Paul Schreurs Memorial Program

The Paul Schreurs Memorial Program is an initiative of the Ithaca Youth Bureau designed to provide
academic support, mentoring, and enrichment activities to youth in the City of Ithaca. 


Our Mission: To provide academic, personal, emotional and social support by promoting relationships and programs that inspires underrepresented youth in our community to be successful confident life-long learners.
 

We are an academic support program that provides ongoing support and advocacy to youth that are struggling to be successful in an academic environment

In 1981, Eugene Lang, who had grown up poor in Harlem and later became a self-made millionaire, returned to his elementary school to deliver the commencement address to the sixth grade class. During his speech, he decided to offer every child in the class the chance to go to college by paying their tuition. Over the next six years he took personal interest in their lives, encouraging their aspirations and arranging tutoring and guidance for them. The school district had a 50% dropout rate. That year 98% of the class went to college.

Many people at the Ithaca Youth Bureau were inspired by this story. A volunteer in the One-to-One Program – Paul Schreurs- was so moved that he committed himself to paying his young friend’s college tuition. Unfortunately, Paul died in a tragic accident. Wanting to keep his dream alive, Paul’s family contacted the Youth Bureau and arranged to set up a fund to provide educational opportunities for youth who, without assistance might be unable to pursue their education beyond high school.