College Visions

Happy National Higher Education Day! 🎓

Thank you, Mayor Brett Smiley, for your ongoing support of College Visions and the students we serve. Your commitment to ensuring first-generation Providence students have the support they need — from high school graduation through college enrollment and beyond — means so much to our community!

Today on National Higher Education Day, I’m grateful for my own experience as a college student attending DePaul University many years ago.

College was a stepping stone that provided me with great opportunities and experiences and drives my passion in making sure that all Providence students are able to get the best education possible.

For more information on higher education resources and organizations, please check out:
readtosucceedri.org
collegevisions.org
youngvoicesri.org

College Visions’ Spring Gala is almost here! Thank you to our Friend Sponsors Amica Insurance, BankNewport, Brier & Brier, CollegeBound Saver, Faulkner Consulting Group, Johnson & Wales University, Moses Brown School, Carlos Ariel Then with Mr. Then Consulting, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, Providence College, Residential Properties Ltd., RI Unclaimed Property, and Workforce Ready Solutions, LLC . We truly appreciate your support. See you on May 29th as we celebrate College Visions and our Scholars!

College Visions’ Spring Gala is almost here! Thank you to our Supporter Sponsors Bally’s Corporation, BayCoast Bank, Bristol County Savings Bank, Cameron & Mittleman LLP, Coastal1 Credit Union, Eastern Bank, Feast & Fettle, and Red Sox Foundation. We truly appreciate your support. See you on May 29th as we celebrate College Visions and our Scholars!

College Visions' Spring Gala is just weeks away! Join us on Friday, May 29, 6:00-9:00 PM at the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence. For tickets, tables, or sponsorships, visit givebutter.com/cvspring26

As we count down to the event, we will be acknowledging our corporate sponsors. We are so grateful for the generous support of Partner Sponsors Brightstar Lottery, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Citizens, The Watson School of International and Public Affairs at Brown University, and Brown University Office of Community Engagement for investing in the next generation of leaders!

College Visions' Spring Gala is just weeks away! Join us on Friday, May 29, 6:00-9:00 PM at the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence. For tickets, tables, or sponsorships, visit givebutter.com/cvspring26

As we count down to the event, we will be acknowledging our corporate sponsors. We are so grateful for the generous support of Visionary Sponsor Bank of America for investing in the next generation of leaders!

The priority registration deadline is tomorrow - Friday, May 8th!

If you haven’t purchased your ticket, click the link below to secure your spot. We hope you can join us!

Thank you to those who have registered. We look forward to celebrating with you!

www.givebutter.com/cvspring26

College Visions is now in its third year at Woonsocket High School, serving 45 students, including 18 seniors on track to graduate and enroll in college this fall!

With a full-time College Access Advisor based at the school, students participate in workshops on college essays, financial aid, scholarships, and career exploration.

Olivia is a senior in the Health Careers Program at the Woonsocket Area Career and Technical Center. As an aspiring first-generation college student, Olivia joined CV to get support navigating a process unfamiliar to her and her family.

"It feels like I am part of a little family," she shares. A memorable moment was her parents' reaction to completing her first college application: "They were moved to tears reading my essay. It made me feel happy that they were proud of me and that I completed something big."

At this year's First-Gen Career Summit, CV Board Member Charise Wilson of Workforce Ready Solutions led our students through a networking workshop, bringing her 20+ years of expertise in workforce development and career coaching right into the room. Charise joined the CV board because she knows firsthand how powerful the right support system can be. We're so grateful to have her in our students' corner!

Last month, CV hosted its annual First-Gen Career Summit at the Providence Public Library, bringing together 65+ students and volunteers for a day of career exploration, networking, and professional skill-building. Thank you to lead sponsor Citizens Bank, keynote speaker Dr. Kevin Martins of Care New England, and all our dedicated volunteers who showed up for our students. In the words of CV student Victoria, a Classical High School senior: "I loved how everyone was so helpful." We couldn't agree more!

Join us for our annual Spring Gala! A special gathering to celebrate the transformative power of education and raise critical funds that will enable more students to achieve their college and career dreams.

Friday, May 29, 2026 from 6:00 - 9:00PM at The WaterFire Arts Center
Click the link below to purchase a ticket, table, or become a sponsor by May 8
www.givebutter.com/cvspring26

Questions? Contact Nancy at [email protected]