OTO Awards

What’s an OTO?

An “OTO” is our affectionate name for the Overcoming the Odds Award. (OTO rhymes with motto.) This unique awards program was created by Student Advocacy in 1996 and has been continued annually since then. Sixty remarkable young people have already been honored. Four new honorees will receive awards at our next awards program on May 19th.

Purpose of the Awards

The most important purpose of the awards is to honor youth. When the awards are announced, most winners are surprised. Few have had any past experience when they felt successful and worthy of being honored. This experience changes that.

In addition, funds raised at the awards dinner support scholarships for OTO winners and the Overcoming the Odds project that provides educational advocacy services to help resolve the school problems of students who have significant problems which place them at-risk of school failure and/or dropping out.

During this remarkable awards ceremony, you will meet four outstanding young people from our own community who have overcome the odds and succeeded in school. Hear their inspiring personal stories and join us in honoring them. For more information or to request an invitation, call 914-347-7039 x119 or email info@studentadvocacy.net.