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“For instance,” says Lamont, “CV might have a student who finds out only while applying to college that they are undocumented.” You cannot receive federal aid if you are undocumented, so CV must ask the question, and they have to know the answer—a moment where trust is critical. “It is important for us to have the confidence that we can support a student upon that revelation.”

Most of their students will qualify for the maximum Pell grant. “At one time, a Pell grant could cover 80% of tuition, now it’s more like 30%.” It has enabled millions of young people to go to college, but Lamont would like to see the Pell grant increased as it has not kept up with the rising cost of college.

“Typically, it is not just tuition that is the problem—it’s also transportation, housing, food,” continues Lamont. “All college aid initiatives should take these costs into account in order to make college truly affordable.”

CV has created an emergency fund to help students with unexpected expenses, and they do have students who are managing to navigate problems like these with their support. Lamont notes that many CV students choose professions in which they can give back to their communities in some way. “We focus on college graduation and, while the college degree is our primary metric, it is not the end of the story—rather the beginning. Our long-term vision is that CV students will graduate from college, build careers, and become leaders who help lift up our community.

“I chose this line of work for that reason. I am a first-gen college graduate. My dad was a taxi driver. From first to eighth grade, I went to seven different schools in DC because we moved constantly. The rent would be due and we would have to move. In middle school, I participated in a program called Higher Achievement, an academic enrichment program that provided an opportunity for kids like me, a program like College Visions.”

Knowing that they operate in an unjust system, College Visions focuses on what is in their control. “We are trying to be a resource for young people who are at a disadvantage because of these disparities—many of our students are written off by others, confronted with low expectations that assume they are not college material. With the right support, we can help students get into and succeed in college.

“I have always had faith and hope that things can get better. That is what keeps me going. I want my Black and Latino group to know that we face systemic challenges, but I do not want to send them home thinking ‘what is the point of going to college.’ We want them to use this knowledge as a motivator to achieve their goals and eventually become part of the solution to these systemic challenges.”

On that Saturday morning, every one of those Black and Brown high school juniors left that room with a renewed belief in their own sense of promise and responsibility—with a sense of hope.

College Visions: Jaimy Deburgo

Now in her second year as a nursing student at the University of Rhode Island, Jaimy Deburgo has settled into college life. Jaimy attributes her solid adjustment in part to her experience with College Visions and still calls on her advisor for support.

While a senior at East Providence High School, Jaimy was encouraged by her English teacher to apply for the CV program. “My friends and I were not excited about it—just another obligation in the process of thinking about college. But I applied, was accepted, went to a general meeting followed by a summer event—and I was sold.”

Jaimy says the most important outcome of her participation was the support and the community it provides. “My advisor was great—she walked me through so many complicated forms and applications when I was really stressed—whether questions about scholarships or financial aid, I always felt ‘I am not alone in this.’” An updated list of scholarships is available, and advisors work with students one-on-one to help them develop polished application materials.

Since starting college, Jaimy has also been able to draw on CV’s emergency fund, which has been in place since 2009. “We distribute about $15,000 each year to students for expenses such as textbooks and codes, course materials, eyeglasses, transportation, housing deposits, and other expenses,” says Moira Hinderer, CV’s director of development. “By covering the cost of something like a textbook, we can ensure that a student isn’t trying to get by borrowing course materials and underperforming in the class.” (During 2020,CV distributed $60,000 to students, which helped them buy technology for online classes and pay for housing, utilities, and food when campuses closed and students lost employment.)

When asked, ‘What would you tell a sibling or friend about College Visions? What wisdom would you impart?’ Jaimy replied:

• Apply for CV. It was so helpful.

• Start looking at scholarships immediately—don’t wait. Even if it means that you have to write a 500-word essay—there’s an interesting story you can tell.

• It’s okay that you don’t know what you want to do. Explore, take a class, and if you like it, take another. The first year, get gen-ed done and explore majors.

This semester, she will be starting her nursing clinicals at Kent Hospital. When asked ‘why nursing?’ Jaimy answers: “My parents are older—in their 60s—and I have already been helping them manage their health needs. Now that I am in the program at URI, I have come to believe that this is a really good choice for me.

“After I graduate, I plan to work at a hospital for a couple of years. Med-surg gives you experience on each floor, and after six months, you probably know what you want to focus on. Then I will get my NP—after working three years, most hospitals will pay for continued education.

“Ultimately, I would like to work in a small clinic near my house in East Providence.”