Kaylen Yun, a junior at Yale College majoring in Global Affairs and Economics, exemplifies a deep commitment to bridging Yale and New Haven. A proud graduate of New Haven Public Schools, Kaylen is passionate about expanding access to educational resources and fostering meaningful partnerships between the university and the city she calls home. Kaylen’s dedication shines through her leadership in Dwight Hall’s Public School Intern (PSI) Program, where she began as an intern at Elm City Montessori School and now serves as the program’s student director. In collaboration with Yale’s Office of New Haven Affairs, the PSI Program places Yale students in New Haven public schools for two-year terms.
Through this immersive experience, PSIs contribute by providing direct support to teachers, students, and administrators, while helping their partner schools access the vast resources Yale has to offer. Under Kaylen’s guidance, the program has continued to strengthen its impact, cultivating longterm relationships that benefit both Yale students and the New Haven community. Beyond her work with PSI, Kaylen serves as Co-President of the Migration Alliance at Yale, a student organization dedicated to supporting migrants, including refugees, documented and undocumented immigrants, and asylum seekers, as they navigate the challenges of resettlement in New Haven. Her advocacy reflects a heartfelt commitment to ensuring that all members of the community feel welcome and supported.
A true daughter of both Yale and New Haven, Kaylen Yun’s unwavering dedication to service, leadership, and community-building has left an indelible mark. Her work embodies the spirit of partnership and mutual growth, inspiring others to continue fostering the connection between the university and the city we call home. For her dedication to educational equity, her leadership in strengthening ties between Yale and the New Haven community, and her compassionate advocacy for migrants, President Maurie McInnis and Economic Development Administrator Michael Piscitelli present Kaylen Yun with an Ivy Award.