photos from the production!

It’s Decision Day, but at 518 ElevatED, we’re stretching the celebration out all month long.

Choosing your next step is a big milestone, and we can’t wait to spotlight where some of our graduating seniors are headed throughout May. From college campuses to the workforce, we are so incredibly proud of the diverse paths this class is choosing to take. Keep an eye on our feed as we share previews of our seniors' plans leading up to our big Scholar Celebration! (Have you registered yet?)

We want to hear from our community, too: What helped you decide on your school or career path? Let us know in the comments! 👇

REGISTRATION IS OPEN: www.518elevated.org/sc2026

Join us on June 11, 2026 at the Museum of Innovation and Science for Scholar Celebration 2026! It'll be a night among the stars as we celebrate the graduating class and premiere a PSA film WRITTEN AND DIRECTED by our talented scholars, in collaboration with the Albany County Legislature and the DON'T WAIT Project!

🎟️ Tickets:
$125 General Admission
$75 Alumni
$65 Mentors (active 518 ElevatED)

RSVP now and support the future of Capital Region youth

🌟 SAVE THE DATE! 🌟

This year's Scholar Celebration is approaching faster than a shooting star! Join us in honoring our talented Class of 2026 graduating seniors and experience the WORLD PREMIERE of a PSA short film created by 518 ElevatED Scholars, made with the support and collaboration of the Albany County Legislature and The DON'T WAIT Project.

Don’t miss the brightest night of the year! RSVP now and find more info here: www.518elevated.org/sc2026

518 ElevatED honors Women's History Month! 💜 This year's theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future."