Stories Archives - Onward We Learn

College access and success program lauds today’s student debt relief announcement

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Aug. 24, 2022): Onward We Learn, the college access nonprofit previously known as the College Crusade of Rhode Island, applauds today’s announcement by President Biden to forgive up to $10,000 of federal student loans and up to $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients.

The president’s plan also extends the payment freeze once more until the end of the year. This erasure of debt and freeze will substantially help Rhode Islanders who attended college as low-income and/or first-generation students.

“Thousands of Onward We Learn alumni had no choice but to incur student debt as they pursued their college dreams. For most, such debt impedes their capacity to achieve economic prosperity and accumulate the assets needed to generate wealth,” said Onward We Learn President and CEO Andrew Bramson. “Today’s cancellation will provide some much-needed relief for these borrowers, which in turn will help the Rhode Island economy.

“Today’s announcement must shine a bright light on how broken the higher education finance system is in this country. Beyond today’s cancellation of debt, the federal government must prioritize structural changes to make higher education more affordable. This work cannot wait another day,” Bramson said.

Important policy changes Bramson and the organization advocate for include meaningful efforts to control the ever-rising costs of college; expanding Pell Grants for high-need borrowers; eliminating interest on federal loans; developing more innovative repayment plans; and streamlining loan forgiveness for public service.

“Rhode Island is fortunate to have a congressional delegation that understands and appreciates the burden that student debt creates, especially among young adults,” Bramson said. “Onward We Learn looks forward to partnering with our delegation to seek solutions that action-oriented and will benefit those with the greatest need.”

Onward We Learn supports more than 4,000 students in middle school, high school and college each year with one-on-one advising and year-round programs that focus on academic enrichment, social and emotional development, career education, and postsecondary preparation to help them become the first in their families to earn a college degree. Middle schoolers who attend traditional public schools and select public charter schools and independent schools in Providence, Cranston, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Woonsocket and West Warwick are eligible to enroll in Onward We Learn. Learn more at www.onwardwelearn.org.

College access and success program announces new name, advances same mission

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (June 29, 2022): The state’s most comprehensive college readiness program, formerly known as the College Crusade of Rhode Island, announced today it has changed its name and brand identity to Onward We Learn.

The announcement follows an eight-month process that engaged over 125 students, staff, alumni, parents and community partners, and signals a renewed commitment to helping thousands of Rhode Island students each year build a personalized pathway to a more successful future.

“We believe that this new identity better aligns with our mission, vision and values as the state’s preeminent college access nonprofit. Our mission is the same, yet Onward We Learn reflects our continued work to be more inclusive and to meet students where they are, supporting them on their journeys to be lifelong learners, successful individuals and, in many cases, the first in their families to attend and complete college,” said President and CEO Andrew Bramson.

The vast majority – about 70% – of students in College Crusade have a traditional four-year college experience. By emphasizing lifelong learning and forward progress, the new name recognizes the changing postsecondary landscape and validates the experiences of hardworking students who instead pursue alternative pathways such as apprenticeships, certificates and stackable credentials.

“The data is strong that college continues to be the most effective path to social and economic mobility, especially for students of color. As a student-centered organization that seeks to include all perspectives and experiences, we want to make room for many different pathways as we look to the future,” Bramson said. “Students have a range of postsecondary options, and we want to celebrate pathways that work for them; we must transition from the notion that the classic college experience is an all-or-nothing proposition. The most powerful word in our new name is ‘onward,’ which signifies mobility and trajectory. When you think about college or other postsecondary options, think about Onward We Learn.”

The organization, founded in 1989 as the Children’s Crusade for Higher Education, engages students in urban school districts starting in middle school and provides college readiness, career exploration and academic support programming through high school and into college. Advisors work hands-on within schools and after-school programming.

“This relaunch marks an exciting new chapter for an organization that has been making a difference for Rhode Island students and families for more than three decades,” said Meg Geoghegan, chair of the College Crusade board of directors. “Our impact is felt by the students who receive academic support and college counseling, and as a result become first-generation graduates from competitive universities across the country. It is felt by our families, who access assistance with financial aid and other support services that set their children up for success. And it is felt by our state, which reaps the benefits of this community of talented, innovative and energetic young leaders.”

College Crusade supports more than 4,000 students in middle school, high school and college each year with one-on-one advising and year-round programs that focus on academic enrichment, social and emotional development, career education, and postsecondary preparation to help them become the first in their families to earn a college degree. Middle schoolers who attend traditional public schools and select public charter schools and independent schools in Providence, Cranston, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Woonsocket and West Warwick are eligible to enroll in College Crusade. Learn more at www.onwardwelearn.org.

Honorific Class of 2022 celebration

Audubon Society visits middle school program

College access organization to change name next spring

PROVIDENCE, R.I.: The College Crusade of Rhode Island, the state’s most comprehensive college readiness program, will change its name and brand identity at the end of the 2021-22 school year and will announce a new name next spring that better aligns with its mission, vision and values.

Over the next several months, the organization will gather feedback and insight from students, alumni, staff and a robust network of supporters whose deep connections to the organization will help inform this new chapter.

The organization, founded in 1989 as the Children’s Crusade for Higher Education, engages students in urban school districts starting in middle school and provides college readiness, career exploration and academic support programming through high school and into college. Advisors work hands-on within schools, inspiring young people to become the first in their families to attend and complete college.

“We have more than 12,000 alumni and 3,500 current students who identify as Crusaders. Our organization has played an important supporting role in their pursuit of higher education and lifelong success over the past 32 years, and we are incredibly proud of that legacy in Rhode Island,” said President and CEO Andrew Bramson. “As we look ahead to a bright future, we want to put the needs and achievements of our first-generation students and families at the center of everything we do, and that should include a name and identity that captures the values by which we live.”

The organization has hired Rhode Island-based firm NAIL as its creative partner, tapping into its extensive experience in helping organizations tell their story.

“The past four years have inspired tremendous learning and growth for our organization, and the pandemic has reinforced with utter clarity that the students we serve are some of the most resilient, gifted and determined young people in our state,” said Meg Geoghegan, chair of the organization’s board of directors. “Our work is about helping students on their journey to college and building their confidence so they can imagine new possibilities for their futures. Our identity should reflect this thoughtful approach that has served so many students and families well over the past three decades.”

Alumni, students and families interested in being involved in this rebranding effort are encouraged to reach out to Kristen Cyr at kcyr@onwardwelearn.org.

“We have a great opportunity to engage our community in this process, simultaneously building awareness and momentum for our mission so that we can continue to do this important work for the next 32 years and beyond,” Bramson said.

The College Crusade supports more than 4,000 students in middle school, high school and college each year with one-on-one advising and year-round programs that focus on academic enrichment, social and emotional development, career education, and postsecondary preparation to help them become the first in their families to earn a college degree. Sixth-graders who attend traditional public schools and select public charter schools and independent schools in Providence, Cranston, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Woonsocket and West Warwick are eligible to enroll in the College Crusade.

Q&A with Accelerate graduate Jason Rodriguez Taveras, who heads to PC this fall

The Accelerate Program offers Providence high school students an enhanced senior year experience that allows students to jump-start their postsecondary career while completing their high school requirements. Students who successfully complete the program can earn up to 24 college credits at no cost of enrollment for the student or family.

I am a first-generation immigrant who came to the United States when I was 2 years old with my mother and two siblings. My father was unable to come to the U.S. until I was 11 years old. I faced many challenges growing up, which included having to learn both Spanish and English simultaneously and trying to fit in with my family as well as with the people I met at school. In my younger years I was never really comfortable in either space; this was reflected in my behavior as well as my grades throughout elementary and middle school. This changed when I found a second home and family on the eighth-grade wrestling team. It was a place where I was supported as well as held accountable by my coaches, Kevin Hernandez and Bill Fullaway, as well as my teammates. I learned the importance of discipline and how my actions now will inevitably affect my future. My wrestling career was short lived because of a knee condition that effectively took me out of the sport for good. All of a sudden I didn’t have this home anymore, but what I did have was those lessons I learned. So I decided to make the most out of what I had left, and with a knee that prevented me from participating in most organized sports, that was my mind. To do this, I hit the books hard for four years throughout high school and will now graduate with a 92.89 GPA, as well as nearly 30 college credits thanks to the Accelerate Program. This fall, I will be the first person in my family to attend college, and in a few years I plan to be the first to graduate college as well.

Why did you decide to join the Accelerate Program?

I heard about the Accelerate Program from a friend of mine, and I thought it sounded too good to be true. But it was true! I saw the opportunity to get a head start in college while also being able to graduate high school normally. It was a very easy decision for me, because it was one I could not let pass me by.

Please share a memorable moment you have in the Accelerate Program.

The best moment for me was finishing the second semester and realizing that I have completed nearly a year’s worth of college classes before I had even graduated from high school. Being able to share that with my family and seeing how proud they are has been great.

What role did College Success Coach Heckerly Flores play in your success?

Heckerly was by far the most helpful counselor I have had in all of my years of schooling. Heckerly was always there to help me when I needed recommendations, scholarship opportunities, help finding tutors, as well as filling out things like FAFSA, my CSS profile, helping me put together my college essay as well as a financial aid appeal to Providence College, which got me a very well-needed few more thousand dollars in financial aid. Overall, Heckerly has been an overachieving, high-spirited counselor who has been of great help to me; I am sure that without her help I would have not been able to excel in my classes the way I did.

What are you most looking forward to in your first year of college?

I am looking forward to being a part of a new community of people that really want to learn. High school was different because there were always a few students who were there because they had to be and they would make the class unpleasant to those of us that did want to be there and learn.

What challenges are you anticipating in the years ahead?

I am worried about adjusting to the new environment. I’ve never lived without my parents and so being in a dorm with two people that I don’t know will be a new experience for me and it is something I will have to overcome.

What words of advice do you have for the next group of Accelerate seniors (Class of 2022)?

The Accelerate Program will be incredibly difficult if school is not your main focus. Having to apply to colleges, write your college essays, and apply for scholarships and fill out the FAFSA while also having outside responsibilities like family or a job will be extremely difficult. I had many late nights because of this and there were times where I was not as prepared as I should have been for tests and assignments because of my heavy schedule. It is a significant commitment and should not be taken lightly. Other than that, it is a great opportunity if you are able to make the commitment.

Q&A with Accelerate grad Ashley Asencio, who will attend URI

The Accelerate Program offers Providence high school students an enhanced senior year experience that allows students to jump-start their postsecondary career while completing their high school requirements. Students who successfully complete the program can earn up to 24 college credits at no cost of enrollment for the student or family.

Hello, my name is Ashley Asencio. Growing up as a first-generation student hasn’t been easy; I have always needed to seek for my own help and wondered if I was making good decisions academic-wise. When an advisor came to my elementary school and spoke to us [about the College Crusade], my fifth-grade self knew I had to sign up. I was aware that my parents weren’t going to be able to help me with much of the college process due to the language barrier and them not experiencing college. This was the perfect opportunity for me because not only was I already thinking of the future but I was earning money for going to programs. Looking back, I thank my fifth-grade self for being so aware and getting those papers signed because each and every advisor had played a part in the student I am today. They have guided me in the right path and provided me with so many good information and I know that’s their job, but they make you feel special and one of a kind. They make sure they remind you how amazing you are and that you can reach for the moon if you keep pushing and I thank each and every one one of them for that!

Why did you decide to join the Accelerate Program?

I decided to join this program because at the time we were all doing online school and I really loved the feeling of doing school online and having my own schedule. I decided this might be a good decision for me although I was also scared because I wasn’t going to have teachers on me 24/7, which meant I was going to be more independent. I decided why not start my college process early and get a feeling of what fall 2021 could look for me and if I was ready to take that step.

Please share a memorable moment you have in the Accelerate Program.

During the college process, I felt myself become so overwhelmed I wanted to give up. I remember being on Zoom with [College Admissions Coach Ana Almeida] and explaining to her my fears of not being good enough for some of the colleges I was applying to and remember myself crying from frustration. She told me everything was going to be fine and that I was a smart young girl with a lot of potential. She was right; I kept bringing myself down and thinking I didn’t deserve what I had accomplished, which made me feel like I wasn’t good enough. Ana was always there for me when I needed wise words, as were many other advisors.

What role did College Success Coach Heckerly Flores play in your success?

She helped me choose what college was best for me and why it was the best choice to make.

What are you most looking forward to in your first year of college?

I’m excited to experience a new environment and living on my own for the first time and really get a feeling of what adulthood can look like for me as well as become more independent.

What challenges are you anticipating in the years ahead?

Now that I got the feeling of what college could feel like, I’m not really scared, I’m just scared if I’m going to keep the same habits or become better. I left things for last minute yet finished all my assignments on time. But I want to change that. I don’t wat nto keep that habit because it gives me less time to perfect my work.

What words of advice do you have for the next group of Accelerate seniors (Class of 2022)?

At first it might seem like a lot to handle and you might think to yourself, “Why did I join this?!” But trust me, it has been the best decision of my life. Not only was I doing school from home, but I had extra free time for myself. I was able to manage my life the way I wanted to and didn’t have to follow strict rules from teachers. Hearing my classmates complain about how stressful school was made me feel like my classes were easy. But make sure that if you decide to join the Accelerate Program you are willing to communicate with your advisors and seek help when needed or else you’re letting yourself down.

Q&A with Accelerate graduate Jolade Oshinkalu, who will attend Providence College

The Accelerate Program offers Providence high school students an enhanced senior year experience that allows students to jump-start their postsecondary career while completing their high school requirements. Students who successfully complete the program can earn up to 24 college credits at no cost of enrollment for the student or family.

My name is Jolade Oshinkanlu. I am an immigrant who came into the U.S. for a better life, good education, and opportunities for my future. My journey has been very hard, but it challenged me into becoming a strong woman of color who strives hard to do her best at everything. I remember several times that I was at the point of giving up, but being able to get up every morning to do my best and make my family proud every time I achieved something great kept me going. I am proud of who I am and where I came from because without the challenges I faced, I wouldn’t have become capable of doing many things, discovering my passions, and be where I am today.

Why did you decide to join the Accelerate Program?

I decided to join the Accelerate Program to challenge myself into doing something I have not experienced before. At first, I was scared that I would fail because of the way the program was described to me but then I remembered my mom said, “You never know what you can do unless you give it a try.” This is why I joined the program.

Please share a memorable moment you have in the Accelerate Program.

One memorable moment I have in the Accelerate Program is that one of my professors made everyone join different group of people to work together on a project. It was through that project I made friends with amazing people. We decided to hang out in person and had a wonderful experience together.

What role did College Success Coach Heckerly Flores play in your success?

Miss Heckerly played a big role in my success. She connected me to different opportunities, never failed to check up on me, and gave me advice that helped me to be here today.

What are you most looking forward to in your first year of college?

I am looking forward to discovering new things about myself. I want to try different activities I wasn’t given the opportunity to do because of Covid such as dancing, running, and creating programs for people etc. I also want to meet people coming from different places so that we can share our ideas together and create many wonderful things.

What challenges are you anticipating in the years ahead?

Some challenges I am anticipating in the years ahead are being in a new environment without people that I am used to being around with, doing many things by myself as an adult, and making sure that I have good time management.

What words of advice do you have for the next group of Accelerate seniors (Class of 2022)?

You can do this! It might feel like you should give up and just stop but I promise you that at the end, it will be worth it and not just for your family, but for yourself. Keep on going for your future dreams and never think that you are alone because there are people who will be there for you and great resources that can help a lot.

Sekou Madave Jr. ’21 will attend College of the Holy Cross

My name is Sekou Madave Jr., and I was born in Buduburam refugee camp just 44 kilometers from Accra, in Ghana, on Oct. 10, 2001. Around the age of 5, my family moved to Liberia, where I lived until 2012 when I immigrated to the United States of America. I’ve lived in Rhode Island with my father, stepmother, two stepsisters, and stepbrothers for the past nine years.

When I first moved to the United States, the foreignness of my surroundings was strange and, at times, suffocating. The smell, taste, food, and language were otherworldly and too much for my 11-year-old self to absorb. It was a huge shock when I first saw snowfall out of the sky; where I lived in Liberia, it never snowed. My family’s face was new; it was the first time I’d seen my father. He moved to the U.S. when my biological mother was pregnant with me. At school, I struggled to keep up with my peers. I read below my grade level.

The struggles to adjust to my new worlds follow me in middle school. But this time, the strife became more personal than academic. In sixth grade, I remember a classmate burst into laughter during my presentation. Once he caught his breath, he asked me to speak “African” again. This humiliating and traumatic incident was not isolated, and it took a severe toll on me. For most of my middle school years, I struggled to express myself and closed off from my peers. When the bell signaled dismissal, instead of joining my classmates in after-school activities, I rushed to get home as quickly as possible.

Even though there was some adversity that I had to endure, my middle school years were not all bad because I joined the College Crusade of Rhode Island. Because I did not do many after-school activities, the College Crusade helped make up for that. The Saturday Cru Club, college visits, and field trips were all events I looked forward to because of the opportunity to meet different students from diverse backgrounds. Up to that point, the only places I’d been were school and back home. Going to these various places and experiencing different things through the College Crusade opened my viewpoint to the world outside of my confinements.

The College Crusade has, without a doubt, played an essential role in my life. Since coming to the U.S., I’ve created lifelong bonds with fellow Crusaders and advisors. This year, I will be undertaking another critical transition in my life, primarily due to the College Crusade and advisors. They helped with college applications and financial aid documents. The hands-on help that I received from the advisor was crucial in helping me get into some of my dream schools. As a result, I will be attending the College of the Holy Cross in the fall of 2021, studying psychology.

Why did you decide to join the College Crusade Honorific Program?

I joined the College Crusade in sixth grade and, even though I was years away from applying to college, I was still thinking it and I was to get as much information about the college process and life beyond college and the College Crusade was invaluable.

Please share a memorable moment you have in the Honorific Program.

The most memorable part of the Honorific program was when we first started working on our college essay. In the beginning, my essay was all over the place, and to see the growth from the first draft to the one I submitted to the colleges was one of the proudest moments during this college process. Also, shout out to Luc Allio.

What role did CoAgena play in your success?

Ana has played an enormous role not only in my success but my life. She goes above and beyond for what an advisor should do; she is concerned about me and other Crusaders’ well-being, especially during COVID-19. Without the assistance of Ana, I would not be in my dream college. (And I do mean this literally. When I could not pay the deposit fee, she found a way). Also, shout out to Ashley.

What are you most looking forward to in your first year of college?

I am looking forward to meeting in person some of the first-year students I met online.

What challenges are you anticipating in the years ahead?

How I would adjust living away from home.

What words of advice do you have for the next group of Honorific seniors (Class of 2022)?

Everyone in the Honorific Program wants you to success, so do not be afraid to ask for help.

Charon Martinez ’21 is heading to Boston University

Hi! My name is Charon Martinez and I use pronouns she/her/hers. I am proud to be a first-generation, Hispanic/Latinx student attending Boston University in January 2022. I would describe myself as a resilient, intrinsically motivated, and organized leader. These traits are what allowed me to persevere in life and school. I am graduating as a member of the Summa Cum Laude Society and I am in the top 8% of my class. Beyond academics, I am very passionate about staying connected with my culture, and for 13 years I’ve done so through folkloric dance. Additionally, I am a social justice advocate and plan to bring my voice onto campus to bring about change. During my time in college I would like to immerse myself in different cultures and expand my horizons by traveling abroad. First place on my list: London, as it is part of the CGS program at BU.

Why did you decide to join the College Crusade Honorific Program?

I decided to join the Honorific team because I did not have anyone to help me in the college process, as I am a first-generation student. Also, I figured that going to the boot camps would help me be able to help me siblings in their process when their time comes.

Please share a memorable moment you have in the Honorific Program.

A memorable moment would have to be when we were playing [a game similar to] “Jeopardy!” about everything we learned in the boot camp. This was a standout moment for me because not only did I win, I knew I was prepared to begin the college process.

What role did College Admissions Coach Ana Almeida play in your success?

Ana introduced me to all the terminology involved in the college process and set me with several documents that kept me organized when I started applying. Aside from the group meetings, she has always been there when I had a question or needed some advice and always made time for me.

What are you most looking forward to in your first year of college?

I’m looking forward to change, a breath of fresh air, and the start of living life to the fullest.

What challenges are you anticipating in the years ahead?

As Boston University is a large institution, I anticipate struggling with the campus and that sense of community. I plan to connect with people on my floor and also join clubs that speak to me and my values. I also think that mastering transportation won’t be easy as the train is the most popular method.

What words of advice do you have for the next group of Honorific seniors (Class of 2022)?

JUST DO IT. I am referring to the summer boot camp. I know it’s summer and you probably don’t want to be on Zoom that early but I promise you it’s beyond worth it. During my Honorific boot camp I was also managing an internship and a math course, so I know what it’s like to have a full schedule. Looking back at it, starting the college process at such an early stage really set me up for success. Lastly, shoot for the stars. Don’t be afraid to apply to your dream schools; you can do it!

Stories

College access and success program lauds today’s student debt relief announcement

College access and success program announces new name, advances same mission

Honorific Class of 2022 celebration

Audubon Society visits middle school program

College access organization to change name next spring

Q&A with Accelerate graduate Jason Rodriguez Taveras, who heads to PC this fall

Q&A with Accelerate grad Ashley Asencio, who will attend URI

Q&A with Accelerate graduate Jolade Oshinkalu, who will attend Providence College

Sekou Madave Jr. ’21 will attend College of the Holy Cross

Charon Martinez ’21 is heading to Boston University

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