NEW YORK, N.Y.- Stephanie Perez-Gravesande and her husband Kevin will ride in the 26th Annual Sea Gull Century, a nationally acclaimed 100-mile cycling event, on September 27, 2014 to support the w!se Institute, a program of Working In Support of Education (w!se). Stephanie, an alumna of the Institute, and her husband are each riding 100 miles to raise funds for the innovative w!se program. Their efforts will help ensure that hundreds of students at the High School of Economics & Finance, a New York City public school, will receive the unique, personalized educational opportunities offered through the w!se Institute each year.

Stephanie came to the United States in the mid-1990’s from the Dominican Republic. Entering school as an English Language learner in the 9th grade wasn’t easy, but with determination and the right opportunities, she has become a leader and role-model in her community.

“Through the w!se Institute, I was exposed to opportunities that I hadn’t imagined were available to me at the time: a hands-on learning experience that led to a summer paid internship at a major financial institution, college prep class and exams that turned inconceivable aspirations into very real possibilities. I truly believe that if I had attended a high school without a program focused on individual development, I would not have pursued higher education and would not be as successful as I am today,” states Stephanie.

For more than 20 years, the w!se Institute has offered students a four-year, intensive college-level experience of internships and seminars— developing college-ready students with employable talents upon graduation from high school. The Institute, developed and managed by w!se, is seamlessly integrated in the High School of Economic & Finance curriculum.

“We are so proud of Stephanie’s accomplishments and are grateful that she’s giving back to develop the next generation of professionals. Stephanie’s success would not be possible without the investment of businesses and volunteers who have served with the w!se Institute for more than 20 years,” stated Phyllis Frankfort Perillo, President and CEO of w!se.

Stephanie is a member of the w!se Institute Alumni Network, which serves to build professional relationships, share career resources and support the work of the w!se Institute. To donate to the w!se Institute, please visit: http://www.wise-ny.org/seagullcenturyride.htm

About the w!se Institute
The w!se Institute offers students four years of intensive learning opportunities in the classroom and in real-world settings that transforms lives. Throughout their four years of high school, students are required to take seminars with industry professionals and complete fieldwork by providing service and internships. Students access the business world, meet role-models and attain knowledge well beyond the typical state required curriculum. These high-quality experiences and resources, unavailable to typical high school students, give young people an edge on their future.

About w!se Working In Support of Education
(w!se) is a New York based educational 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to providing educational support services nationwide, building financial literacy and readiness for college and careers. w!se serves urban secondary school students in low-to-moderate-income areas. Extensive partnerships with schools and the private sector and a reputation for sustainable programs with measurable results have made w!se a leader in education.