College AIM 2021 - 2022 Annual Report

ANNUAL

Shakira, College AIM Alum Towers High School, Class of 2018 Wesleyan University, Class of 2022

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear College AIM Family,

As I look back on our 21-22 year, I'm proud of our community’s perseverance, and I’m excited by our organization’s growth

In February 2022, after 23 months of virtual programming, College AIM finally was able to re-enter school buildings with our high school partners, and we were ready

On my first day back at Towers High School, I remember a teacher leaving his classroom mid-lesson and chasing me down the hallway. He wanted to introduce me to three seniors in his class who needed College AIM’s support. He explained that they had yet to build a college list, submit FAFSA or apply to a single school.

That day, all three came to the College AIM office, and we got to work For the remainder of the 21-22 school year, we moved at a feverish pace alongside a senior class that had missed out on much of the high school, and college prep, experience

While our team sprinted to the finish line, our organization grew to meet the moment. In partnership with The Merancas Foundation, College AIM launched the CAPS Scholarship, which allows 20 of our students to graduate from college debt-free each year. At the same time, we doubled the size of our Success program and deepened our advocacy work, taking a leadership role in the push for needbased aid in Georgia.

Our team grew as well We added three new teammates Ayanna Zulu, Dewona Bridges and Amy Stokes to strengthen our operations and provide direct student support We also added three new members to our Board of Directors and launched an Advisory Board.

Today, we ’ re excited about where we stand. We’re stronger, smarter and more connected than we were pre-pandemic, and our family has grown to include more wonderful people like you who keep this work moving forward.

With much love and gratitude,

ALEINIKOFF

SAM

OUR WORK

Mission

College AIM provides expert coaching from ninth grade through college graduation, and works to dismantle systemic racial and economic barriers, so that Greater Atlanta students are able to achieve their ambitions.

Vision

College AIM envisions a day when every student in Greater Atlanta can achieve postsecondary success and access the life opportunities that a credential affords.

ACCESS TO COLLEGE

College AIM partners with public high schools to help students find the right postsecondary fit and enroll at technical, two-year and four-year colleges.

ADVOCACY

CREATING SYSTEMIC OPPORTUNITY

College AIM advocates for structural changes that will make the paths to and through college more equitable for our students and so many others.

SUCCESS THROUGH COLLEGE

Once students graduate from high school, they become our College AIM Collegians, and we continue to provide individualized support through college graduation.

CAPSSCHOLARSHIP DOLLARS AND MENTORS

College AIM provides the students who need it most with one-to-one mentoring and gap scholarships so they can graduate from college debt-free.

OUR STUDENTS 1370

A typical College AIM student is:

TOTAL STUDENTS SERVED DURING THE 2021-22 ACADEMIC YEAR

2021-2022 A YEAR IN REVIEW

AUGUST

Our high school and college students begin school, and we launch our 3-Part College Equity Series, conversations with college access and success leaders

OCTOBER

College AIM holds our 8th Annual Metro Atlanta College Access Conference

More than 290 students and over 50 colleges and universities are in attendance

JANUARY

Ayanna Zulu joins the College AIM team as College AIM's Operations & Communications manager, expanding College AIM's internal capacity to support College AIM's program growth in 2022

SEPTEMBER

College AIM raises over $13,000 during our annual Back to School Campaign, bringing in funds to provide mentorship, individual college counseling, and lastdollar grants for our students

NOVEMBER

The Georgia Department of Education selects College AIM for the BOOST Grant, which allows College AIM to expand summer programming over the next three years This grant ensures that our students have the support they need to navigate the transition from high school to college

APRIL

Six College AIM students are named Dell Scholars Each student receives a $20,000 scholarship, laptop computer, $500 in textbook credits, and a mentor to support them as they pursue their degrees.

JUNE

College AIM's holds "Match Day" for the first cohort of CAPS students and mentors. The program is supported via a $1.55 million, six-year grant from The Merancas Foundation

MARCH

College AIM hosts "Apply to College Day" at McNair and Towers High Schools, an innovative event that allows students to apply to college and get admitted on the spot Students collectively earn more than 100 college acceptances

MAY

College AIM hosts Signing Day at Clayton State University Through a new partnership with Inspiredu, each College AIM senior is gifted a laptop for college!

JULY

College AIM welcomes Dewona Bridges and Amy Stokes to the team as Postsecondary Access Coaches Dewona and Amy begin their work at Towers and Stone Mountain High Schools, more than doubling College AIM's reach for the 22-23 school year

THE COLLEGE AIM TEAM

BOARD OF DIRECTORS STAFF

Alicia Allen College AIM Alumnus Team Lead, The Kindezi Schools

Anna Kamerow, Secretary Project Leader, Delivery Associates

Bharath Parthasarathy Senior Director, Slalom

Emani Fenton

Executive Search and Assessment Conultant, Russell Reynolds Associates

Esohe Galbreath, Treasurer

Owner and Chief Executive Consultant, Sohé Solutions Co-Founder, Urban Art Expression

Hernán Gallegos, Vice Chair College AIM Alumnus Manual Quality Assurance Engineer, Onshape, a PTC Business

Jay Steele, Chair

Owner and Chief Executive Officer, Steele Consulting, LLC

Michael Rosenzweig

Former Nonprofit President and CEO

Sam Aleinikoff

Founder and Executive Director, College AIM

Sandra Barnhill

Founder and National President, Foreverfamily

Tyler Bell

Head of People, Stem Disintermedia

Ayanna Zulu Operations & Communications Manager

Corey Sheffield, Ed.D. Program Director, Postsecondary Access

Jamesia Terry Program Director, Postsecondary Success

Joanne Santivasci

Program Director, CAPS Scholarship

Nyresha Robertson Senior Postsecondary Success Coach

Sam Aleinikoff

Founder & Executive Director

2022 Summer Interns Kamore Campbell Jazlyn Romer

SCHOOL & NONPROFIT PARTNERS

5 Strong Scholarship Foundation Carolina Youth Coalition Center for Civic Innovation Clayton State University DeKalb County Office of Youth Services DeKalb County School District Effective Students Foreverfamily Goucher College Inspiredu

VOLUNTEERS

Aaron Ray Alicia Allen*✢ Anna Kamerow✢

Anthony Hubbard Cole Nicholson

D'Karlos Craig Ellie Santivasc

Erik Weston

Erin Quackenbush

Hernan Gallegos*✢ Jason Wettlin

Jodian Grant* Jordan Hartgens

Kelly Savoie

Invisible Food Pantry Leap Year

McNair High School

Middle Georgia State University Ripples of Hope Step Ahead Scholars

Stone Mountain High School The DeKalb Alphas Towers High School Trinity College

Mishana Carson*

Natasha Ballard

Nicole Merman

Patti Ghezzi

Robert Graham

Sam Aleinikoff✢

Stewart Scott Thomas Ramsey Tiesha Cullins

* College AIM Alum ✢ College AIM Board

Member

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

EDDY

STONE MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL, CLASS OF 2022 BARD COLLEGE, CLASS OF 2026

My instructors, friends, and family were all proud of me for seeing that I could learn English and Spanish in just one year Even now, I find myself listening to Spanish songs more than any other language

Imagine walking into high school one day and saying, "muraho mumeze mute?" and the next day saying, "halo Habari yako?". The looks you receive from your peers are priceless and funny at the same time Then you get the big question "who are you and what did you say?!" Now I'm the guy around school that speaks all the languages, and quite frankly, I love it Being a native of the Democratic Republic of Congo, I have been exposed to different cultures and experiences. Those things have fueled my desire to become an interpreter and a translator. I am a young man who is passionate about learning new languages. I am blessed with the ability to speak seven languages: French, Swahili, Kirundi, Kinyarwanda, Spanish, English, and basic Portuguese, making me a Hyperpolyglott

When I came to the United States, I attended an Intensive English Program school, "DeKalb International Student Center " At that school, I was not fluent in English or Spanish, so stating that I was nervous was an understatement. The school was filled with diverse cultures (Africans, Latinx, Asians, Middle Easterners, etc.). For some reason, I felt more attracted to the Latinx culture, made new friends, and learned to speak Spanish from them Even though it was insufficient, I watched Spanish lessons on YouTube; I downloaded an app called "Duolingo" and a few others that helped me learn the language I started learning every day until I found myself speaking a new language.

The exposure to those different cultures was when I knew that I had found my passion, and the fire had been lit. The joy of learning new languages has opened my eyes to the possibilities and pleasures that exist from my love of learning and language When I'm not in class, I spend a significant amount of my time as an interpreter and tutor at the Center for Pan Asian Community Center, assisting with schoolwork and mentorship as they grow and develop into young adults like myself This ability allows me to connect with individuals I never thought I would have relationships with. Many of those individuals are considered some of my closest friends.

My ultimate goal is to attend a college that will feed my thirst for languages, learning, and diversity I ultimately want to obtain a master's degree in Political Science that will allow me to become a government translator/interpreter to help diverse communities and gain more knowledge to share with others. I have set a goal in my life that by the age of 20, no matter what, I must be able to speak Italian and Portuguese. As you can imagine, I am very gifted at learning new languages, which has already opened many doors for me This black boy from the Republic of Congo hopes to change the world with my acquired skills

To conclude, in my native language, I say, "l'apprentissage permet aux gens de grandir, de mûrir et d'expérimenter les choses sous différents angles. Je veux être celui qui encourage les autres à accepter et à apprécier les différences car cela nous rendra plus forts en tant que peuple " This means, learning allows people to grow, mature, and experience things from different perspectives I want to be the one who encourages others to accept and appreciate differences as this will make us stronger as a people This world needs it more than ever

Curtis, College AIM Collegian Towers High School, Class of 2022 Middle Georgia State University, Class of 2026

ACCESS

Supporting students on the path to college

PROGRAMMING

Since our inception in 2013, 948 students have completed the College AIM access curriculum. Over that time, students have continued onto colleges across the city, state and country, collectively having earned more than $85 million in grant and scholarship offers

CURRICULUM COMPONENTS

COLLEGE & FINANCIAL AID COUNSELING

Group workshops and expert individual counseling from 9th to 12th grade to help students build college lists, complete applications, access financial aid and earn scholarships.

COLLEGE EXPOSURE & RELATIONSHIPS

College visits and special events organized to promote connections between students and admissions professionals, financial aid staff and current college students.

HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2022

We provided approximately 2,000 hours of individual counseling to a total of 148 high school seniors during the 2021-2022 academic year. Of our class of 2022, 99% were students of color (90% Black, 4% Latinx, 5% Asian, 1% White) and more than 90% were eligible for the Pell Grant.

Ronald E. McNair High School

Stone Mountain High School

Sierra, College AIM Alum Towers High School, Class of 2018 University of Georgia, Class of 2022

SUCCESS

Supporting students through college graduation

Jamilah

CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, CLASS OF 2023

Major: Social Relations with a concentration in Sociology and a double minor in Art Education & Psychology

During her time at Cheyney, Jamilah has served as a Professional Development Career Peer Influencer & Content Marketer for 4 years, volleyball team captain, TRiO scholar, and Summer Bridge Mentor among several other notable roles on campus Her proudest moments during her time at Cheyney have been joining Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, collaborating with COACH and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund for professional development programming and serving as Junior Class President. Jamilah is a natural leader, and her time at Cheyney provided her with an opportunity to grow and showcase her skills. After graduation, Jamilah plans to serve students in higher education.

Deion

TRINITY COLLEGE, CLASS OF 2023

Major: Sociology with a minor in Community Action

Deion shares, “As a black man, I continued to make strides for community engagement and educational connectivity during my time at Trinity College!” He has served as president of the Trinity College Gospel Choir and the Co-President of Men of Color Alliance Deion's motivation to balance academics, involvement and leadership comes from his family, friends, community, and faith When sharing his proudest moments during college, Deion struggled to choose one thing Of the many moments, he was proud that he studied abroad in Cairo, Egypt, created an event called ProtECT Our Heritage with the local YMCA, and started therapy. After graduation, Deion plans to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector working in youth development.

Chayla

VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERISTY, CLASS OF 2024

Major: Criminal Justice

Chayla is an incredible student who truly exemplifies what it means to be a scholar. She's been named to the Dean’s List every semester since her freshman year of college, and as a result of those accomplishments, she was invited to join the National Society of Leadership and Success. Chayla shares that she prioritizes her studies and classwork in order to best prepare for her future career in the field of criminal justice When she is not studying, Chayla enjoys listening to music and gaming It allows her to reset and move forward with a calm mind

PROGRAMMING & RESULTS

College AIM's first cohort of students matriculated to postsecondary programs during the fall of 2015. Since then, 758 College AIM students have continued on to pursue technical certificates and diplomas, and associate and bachelor's degrees.

CURRICULUM COMPONENTS

College AIM staff provides intensive outreach during the summer between high school and college to ensure that students make it to campus in the fall.

Programming includes textbased interventions, nearpeer coaching, and our College 101 curriculum

ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT

Our Success team checks in regularly on each Collegian We visit campus to see them in person, and stay in touch via text, call and social media. Through these channels, our team provides the personalized social, financial and academic support that students need to graduate.

FIGHTING SUMMER MELT 2021-2022 COLLEGE GRADUATES

Silva Christian Brothers University

April Chappell

Valdosta State University

Cameron Mattison

Georgia Piedmont Tech College

Corliss Felder

Agnes Scott College

Dang P Nguyen

Georgia Piedmont Tech College

Dang Q Nguyen

Georgia Piedmont Tech College

Dario Oladimeji Kennesaw State University

Dynasty Thomas-Andrews

Atlanta Technical College

Elisha Rouse Lafayette College

Fajorah Poteau

University of Georgia

Hassan Stewart Georgia Military College

Jamaya Jarrells Alabama A&M University

Jazlyn Romer

Albany State University

Kamer Mola

Perimeter College at GSU

Maya Foster

Atlanta Metro State College

Michael Elliott

Talladega College

Midjina Richard University of Georgia

Miftaha Badada Trinity College

COLLEGIAN GATHERINGS

College AIM recognizes the power of a peer support network, and provides opportunities for College AIM Collegians to connect with each other, meet with current high school students and receive support from the College AIM family.

Miracle Jarrett

Georgia Piedmont Tech College

Sierra Sanders University of Georgia

Shakira Fortson Wesleyan University

Tatyanna Hayes Gordon State College

Vincent Gilleylen College of Wooster

William Callaway Morehouse College

Alejandro

OUT-OF-STATE INSTITUTIONS

Alabama A&M University

Alabama State University

Alcorn State University

Allen University

American University

Auburn University

Bard College

Benedict College

Bennett College

Berea College

Bethune-Cookman University

Boston College

Boston University

Brandeis University

Chattanooga State CC

Cheney Univ of Pennsylvania

Colby Community College

Claflin University College of Wooster

Cornell University

Emory & Henry College

Fisk University

Goucher College

Jackson State University

Jacksonville State Univ

Kentucky State University

Lafayette College

Langston University

Mississippi Gulf Coast CC

Morgan State University

Northeastern University Ohio State University

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Georgia Gwinnett College

Rhodes College

Skidmore College

Smith College

Southern Univ at Shreveport

Talladega College

Tennessee State University Trinity College

Wake Forest University Wesleyan University

GEORGIA INSTITUTIONS

Agnes Scott College

Albany State University

Atlanta Metro State Coll

Atlanta Technical College Augusta University

Berry College

Clayton State University

Coll of Coastal Georgia Columbus State Univ

Freedom University

Fort Valley State University Georgia College and State Univ

Georgia Institute of Tech

Georgia Military College

Georgia Piedmont Tech College

Georgia Southern Univ Georgia SW State Univ

Georgia State University

Perimeter College at GSU

Gordon State College

Health and Style Institute

Kennesaw State University

Middle Georgia State Univ

Morehouse College

Oglethorpe University

Paine College

Piedmont University

SCAD

Savannah State University

South Georgia Tech College

Spelman College

University of Georgia University of North Georgia University of West Georgia Valdosta State University

CAPS SCHOLARSHIP

Amani, CAPS Scholar Towers High School, Class of 2023

Fajorah, College AIM Alum Towers High School, Class of 2017 University of Georgia, Class of 2021

POLICY PRIORITIES

FEDERAL COLLEGE AFFORDABILITY

The Problem: The Pell Grant once covered nearly 80% of the cost of attendance at fouryear colleges, now it covers less than 30%.

What We're Doing: College AIM students and staff partner with the National College Attainment Network. With their support we meet with legislators to advocate for doubling the Pell Grant and other federal college affordability measures

NEED-BASED AID IN GEORGIA

The Problem: Georgia is one of two states in the country that does not provide aid to students based on financial need.

What We're Doing: College AIM works with a grassroots coalition of college counselors, state legislators and policy analysts to push for need-based aid. We've provided expert testimony to help inform legislation and are working to build broad statewide support

College AIM is deeply grateful to all those who contribute to our students' successes. The investments made by our donors, volunteers and partners truly have a life-changing impact.

$100,000+

Emani & Joelle Fenton Hernán Gallegos

Jason & Lindsay Wettlin Joe Gwin & Anna Sjogren John & Debbie Aleinikoff

Joseph Bernheim

Michael Rosenzweig & Shelli Bank

NACAC

Shoshana Aleinikoff & Nathan Kittle Sue Kelly

$500-$999

Eden Aleinikoff Kittle

James Tucker

Lyn Sholl Miriam Meyer

Rachel Cohen & Alex Aleinikoff

Ron Oliver

$25,000-$99,999

Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta

DeKalb County Office of Youth Services

$10,000-$24,999

AEC Trust

Betty and Davis Fitzgerald Foundation

Debley, Inc. Get Comfortable

Homestead Foundation

$5,000-$9,999

Blake's on the Park

Jay Steele

Lueder, Larkin & Hunter

Luther Burse

Synovus Bank

$1,000-$4,999

Anna & Jessa Kamerow

Barbara & Ed Whitesides

Best Buy

Christine Tryba-Cofrin

Charles H Wesley Education Foundation

Sam Aleinikoff

Stephanie & David Lynn

The Guelig Family

Thomas & Genevieve Ramsey

$100-$499

Adrian & Beth Githuku

Alexander Grant

Allison Hood

Ann & Brooks Wettlin

Anonymous Donors

April & Chad Husted

Barbara & Steve Cohen

Bari Schwartz

Ben Prejean & Luis Limeres

Benjamin Symons

Benjamin Wesley Jr.

Boston Consulting Group

Brandon Lindsay

Brent Evens

Brian & Therese Aleinikoff

Bryan Carr

Carey Sherrell & Kenny Kraus

Catherine Gwin

CDK Global

Cory Sons

David Lopez & Bob Kovatz

Eli Hager

Ellie Santivasci

Ellen Buettner

Erin & Stephen McCubbin Esohe & George Galbreath

Foreverfamily, Inc. Gail Sauer

Jane & David Shapiro

Jason Goolsby Joey Yamada Jonathan Leon Jeff Hilimire

Joanne & Danny Santivasci John Williams

Jori & Sam Swartz

Justin Spears & Robert McDougall

Kate Nevins

Korynn Schooley

Kristi Maxwell

Leanne Corba

Margaret Shapiro & Fred Hiatt Marty Cohen & Myrtis Meyer

Matt Korn

McMaster-Carr Namon Huddleston

Nora Collins Norman & Nancy Silber

Patrick Eagan Van-Meter

Paul Schneider

Penelope Pollard

Ron & Lynn Racioppi Rose Marie Campano

Sandra Barnhill

Todd Anderson Tyler Bell

Vission Essentials, LLC Vivien Pillet

$1-$99

Alexadra Barsanti Amazon Smile

Anne Sherman

Annie Appleton

Anthony Hubbard

Ariella Weintraub

Carol Lee Conchar

Charles Brunson

Claire Leavengood-Boxer

Corey Belaief

Damian Ramsey

David Barton & Greg Suman

Dominique Leon-Davis

Emily Heinz

Fatima Sadiq

Gayland Cowen

Gina Holecek

Irene Mimmaugh

Jean Bordeaux

Jennifer Bain

Jenny Campano

John Mackintosh & Cara Johnson

Juliet Crupa

Karen Sullivan

Karis Berg

Kayla & Nick Pipkin

Ken Zeff

Kimberly Parker Lindsey & Marshall Magaro

Marissa Grayson

Mark Strom

Marshall & Peggy Orson

Mary Marcotte

Maureen Pierce

Melissa Collins

Michael Hiatt

Michael Waxman

Obadele Brown

Patricia Hamilton

Rebecca Parshall

Tammy Kay Brunson

Tomika Pruitt William & Nancy Epps

Midjina, College AIM Alum Towers High School, Class of 2018 University of Georgia, Class of 2022