CultureConnect is a volunteer-led, community organization in the Mid-Hudson Valley that has served youth in the area since 1994. CultureConnect runs a variety of programs, all centered around activities that “empower the youth and families in our communities to create a future of social justice, global engagement, and cultural competence.” The Ascienzo Family Foundation has previously provided three grants for CultureConnect’s Community Connect program (formerly, Life, Learning, and Language program). In 2017, CultureConnect launched CollegeConnect, a pilot program to support high school students who are the first in their families to attend college. CultureConnect explains: “First generation college students face unique challenges applying to college, often requiring services beyond what high school counselors can provide. CollegeConnect fills this gap by providing each high school student with a professional college consultant who offers their services free of charge. Each family receives around 60 hours of individualized consulting, application help, financial aid guidance, and more each year they are with the program.” This year, the Ascienzo Family Foundation approved a grant to support the CollegeConnect program, providing $10,000 a year for a total of two years. The grant monies will be used to hire a Program Coordinator, and support direct student assistance through tutoring and travel, training & conferences, and office supplies.
CultureConnect: Partnership Grant Spotlight #1