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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 [email protected].

“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

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

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!

Emergency Fund helps more than 150 college students stay on track to graduate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUyVek0a1ew

In 2020, we awarded $72,177 in emergency funding to more than 150 students, thanks to the Rhode Island Foundation, the United Way of Rhode Island, and our 401Gives Day donors. Here are a few students’ stories.

Students who encounter an unexpected cost or emergency often try to manage on their own despite the obstacle. That was the case for Amelia Lopez, a sophomore at the University of Rhode Island majoring in business, who came home from her job at the Ram’s Den food court on campus to find her laptop had fallen and shattered.

A lifelong Providence resident and graduate of Classical High School, she has been taking most of her classes online this year.

“I work and do school full time, all while paying my own rent and bills. I supply all of my own food and necessities; I’m 100% self-supporting,” she said. “When my laptop broke, my life was put on hold. I couldn’t do certain assignments or participate in Zoom meetings at times. I went a long time without a laptop. I couldn’t shell out the cash for a new one right away and, despite my efforts, I failed one of my classes.”

She received an email from the College Crusade about applying for the emergency fund and was awarded funds to replace her computer.

“Having this laptop has made me able to comfortably do work and school without worrying about a huge dent in my wallet,” she said. “In 2021, it is almost impossible to be successful in college without a computer or laptop.”

She wants to thank the donors and funders who made it possible to get back on track with her new laptop.

“Without the emergency fund, I’m not sure how much longer I would have gone without consistent access to a computer,” she said. “Buying a new laptop was unexpected and would have set me back a whole month of rent. I cannot be more grateful to the donors and funders that took this huge burden off of my shoulders and made my success possible this semester. The laptop is much better quality than anything I could have gotten for myself and I feel privileged to have this kind of support. Thank you, donors and funders, for your generosity. It is going a really long way.”

Erick Paz, a freshman and Johnson & Wales University this year majoring in electronics engineering, also received funds to purchase a laptop

He said having a laptop was mandatory to attend, but he didn’t have enough money to purchase one. Then he learned about the College Crusade emergency fund.

“This fund definitely helped me because I got a bill – and some stress – off my back. I felt so relieved when I heard I was getting these funds because during these unprecedented times, it’s hard to get the money for important things like this,” he said

He’d like to tell donors and funders that without the laptop, he wouldn’t have been able to go to college.

“Thank you so much, but even that isn’t enough for me to tell them how much I appreciated their help,” he said. “I definitely wouldn’t have done it without you. My humble appreciation goes out to you.”

Because of the pandemic, many students sought funding for basic needs such as groceries.

Valeria Aguilar, a sophomore at URI majoring in medical laboratory science, is living at home in Providence this year and all of her classes except one are remote. She learned about the College Crusade’s emergency fund through an email from her college success coach.

“This helped me and my family because during the time there was a lot of uncertainty and my dad was the only one working, so it helped us be able to pay for groceries and still have money for bills,” she said. “I am super grateful to know that there are people helping others when needed. Funds are so crucial for students because it can help relieve stress and worries about financial problems in order to just stay focused on school.”

All college students must purchase textbooks and supplies for their classes, but the equipment required for some majors can place an additional burden on them.

“Dowels, wooden planks, cardboard sheets, chipboard, foam board, glue, my drawing utensils, sketch books, erasers, and so many other materials,” lists Carlos Ferman, a junior architecture major at Roger Williams University. “It starts to become more of a nightmare than a dream. That is not even talking about the computer software that architects use.”

The Providence Career and Technical Academy graduate is the first in his family born in the United States. “My single parent mother has to make sure to essentially make the equivalent of two parents because even with two parents, many families take out loans and struggle to send their children to college,” he said.

He attended a College Crusade FAFSA Night, where Director of Postsecondary Success Naglaa Gaafar helped him complete the important financial aid application and told him about the emergency fund.

The funding helped him purchase yearlong subscriptions to the Adobe Creative Suite and SketchUp software as well as glue, batteries and eraser tips for his electric eraser, and an architectural scale, among other supplies.

“Thanks to the College Crusade I was able to continue my third year of architecture because I was able to purchase these important items,” he said. “As a family we struggle financially and make do with what we have. I have taken out loans in my name and applied for several scholarships, so we get by, but this emergency fund has truly lightened the burden my mother carries on her shoulder.”

Ferman said it’s heartbreaking to see some of his peers who were not in the College Crusade struggling to chase their dreams.

“To the donors and funders who helped make these funds possible, thank you. But more importantly, it is because of people like you that shape the future. I have too many stories of students who have the motivation, the knowledge, the qualifications, the ability, the talent – everything but the funds,” he said. “Again, thank you to every donor, because investing in our youth, our students, our children is what ultimately shapes the future. Thank you.”

Cranston twins heading to Northeastern this fall after early decision acceptance

Growing up, identical twins Benjamin and Christopher Lam didn’t envision attending the same college, but the Cranston High School East seniors and College Crusaders are heading to Boston this fall after their early decision acceptance at Northeastern University.

Applying early decision, which is binding, was an easy choice for Chris. “I wanted to go to Northeastern, so I was like it’s my top choice; I might as well do early decision so I can hear back faster.”

Ben planned to apply early action, which is nonbinding but allows students to receive an early response, “but I missed the deadline,” he said with a laugh. “Our mom wanted us to go to that school specifically and said we should do early decision, so it was great that we both ended up getting in.”

Both grew up hearing their mom and aunt talk about the importance of attending college. “Our cousin went to Northeastern and it’s a really good school and I wanted to be in it,” Chris said.

“I personally wasn’t expecting to be in the same college as Chris,” said Ben. “We have similar interests, but I didn’t think there’d be a high chance that both of us would both get in. I had high hopes, though.”

Both said the College Crusade’s Honorific Program was the most helpful college preparation program to them because of the assistance College Admissions Coach Ana Almeida provided with the application process, sharing scholarship information and helping them create their CSS profiles, an online application to determine eligibility for non-federal financial aid.

Chris said Almeida helped with his personal statement by suggesting someone review it. “That was good because she gave me a lot of helpful hints to make it better,” he said.

“The College Crusade was definitely more helpful than what other students were doing,” said Ben.

Once their early decision applications were in, the waiting game began. “It was really stressful,” Ben said.

“I felt academically I was pretty good,” Chris said. “So I was very confident at first and once it got closer I got a little more nervous. I just started freaking out as it got closer.”

Even the way they learned their fate was a little nerve-wracking. “I was on Instagram and that’s how I found out the decisions were out. Then I told Ben about it and said let’s look together,” Chris said.

“We were going online to the status check,” Ben continued. “Chris and I both looked at it and it said, ‘Your decisions are in.’ Chris clicked the button and it said, ‘You’re in’ – and mine froze!”

Chris is interested in engineering, and Ben wants to study computer science. The two aren’t sure yet whether they will room together on campus this fall.

“I think it’s kind of undecided. People say we should be exploring and living with other roommates,” Chris said.

“But I already know how he lives and it’s definitely easier to adapt to it,” added Ben.

The two have participated in the same clubs – class council, math and science teams, tennis and the U.S. Army JROTC program – and are in all but two of the same classes this year. They both have straight A’s but still engage in the healthy competition they always have.

“I still compete with Chris about who has the better math score; he has a 99 and I have 97,” Ben said with a laugh.

They are attending school virtually this year after first attending hybrid before cases began to rise. Ben said he prefers attending in person, but it’s not the same as usual

“It was difficult to get around the building,” added Chris, because of the one-way traffic flow. “You might have to go all the way around to get to a classroom two doors down. Right now, I prefer virtual but typically I’d prefer in-person get to talk and interact with people.”

Both are hopeful they might get to experience a bit more of a typical end to their senior years. “I’m a little optimistic. I think we might be able to have a graduation and a prom, but I’m also being realistic,” said Chris.

“I’m optimistic but if not, I don’t think I would mind too much,” Ben said. “I’m looking ahead to fall now.”