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