Past projects 2
Support Well-being of Seniors (Mostly First-Generation) Applying to College
Funded Sep 28, 2024I wish you could see the smiles of delight of the students when I offer them snacks and give them the plush animals to hold while working on their college and financial aid application! I have seen many students shoulders and brows visibly relax after re-energizing with a snack and they are able to continue working through applications with renewed stamina.
With your assistance my students have completed City University of New York, State University of New York, and Common Applications, as well as the FAFSA, TAP and CSS Profile financial aid applications. Many are also working on scholarship applications.
Students are beginning to hear back from colleges and I'm happy to report many acceptances already. Most of my student are low-income, first-generation college students for whom a college education promises to help them to obtain a stable career and uplift their families. Your generous gift will help them achieve this goal. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Mara
This classroom project was brought to life by Google.org Teen Mental Health Initiative.Building a Bright College Future in Dark Pandemic Times
Funded Sep 16, 2020What a year! The start of school was delayed in September until the 21st but finally we opened. The dark shadow of the horrific impact of COVID 19 on New York in the spring still hung over us and turned the usual excitement into the jitters for students and teachers alike. Many families chose remote learning but those who decided to come in-person were met with excellent health procedures and equipment, which reassured them that their safety was our priority so that they could focus on academics and college applications. When students walked into the Student Success Center Office and saw the Coway air purifier and the plexiglass shields around the desks, they visibly relaxed, then rolled up their sleeves and got to work. Our office buzzed to life as students threw themselves into planning their futures, researching colleges, writing essays, filling out applications, and beginning the intense labor of weaving dreams into reality.
Unfortunately, two months later on November 19th the mayor of New York decided to close the public schools. The day before he did, though, our school was randomly selected for COVID testing of all students and staff, as part of the Department of Education's measures to ensure health and safety. I am happy to report that all the students and staff on site that day tested negative. I am sure that use of air purifiers, plexiglass barriers, as well as personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer and social distancing protocols all were instrumental in maintaining the health of students and staff.
Although we are currently still working remotely, the time we had in-person with students was key in helping us build strong relationships with them. We have continued to assist students with their college and career applications via Zoom, texting and phone calls. The majority of our seniors have applied for college and many have also applied for financial aid. Our students do not tend to apply for early decision, since they rely on financial aid but a few have even gotten some early acceptances! This year has been tough and these moments of joy take on greater significance, warming us to the core.
Hopefully, with the vaccine beginning to be produced and distributed, we will be able to see our students again soon. It will most likely be a while until enough of us get vaccinated, though, and in the meantime, it is good to know that we have the air purifier, plexiglass shields, and other protective equipment. Even once COVID 19 is no longer an issue, the Coway air purifier will be a great addition to our office since so many of our students suffer from asthma and air pollution is so high in the South Bronx.
Thank you so much for supporting our students by giving them the opportunity to apply for college in an environment that maximized their safety during the pandemic. So much of the news has been deeply concerning this year, but your generosity underscores how there is still beauty and kindness in the world. Words cannot express how much this means to us.
Warm wishes to all of you in the holiday season,”
With gratitude,
Ms. Mara
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose 20th Anniversary Fund and 5 other donors.