College Visions

Happy National Summer Learning Week!

Today, College Visions officially kicked off CV Summer Prep Providence 2026! This five-week college and career readiness program is made possible through our partnership with the Providence Public School Department and the City of Providence, and we're grateful for their continued support!

During Orientation, students learned about the program, met their instructors, and connected with their summer classmates.

As one student shared, they're looking forward to building stronger relationships with their peers while gaining new skills to prepare for college.

That's what summer learning is all about—building the skills, confidence, and community that help students thrive in college and beyond.

We're also excited to welcome our newest Summer Prep site in Newport to the College Visions family this summer!

On May 29, 2026, more than 250 community members and leaders from the education, business, and public sectors gathered to celebrate and support CV’s mission, raising a record-breaking $466,000 to expand opportunities for first-generation students in Rhode Island.

Hosted by WPRI-12’s Ted Nesi and Kim Kalunian, the program featured three exceptional CV Scholars - Haadiyah Folarin, Jully Myrthil, and Dayana Read - who shared their personal journeys and achievements and reflected on how CV has helped them pursue their dreams. The evening culminated with CV honoring Joan Wernig Sorensen with the inaugural Visionary Award for her deep dedication to our Scholars and her extraordinary investments in our work.

Distinguished guests included Congressman Gabe Amo, General Treasurer
James Diossa, and Providence Mayor Brett Smiley. In a special video message from Washington, D.C., Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse announced a transformative $723,000 federal grant that will enable CV to significantly expand our Fellowship Program.

This unforgettable evening was a powerful reminder that when a community comes together around a shared vision, extraordinary things are possible. Thank you to our incredible gala committee chaired by Katie and Malcolm Chace and Alison and Larry Eichler. We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us, invested in our mission, and demonstrated their support of young people in our community.

Click here to view the photo gallery: https://collegevisions.org/get-involved/spring-gala/spring-gala-gallery/

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 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!