However, staff changes and changes in goals has made it difficult for the current Alumni Association to be an effective program. The current Alumni and Development staff consists of four people who's main purpose is to focus on Development and raise funds for the program. Though the current staff is a very dedicated and talented group, there simply isn't time for them to address the Alumni Association the way it should be addressed. However, they seem to be open to suggestions. Creating a more effective Alumni Association would serve many purposes.
CTY students are talented individuals who often find themselves in high paying jobs.
For many students, this is the only contact they get from CTY after they leave the program, thus making them less likely to donate money. However, if they are kept in continued contact with the program through the Alumni Association, they are more likely to give money when asked. Considering the relatively low cost of the continued contact, the return gained in donations would most likely more than cover the cost. Secondly, if alumni are respected and encouraged to continue their contact with CTY after they leave the program, they are more likely to assist in recruitment programs, such as talking to perspective students about the CTY experience. An active Alumni Association would both see that this groups concerns are addressed in an efficient manner and give students and alumni a place to go to see that their concerns are heard.