Destination: College Begins Annual Fundraising Drive
Written by Suzanne W. McCann, Development Director, Destination: College
Dec. 3, 2014: Destination: College, a program to assist student athletes in Mount Vernon High School to go to college, has begun its annual fundraising drive. Its primary source of funding comes from the generosity of the local community. The long-term viability of the program depends on support from new contributors. (See information below on how to contribute.)
Background: In 2006, a group of local parents with experience navigating the college admissions process believed they could share this knowledge with student-athletes at Mount Vernon High School. Their original mission was simple: give these underserved young boys and girls the support and tools necessary to channel academic success in the classroom and athletic strengths on the court into a future at the collegiate level. With the motto "from athlete to student athlete" in mind, Destination: College was born.
The volunteer corps soon learned, however, that a number of students were eagerly seeking assistance to remain academically eligible just to play on their high school team. Destination: College board chair Nancy McKenna shared, "It was clear that the critical importance for a teenager to participate on an athletic team in high school would push us to expand our objective to include all students seeking academic advancement within a team environment. It was paramount for these kids to have a productive outlet after school."
With this mandate, Destination: College recruited volunteers to help many young students realize their dream to letter in their chosen sport and find academic success. The gratitude displayed by the students to this worthy organization is without measure.
Today, Destination: College supports the dreams of more than 200 students at Mount Vernon, Woodlands, and Gorton High Schools.
Destination: College Fast Facts
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Class of 2013: 23 seniors accepted to 48 universities/colleges and 4 college preparatory school programs. All 23 graduates were offered scholarship opportunities from many of the schools.
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Destination: College scholarships awarded to academically qualified student participants.
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8 athletic teams participate in Destination: College academic support programs.
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50+ volunteers commit an hour weekly in coach-supervised study sessions.
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Reading program: weekly materials include articles on current events, historical essays, and inspirational athletic perspectives.
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Math and science program: volunteers provide additional direction to students in math and science to pass and/or improve Regents scores.
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SAT test prep classes run in the fall and spring with Bespoke Education tutors.
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College application, college preparatory school application, and essay-writing support.
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Nutritious snacks and pizza served weekly to all participating students.
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Additional team-based athletic skills training.
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Summer enrichment program benefitting 35 students.
For information on how to support Destination: College with a donation of time or financial support, please visit www.DestinationCollegeNY.org or contact Suzanne McCann at acorn30@aol.com.
Tax-deductible donations can be made by check payable to Destination: College and sent to 81 Pondfield Road, #290, Bronxville, NY 10708.
Pictured here: Students at Mount Vernon High School participating in Destination: College.
Photo courtesy Suzanne W. McCann, Development Director, Destination: College
Community Service Organizations Directory
Bronxville Beautification Council
Organized in 1982 and incorporated in 1993, the Bronxville Beautification Council (BBC) is a not for profit organization administered by a Board of Directors. Its mission is to enhance and maintain the natural and man-made beauty of Bronxville Village, with emphasis on the downtown business district of Bronxville. The BBC uses the dollars raised in its annual spring solicitation letter to residents to fund the mum, tulip and summer flower plantings downtown and at traffic intersections, as well as the summer hanging baskets. Every few years the group spearheads such major endeavors as the renovation of Leonard Morange Square on the west side of the railroad tracks and the beautification of the Lawrence Hospital traffic circle, which included the addition of plants and the building of the fountain that now makes a gracious western portal to our town. The BBC also works with other civic groups to monitor the aesthetics of retail signage, the consistency of sidewalk materials, and litter and graffiti. During Beautify Bronxville Week, the BBC sponsors a poetry reading and works with Scout groups on the annual village clean-up.
Bronxville Beautification Council
PO Box 127
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-779-6123
Bronxville Boy Scouts
The village of Bronxville has a long tradition of scouting. “The troops and packs of Bronxville have maintained the finest scouting organizations and have taught the boys of the Bronxville area to be leaders and outstanding members of the local, national and global communities.”
There are several Boy Scout Troops in Bronxville, including Troops 1, 2, 4, and 5.
Bronxvillle Girls Scouts
The Girls Scouts is “the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world.” In Girl Scouts, “girls discover the fun, friendship and power of girls together. Through the many enriching experiences provided by Girl Scouts, they can grow courageous and strong.”
Bronxville Historical Conservancy
The Bronxville Historical Conservancy was founded in 1998 to further the understanding and appreciation of the history and current life of the village. The Conservancy furthers its mission through the presentation of programs, publications, lectures and special events that foster an awareness of the village's architectural, artistic and cultural heritage, and lends its support for projects designed to strengthen and preserve those legacies. Anyone who is interested in the Bronxville and its history can become a member; varying levels of membership are available.
Bronxville Historical Conservancy
PO Box 989
Bronxville, New York 10708
http://bronxvillehistoricalconservancy.org/
Bronxville School Foundation
The Bronxville School Foundation, founded in 1991, is a non-profit organization independent from the school with the sole purpose of supporting the school. The Foundation raises money each year through donations from school families, community members, and alumni, among others.These contributions fund grants that provide cutting-edge technology, innovative programs and curriculum and other resources that are beyond the scope of public school funding.
177 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-395-0515
https://www.bronxvilleschoolfoundation.org/
Bronxville Women’s Club
The Bronxville Women’s Club offers lectures, exhibits and concerts. It also has a beautiful clubhouse which is available for rental for events.
135 Midland Avenue
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-3252
www.bronxvillewomensclub.org
Bronxville Youth Council
The Bronxville Youth Council provides volunteer and leadership opportunities for high school students in the village of Bronxville.
177 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-395-0500 ext 1789
Counseling Center
Founded in 1971, the mission of the Counseling Center “is to provide a wide range of psychotherapeutic and counseling services to individuals, couples and families by a staff of highly trained, experience and dedicated psychotherapists.
The Counseling Center
180 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-793-3388
www.counselingcenter.org
Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester & Tuckahoe
The mission of the Community Fund is “to support broad social services in Bronxville 10708, Eastchester and Tuckahoe through grants and technical support to local agencies and community projects. All money raised here in our community stays here in our community.”
15 Park Place
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-8808
www.thecommunityfund.org
Friends of the Bronxville Library
The Friends of the Bronxville Library is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to focus attention on the “Library’s services, facilities and needs” as well as sponsor projects and provide materials that are beyond the reach of the Library’s regular budget and perform other services.
Junior League of Bronxville
The Junior League of Bronxville is “an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.”
Rotary Club of Bronxville
The mission of the Rotary Club of Bronxville is to “encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and to encourage and foster (1) the development of friendships within the community as an opportunity for service, (2) high ethical standards in business and professions, (3) the application of the ideal of service of each member to his personal and business and community life and (4) the advancement of international understanding, good will and peace through a world fellowship.”
Senior Citizens of Bronxville
Senior Citizens of Bronxville is a not-for-profit organization that provides services and programs to seniors within the 10708 zip code area. “Programs cover a wide range of activities from educational seminars and cultural enrichment, to community services, bridge classes and exercise.”
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