College Visions Annual Report, 2017

RESILIENCE, EMPOWERMENT, PERSISTENCE

Annual Report 2017

Our Mission

Letter from our Executive Director

Our mission at College Visions is to empower low-income and first-generation college-bound students to realize the promise of higher education by providing advising and resources to promote college enrollment, persistence, and graduation. College Visions advances equal access to educational opportunities in historically under-served communities.

My arrival at College Visions for me means coming full circle. I arrived in Providence many years ago as a teenager with my mom as she sought new opportunities for our family. Growing up in New York was fun, which made it easier to deal with the fact that we were a family living in poverty. The move to Providence was designed to help us shift into a better economic condition. Unfortunately, it did not work out that way.

Adjusting to Providence was hard, and attending high school here was a lot more difficult than I anticipated. Nevertheless, like many of our College Visions students, I felt that continuing my education was a way to guide my family out of poverty. There were many challenges that I encountered as a first-generation college student and I think back to what an organization like College Visions could have done for me.

The lessons I learned were tough but, I am grateful to have experienced them.

I would have never guessed that my first professional position would be working in higher education as a college admissions officer. It is often said that your purpose in life is dictated by your adversities and passion. I agree with this concept. I now have the honor to work for first-generation and low-income students as they pursue their dream of a higher education.

College Visions students face their own challenges as they follow their educational aspirations. With guidance from our staff, they have been able not only to attend the colleges and universities of their choice,

but they have also persisted to successfully earn degrees. It is said that it takes a village to raise a child; in our case, it takes a dedicated team to help guide and motivate students.

I am very proud of our students, they work hard, they participate in our programming even during the summer months and they are willing to challenge themselves in terms of what their own futures will look like.

They are just beginning a challenging journey. With your support, our students will continue to strive for academic excellence.

Now more than ever it is important that everyone in our democracy has an opportunity to not only improve themselves, but also their communities. That work starts with generosity like yours. I leave you with an old African proverb, “I am because you are, my humanity is tied to yours.� College Visions is a family and we are humbled that you are willing to join our circle.

Respectfully, Nick Figueroa Executive Director

Getting to College with the COLLEGE ACCESS PROGRAM High school students come to College Visions with big goals, boundless energy, and limited knowledge about how to apply to and succeed in college. We provide 1-on-1 mentorship that helps young people and their families choose colleges with high graduation rates, strong supports for first-generation students, and excellent financial aid.

Thanks to our holistic approach, 100% of College Access Program students receive an offer of college admission and 97% enroll in college immediately after high school—in comparison to only 59% of Rhode Island students in the class of 2015 (RI Kids Count).

OUR FOCUS 1-on-1 Admissions Advising: Each student meets with their staff advisor every other week throughout 12th grade to develop polished application materials.

College Knowledge Workshops: During the summer before 12th grade, each newly admitted CAP student completes intensive college preparation workshops.

Campus Visits: College Visions sponsors campus visits and supports students’ applications to college-sponsored visits. Students visit schools as close as Rhode Island College, and as far away as Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota and Salem College in North Carolina.

Family Engagement: Families engage with College Visions through individual meetings, a fall open house, and workshops throughout the year.

The College Access Program helps young people take a big step toward making the dream of a college degree into reality.

“It’s a family! I have gotten so much support and owe my success to College Visions!”

Jennifer Recinos Brandeis University, Class of 2014 Admissions Technology and Operations Coordinator, Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Earning a College Degree with the Kolajo Paul Afolabi COLLEGE SUCCESS PROGRAM Enrolling in college is a big, brave step for low-income, first-generation youth, but it’s only the first hurdle on the path to a degree. In 2015, only 29% of graduates from public high schools in Rhode Island’s core cities who enrolled in college returned for a second year of college (RI Kids Count).

The College Success Program ensures that low-income, first-generation students receive the guidance, support, and resources they need to navigate financial, academic, emotional, and personal challenges.

As a result, 94% of students persist to their second year of college.

And 65% of College Visions students earn a degree within 6 years of enrollment, compared with only 21% of low-income, first-generation students nationally (Pell Institute).

OUR FOCUS 1-on-1 Success Coaching: Advisors provide college students with individualized coaching sessions at our office, on campus, by phone, and online. Coaching empowers students to solve problems, take advantage of campus-based resources and stay on track to graduate.

Affordability: College Visions helps College Success students maintain strong financial supports through FAFSA completion, budgeting, and by providing small grants to help students cover emergency expenses.

Transfer Coaching: For most College Visions students enrolling in community college is the first step to earning their bachelor’s degree. Advisors assist students in selecting transferrable courses and navigating the admissions process.

“To be a first-generation college graduate means success. It is the determination to attain an education despite the obstacles that an individual faces every day. It means being a role model, providing opportunities to those who come after me, and giving thanks to those who came before and supported me. Thank you to College Visions for providing opportunities for all first-generation students to be successful.”

Rosa Thao Salem College, Class of 2015

The Future of College Visions With your support, College Visions provides the holistic and caring advising that helps young people achieve outstanding outcomes.

Unfortunately, there is also a large unmet need for the services we provide.

Low rates of college enrollment and persistence among low-income, first-generation students show that our young people need more support on the path to and through college. In particular, Black and Latino Rhode Islanders hold bachelors’ degrees at rates significantly lower than the average rate for the New England states and slightly lower than the national average: 18% for Black and 12% for Latino Rhode Island residents.

These numbers are troubling, however, College Visions provides a solution. Our programs show that when young people get the support they need, they do persist to earn degrees. And a college degree represents not only the achievement of a personal dream, it also allows young people to give back to their families and communities, and grow the ranks of highly skilled workers who are so essential to our region’s future.

Your investment in College Visions supports today’s youth and generations to come.

Strategic Goals Provide empowering mentorship and support services to 400 students in 2019.

“My wife and I feel College Visions and the work they do within Rhode Island is extremely important, more so than ever in this current climate. The most amazing part is hearing first hand from high school seniors, current college students, and alumni. Each one of their stories embodies the mission of College Visions and how my support could directly help these young people.”

Joshua Wynn Senior Application Analyst, Lifespan College Visions Donor

Celebrate our 400th College Visions graduate by 2020.

Build capacity to share our expert knowledge with educators and youth workers in order to reach thousands more students by 2020.

“It’s hard to imagine a better investment than education, and the powerful commitment of College Visions to their students make supporting them a particular joy.”

Maria DeCarvalho Co-Director, Minds at Work, LLC College Visions Donor

“Supporting the work and mission of College Visions is really a selfish act. When a young person gains access to and then succeeds in college, not only does that individual’s prospects for the future brighten, but my entire community benefits. There are dozens of examples of College Visions alumni who have come back and worked right here in Providence and helped to make our city a better place to live.”

Timothy Monroe Executive Director of Development Rhode Island School of Design College Visions Board of Directors Chair

Board of Directors Soumangue Basse Senior Auditor, Citizens Bank Nancy Fisher Chudacoff Of Counsel, Cameron & Mittleman Sara Enright Vice President of Student Affairs, Community College of Rhode Island Nick Figueroa, Ex Officio Executive Director, College Visions Heather Hudson Executive Director, Governor’s Work Force Board of Rhode Island Jael Lopes, Vice Chair Director of Strategic Partnerships, Providence Public School Department Timothy Monroe, Chair Executive Director of Development, Rhode Island School of Design Deborah Obalil President & Executive Director, Association of Independent Colleges of Art & Design

“I am really looking forward to completing the application process for my study abroad trip next semester to Florence, Italy! I am excited to travel across the ocean for an amazing experience. I want to thank CV and all its supporters for this opportunity. Without you, I don’t think I would be in college or be able to do the great things I’m doing now. Thank you!”

Julio B. Rhode Island College, Class of 2019

Grant Porter Senior Consulting Manager, Finance and Analytics, Conduent State Healthcare, Rhode Island Executive Office of Health & Human Services

Cindy Umanzor Project Manager, Pro-Change Behavior Systems Emmanuel Ventura-Urena, Treasurer Commercial Banking Risk Specialist Citizens Bank, Alumnus, College Visions Jennifer Wood Executive Director, Rhode Island Center for Justice Rafael Zapata, Secretary Associate Vice-President/Chief Diversity Officer, Providence College

Staff Susan Anderson Success Advisor Benjamin Concepcion Success Advisor Emily Gonzalez Program Director Joshua Greenberg Operations Director Moira Hinderer Development Director Tina Meetran Access Manager

Joshua Rodriguez Community Partnership Coordinator, Nick Figueroa Swearer Center for Public Service at Executive Director Brown University, Alumnus, College Visions Monephia Nembhard Tim Spurrell Development Associate Medical Director, Planned Parenthood Rosa Ramos of Southern New England Access Advisor Cicily Shaw Gleyribel Rodriguez Director of College Counseling, Success Manager Boston Trinity Academy

2016-2017 Financials

Donors

REVENUE

FOUNDATIONS AND CORPORATIONS

The Sidney E. Frank Foundation

The Angell Foundation

Silver-Haspel Family Fund

Bank of America Charitable Foundation

Simple Pleasures

Grants Aarned Income Events and Sponsorships Individual Donations Other Income Total Revenue

$567,099 $57,490 $22,632 $122,554 $2,543

Grants 73.43% Earned Income 7.44% Events and Sponsorships 2.93% Individual Donations 15.87% Other Income 0.33%

BankRI Barrett Family Foundation Bhikhaji Maneckji Fund Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island

$772,318

Blue State Coffee The Carter Fund The Champlin Foundations Charles and Nancy Dunn Family Fund City of Providence, Community Development Block Grant Cox Charities CVS Health Dexter Donation Fund Episcopal Charities of Rhode Island Frederick C. Tanner Memorial Fund

EXPENSES

H. T. Ewald Foundation

Personnel Occupancy Programs Special Events Essential Infrastructure Professional Services Capital Purchases

$516,457 $20,203 $40,029 $15,411 $12,916 $39,310 $4,068

Total Expenses

$648,394

Personnel 79.65% Occupancy 3.12% Programs 6.17% Special Events 2.38% Essential Infrastructure 1.99% Professional Services 6.06% Capital Purchases 0.63%

Harry M., Miriam C. & William C. Horton Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee June Rockwell Levy Foundation Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee Lyman B Brainerd Family Foundation Mary Dexter Chafee Fund MetLife

Southwest Airlines

Robinson Mountain Trust Russell Grinnell Memorial Trust, Bank of America, N.A. Trustee

Keith Catone and Dulari Tahbildar

Michael Brosterman

Presceia Cooper

Erin Campbell

Mary WC. Daly

TriMix Foundation

$5000+ Anonymous Maria DeCarvalho and A.T. Wall Alexandra and Thomas Moffatt

Richard and Inge Chafee Nora Crowley and Dan McGowan Jennifer Delos Reyes Chris Finlay Michael Fournier and David Liddle Liz Glatzer

$2000+

Bill and Debbie Catone

Steve Eisnerk Michael Eng and Emily Ustach Elizabeth Fradin Robert Gray Marc and Susan Greenfield Bill and Ann Hinderer Moira Hindererk

Jean S. Callaghan

Carol Golden and Stuart Einhorn

Sara and Jeffrey Enright

Angela Grenander Raufi

Heather Hudson

Jack and Sara McConnell

Christian Ladds

Barbara Hurst

Simon Moorek

Rebecca Murray

Christopher Rheaume

Stephanie Ogidan Preston and Shane Preston

Susan and Robert Johnston

Jack Richter and Cassandra Stafford-Richter

Dorothy Hiraliena

Brittany Jokl

Linda Palmateer

Jori Ketten

Carla Ricci

Geraldine Killilea

Joanne Rich

Jean and John King

Elizabeth Roberts

Chris Petrin Lambert

$1000+

Rhoda Schneider

William Bennett

Susan Smulyan

Marsha Miller and Robert Bedick

Howard and Nancy Chudacoff

Joan Sorensen

Scott and Sally Stevenson

Anniedi Essien Julie Fischer Dione D. Kenyon Brooke and Eugene Lee

Mary and Sandy Moore

Rhode Island Foundation

Soumangue Basse

Jill and Andrew Caslowitz

Taco/White Family Foundation

The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation

Rallis Conover Family Fund

Yetunde Flickerk

Elizabeth Burke Bryant and Daniel Bryant

Stranahan Foundation

Otto H. York Foundation

Providence Shelter for Colored Children

Kolajo A.

Afolabik

John and Karen Bracken

Tim Monroe and Cheryl Nixon

Providence College

$500+

Deborah Obalil and Jim Olick Simple Pleasures Janice and James Prochaska

Timothy and Emily Spurrell Annie Steelek Michael Stein and Hester Kaplan Joseph and Brownsyne Tucker Edmonds Barbara Vincent Lauren Zurier

Alice Moore Craig Muderlak Lisa Munkelwitz Lilamini and Victor Neel Tai Palermo Mercedes Quevedo Precillia Redmondk Clay Rockefeller and Manya Rubinstein Angela Romans

$250+ Anonymous Anonymous

Jack and Fran Steelek

Andrew Bramson

Abbot Stranahan

Anne Brunson

Sebastian Ruth and Minna Choi Paula Sager and Jeremy Sager Phoebe Salten and Merrill Weingrod

Jennifer Wood and Bob Lee

k denotes

a gift in memory of Kolajo Paul Afolabi

Rafael A. Zapata

a denotes

a gift by College Visions students or alumni

Donors (continued) Jasowolu Saygbea

Adrienne Dornk

Amy Lieb

Carlos Thena

Lucie Searle

Shauna Duffy

Jael Lopes

Jill and James Tobak

Samuel Seidel Danika Severino Wynn and Joshua Wynn

Gail and Joseph Edmonds John Eng-Wong

Pam MacColl

Catherine

Tylerk

Dale Gipsonk

Theda Tanna

Daniel Gatewoodk

Art Nevins

David and Suzanne Goldenberg

Emily Ustach

Zainab Giwaa

Alexandra O’Neillk

Olivia and Colin Van Dyke

Trey Goncalvesa

Nwando Ofokansia

Marcela Gonzalez

Opeyemi Onamiyea

Ruth Gutman

Ruth Otto

Cara Hayesk

Susan Pasquarelli

Karen Hentschelk

Angel Penaa

Josh Housdank

Becca Pollockk

Chanda Yarboroughk

Mary Hutchins

Jennifer Recinosa

Francesca Zetark

Caryn Jackson

Rachel Richie

Marlyne Jacqueta

Elizabeth Ripotolak

Naika Joseph

Rachel Ritchie

Kara Kelley

John Serpas

Jaretta Konneha

Aron Shafrank

Karen Lambe

Daniel Siefert Joan and Stuart Slafsky

Camilo Umanzor

Emily Gonzalez

Michael Marshall

Carol Umanzor

Kevin Martins

Emmanuel Ventura-Urenaa

Barrett and Mary Frances Hazeltine

Thomasine Manickas

Chris Soto

Sandra Enos

Moira Squier

Chris Erway

John Swen

Ruben Feliz

Vincent and Josephine Marzullo

William and Donna Templeton

Barry Flickerk

Kira Meadk

LaTashia Walker

Evelyn Hu-DeHart and Dean DeHart

Kimberly Flickerk

Wilnelia Merced

Jennie Weinerk

Edward Hudson

Jhan Friasa

Abja Midha

Philip Huerta

Thomas J. Fullam

Bevin Murphyk

Karin and Edward Wetherill

Steven Gacina

Kat Murrayk

Jim Gannaway

Monephia Nembhardka

Maritza Gomeza

Cynthia Neverdon-Morton

Jing Yuan and Matt McDonaldk

Diane Gooding

Katy Nowiszewski

Mimo Gordon Riley

William Obalil

Todd Grindalk

Katrina Ole-MoiYoik

Anonymous

Ginger and John Harkey

Simon Phippsk

Mikaila Arthur

Nancy Harlan

Ellen Polansky

Marcus Austin and Kathy Anderson

Jill Harrington

Catalina Regino

Ryan Hathawayk

Patricia Riggs

Aneal Helmsk

Joshua Rodrigueza

Abel Hernandeza

Henry Rodrigueza

Jeffrey Hines

Hanna Rodriguez-Farrar

Jill Holloway

Michael Rogers

Marissa Bermank

Andrew Horwitz and Alexandra Callam

Bill Rosen and Sandi Rosen

Carrie Bridges

Rachel Inslerk

Heather Bridgesk

Carlton and Kathleen Tucker Cindy Umanzor Ash Wall

$100+ Kourtnie Ailerua Clarice Anderes and Jack Willis

Oyinlade Ayandele

Gretchen Vernerk

Marc and Hedwige Hiralien

John Vassalotti Eliza Vorenberg and Barnaby Jackson Mindy Weber and Lowell McRoberts

Bernice Ines

$1–$49

Maritza Jimeneza

Pamela Acostaa

David C-H Johnston

Gabriel Amo

Meredith Lorberk

Oluwaseun Animashauna

David Ziff

Kyle Malesra

Anonymous

Seth and Tonya Zimringk

Jodi Martini

Christina Ayrassiana

Rachel and Carlos Lanek

Tina Meetrana

Sarah Barker

Elizabeth Leek

Nancy Miller

Karen Baxter

Rachel Levyk

$50+

Caroline Molloy-Calia

Rachel Littman

Michael and Roberta Aaronson

Alan Mooradian

Philippa and Adam Belschesk

Erin Wright-Gandhik Jason Yoon

Mary Grace Almandrez

Kathleen Murphy-Shiffman

Marcela Billigk Sarah Bowman and Alexis Thompson

Anonymousk

Dionne Nickerson and Sebastien Ezzahi

Anne Aycockk

George Nippo

Glenn Bautistaa

Bophal Khieva

Alvaro Beltrana

Lindsay Paiva

Ishiah Benbenk

Claire Phipps

Liuba Shapirok

Gretchen Brion-Meiselsk

Pam Jennings

Marcia Russellk

Alexandra 0. Carr

Megan and Anthony Prentissk

Jeffrey Brier

Sabine Jeskek

Hillary Salmons

Joe Castellucciok

Hillary Reser

Elaine Budish

Jan-Delle Johnsona

Peter Chung

Nancy Riley

Nancy Carriuolo

Belinda Johnson

Michalene and Tim Schechterk

Kate Chute

Gleyribel Rodrigueza

Michelle Eaa

Jill and Bill Caskey

David Karoff and Barbara Hunger

Daniel Schleifer

Mary and John Cloud

Emily Rodriguezk

Debbie Edelbergk

David Seidmank

Tegwyn Collinsk

Carolyn Rogers

Wendy Edwards

Elisabeth Ballou Bill and Diane Barrett Jose Batistaa Catherine Bennettk

Josh Catone and Kate Aubin Eileen Cheng Hope

Chuk

Kathryn Crewe Kelly Mary Dalton and Bob Ameen Garfield Davidson and Shonte McDowell Kevin DeCeoursty Andrea DeMayo-Clancy and Bryan Clancy Deena Disraellyk

Maryclaire Knight

Peggy and Henry Sharpe

Erika and Thomas Lamb

Karen Sheahan

Ariel Lambe and Kevin Mercik Richard and Karen Lambe Cindy Larned Sarah Roskam Leibel Jane Leibrockk Matt and Jean Marie Leonard Dan Lewis and Jan Fleischner

Julie Steffes Tracy Steffes Deborah Steinberg and Ann Solomon Mary and Jay Steinberg Judith Swift and Charles Cofone Dominique Taylork Rosa Thaoa

Kath Connolly

Will

Rourkk Russellk

Monique Breindel Jody M.

Caldwellk

Onelissa Martineza

Andre D. Solk Marisa Titus Susan Triedman Gretchen Vernerk

Zack Mezera

Janice Weisfeld and Francis Haines

Rachel Micah-Jonesk

Tonya Whitek

Anonymous

Tara Wisnewskik

Kelley Neverdon-Price

Ginny Yangk

Christina Castle Raul Cervantes Marjorie Cohenk Michael Czaplicki Monet Davisa Cameron Dickson

Mona Egan

“I would like to say thank you to our advisors

Allison Elgart

and to all of those people behind the scenes that help College Visions exist. Without donors

Margarida Da Graca

Christina

Mike and Kelly DeAngelis

Vina Saengdaraa

Susan Eriksenk

Juana Sanche

Ted Famiglietti

none of this would be possible, and I am truly

Matt Santacroce

Karen Feldman

thankful. Stay awesome!”

James Schlageter

Julmar Figueroa

Mary-Beth Fafard Anonymous Diana Fishmank Thuy Anh and Matthew Fox Chris Gannaway Margaret and Jim Gardner

Carla Shalaby and Thomas Nikundiwe

Daniel Finerk

Naomi B.

Angeel Fisherk

E-Cubed Academy, Class of 2018

Mariely Siravo

Mary Forda

Sarah Swiconekk

Cynthia Fredricks

k denotes

a gift in memory of Kolajo Paul Afolabi

Emma Chung Ming Tai

Dina Gambonik

a denotes

a gift by College Visions students or alumni

“College Visions has always motivated me and helped me reach for the stars. Helpful, reliable, and kind-hearted staff are three terms I can describe that make College Visions meaningful to me. Thank you College Visions supporters!”

Janice R. Rhode Island College, Class of 2021

COLLEGE VISIONS 131 Washington Street, Suite 205 Providence, Rhode Island 02903 401 490 3996 | www.collegevisions.org