CollegeConnect

CollegeConnect supports families to help give first generation college students the opportunities for a better future through higher education.

CollegeConnect began in 2017 with the goal of helping students in our community who are the first in their family to go to college. We offer free college counseling services and help students and families consider all options to accessing college. We also offer support in finding financial help and scholarships and in communicating with family members about the benefits of education after high school. The program works with the Rhinebeck and Red Hook school districts.

CollegeConnect can:
•Help students and families consider options for attending college

• Link students with a professional college consultant and other volunteers who will guide students through the college application process

•Work with students to complete applications for college, scholarships and financial aid
•Link students and families with other local families who have been successful with the process

•Provide financial help for SAT/ACT preparation

•Provide financial help to visit nearby colleges and universities

•Identify opportunities for jobs and internships that support students’ career interests
•Continue supporting students throughout their college experience

Please contact collegeconnect@cultureconnectrbk.org or text or call us at (845) 379-4725 if you are interested in learning more or wish to volunteer.

CollegeConnect comenzó en 2017 con el propósito de apoyar a estudiantes de nuestra comunidad que son los primeros en su familia en acudir a la universidad. Ofrecemos servicios de asesoría gratis y ayudamos a los estudiantes y familiares a encontrar opciones para ingresar a la universidad. También ayudamos a encontrar opciones para recibir ayuda financiera y becas e informamos a las familias de los beneficios que se obtienen al continuar estudiando una vez concluida la preparatoria. El programa trabaja con los distritos escolares de Rhinebeck y Red Hook.

CollegeConnect puede:

•Ayudar a estudiantes y familias en buscar opciones para acudir a la universidad

• Conectar a estudiantes con consejeros universitarios y voluntarios con el propósito de guiar a los estudiantes durante el proceso de solicitud para ingresar a la universidad

•Ayudar a los estudiantes a concluir con su tramite de solicitud, becas y ayuda financiera
•Introducir a estudiantes y familias con otras familias de la localidad que han tenido éxito con el proceso

•Proporcionar ayuda financiera con la preparación del examen SAT/ACT

•Proporcionar ayuda financiera para visitar colegios y universidades cercanos

•Identificar oportunidades de trabajo y pasantías que ayuden profesionalmente la carera de los estudiantes
•Continuar apoyando a los estudiantes durante su experiencia universitaria

Our Recent High School Graduates on Arriving at College!

“College connect helped me think more seriously about college then I was before, and I am
grateful for that. It feels refreshing to be on campus and I am excited to start a new
chapter of my life.”

— A Red Hook High School Graduate at HVCC

“CollegeConnect helped me get the opportunity to attend this college without having to worry about tuition. HEOP has greatly benefited me in many ways. I feel a sense of relief and excitement.”

— A Rhinebeck High School Graduate at Skidmore College

If you would like to make a donation to support first generation college students in Red Hook and Rhinebeck you can do so here

Thank you to the volunteers and organizations who donate their time and resources to CollegeConnect. Our impact would not be possible without their generous support. Please reach out to us if you are interested in volunteering, email us at collegeconnect@cultureconnectrbk.org.

Members of the CollegeConnect committee: Jessica Applestone, Isabelle Burkhart, Susanne Callahan, Rachel Coates, Allie Fair Keel, Lillian Lin, Elliott Malkin, Yesenia Ruiz and Jennifer Zanger.

Miembros del comité de CollegeConnect: Jessica Applestone, Isabelle Burkhart, Susanne Callahan, Rachel Coates, Allie Fair Keel, Lillian Lin, Elliott Malkin, Yesenia Ruiz y Jennifer Zanger.