Many students in Westchester County think that a college diploma is out of reach. They lack the financial resources, guidance, and support that others preparing for higher education take for granted. College Careers, located in White Plains, NY, was founded in 1967 with the goal of helping students like these overcome their obstacles, and make college a reality. This year marks their 40th anniversary.
"Though so much has changed over the past forty years, College Careers has remained a constant resource for Westchester's underserved adolescents, helping them realize their true potential," says Blanche Walker, executive director, College Careers. "Our longevity proves that we are a necessary organization and through the support of our community and innovative staff, we will continue to provide students with the tools they need to grow."
The College Careers College Program serves more than 260 primarily African-American and Hispanic, high school students each year. Their one-on-one counseling, college admissions preparation, financial assistance, and mentoring programs prepare these students to attend colleges and universities throughout the country. Over the past forty years, College Careers has made college a reality for more than 2,500 students. They provide ongoing support from high school through college matriculation.
Claudia Walker*, credits College Careers with offering her the direction she needs to achieve her goals academically and professionally. "Whether helping me with my college applications or teaching me the fundamentals of networking, College Careers has always encouraged me to challenge myself. They continue to provide me with the tools I need to shape my future and forge a successful career." Walker is currently enrolled in an accelerated program for Organizational Management at Mercy College and hopes to pursue a career in Event Planning.
In addition to their College Program, College Careers also reaches out to over 1,200 teens and young adults annually through pre-college and life skills workshops, GED (general equivalency diploma) tutoring, and sponsored cultural trips. They offer pre-release services to young adults through the Westchester County Department of Correction and, in partnership with the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health, provide drug dependency counseling and workshops on peer pressure, substance abuse, and life skills.
"This is an exciting time for us at College Careers," says Executive Director Blanche Walker. "Many of our staff have been with the organization for more than 30 years and have watched our students grow into professional, successful adults. With our generous community support and constantly growing alumni base, we will continue empowering youth through a holistic approach of counseling and programming."
College Careers is located at 190 East Post Rd., P.O. Box 1530, White Plains, NY 10602. For further information, please call 914.428.3435.
*Claudia Walker and Blanche Walker are not related.
About The College Careers Fund of Westchester
College Careers is a private, not-for-profit corporation that provides educational opportunities to underserved youth. Established in 1967 to help adolescents overcome poverty by making higher education a reality, the corporation has provided support and financial assistance to more than 19,000 students. Each year, College Careers sends an average of 260 students to over 80 colleges and technical schools throughout the country and provides life-changing services to approximately 1,200 youth.
College Careers' distinctive combination of personalized counseling, workshops and financial assistance empowers young people to take positive steps to improve their lives. In addition, they provide high-school outreach, The College Careers College Program, The Success Club, The Life Skills Program, and The Step Forward Program, a GED tutoring and preparation course.