Program Description
The Skills Win Volunteer Organization administers skills coaching sessions in public high schools and other institutions in Syracuse, NY. Coaches and leaders for the organization are sourced from the undergraduate body at Syracuse University. To date, Skills Win programming has reached 1900+ students in PSLA@Fowler High School, the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central, the Syracuse Police Cadets Program and the Syracuse Police Athletics/Activities League. We have also led collaborations with the Museum of Science and Technology and the Girl Scouts.
Valerie Goldstein
The Skills Win Volunteer Organization is based off over 40 years of work by Professor Bill Coplin. However, it wasn’t until Syracuse University student Valerie Goldstein assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer that the Skills Win Volunteer Organization began to take shape. Valerie laid the groundwork for SWVO by forging connections with local leaders and institutions. Under her leadership, Skills Win conducted its first skills coaching session and began reaching students in the City of Syracuse. Valerie graduated from Syracuse in May 2024 and became a teacher for Teach for America, aiming to advance educational equity. In December 2024, just after completing her first semester as a teacher, Valerie and her family tragically passed away as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. In honor of her memory, the Skills Win Volunteer Organization is committed to continuing the work Valerie began. Valerie’s legacy of compassion, dedication, and innovation will remain at the heart of the Skills Win mission.