May 2024 Newsletter

College Now's CEO, Lee Friedman, has announced her retirement at the end of this year. With a long and noteworthy record of transforming and restructuring many critical Cleveland nonprofits for the betterment of the community, Friedman is credited with propelling College Now to unprecedented achievements.

College Now Programs

Celebrating our Top Scholars

On Wednesday, May 8, CMSD students in the Cleveland Foundation College Now Top Scholars Program were celebrated at a banquet for their high academic achievements. Joined by their families, they enjoyed an evening recognizing everyone involved, ending with warm wishes and congratulations before graduation. The program aims to eradicate undermatching for CMSD’s top performing students. These students comprise an annual cohort of about 50 high school seniors with the district’s highest GPAs (3.5+) and college entrance exam scores (ACT 24+/SAT 1100+).

The Class of 2024 Top Scholars are headed to such institutions as Spelman College, University of Southern California, Kenyon College, Louisiana State University, Kent State University, The Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University and more!

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Test prep and more this summer

While many slow down during the summer months, it’s the perfect time for high school students to get a jump on college entrance exam prep and transitioning to postsecondary education – all free of charge. College Now's summer programs allow students to make the most of their time away from school. Share the link below with your networks about upcoming programs!

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Schedule an appointment with our Resource Center

Do you or someone you know – in high school, in college or adult learners – have questions about student loans, returning to college or planning for a future career? The College Now Resource Center is ready to assist you. Whether you prefer virtual, phone or in-person appointments, we're here to support all your postsecondary educational needs!

Inquiry Form

Become a College Now Mentor

Looking for a way to give back to our community? Become a volunteer mentor with College Now's Mentoring Program and help shape the future of a college student from Greater Cleveland.

Apply by May 30 to be paired with a college freshman this fall! All you need is a college degree, a commitment for the duration of the student's college journey (up to 5 years) and the ability to connect online, with in-person engagement opportunities. Your willingness to pay it forward is the key to making a lasting impact that starts with a student earning their college degree.

Apply Today

College Now Staff Highlights

Heather Beasley named to the Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation 40 Under 40

Congratulations to Heather Beasley, director of advising programs and services, for being named to the Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation 40 Under 40. Thank you for your leadership and dedication to College Now and changing the lives of students throughout our region.

Dr. Michele Scott Taylor honored as a NEO Rising Champion

Last week, Team NEO honored College Now president Dr. Michele Scott Taylor as a NEO Rising Champion with its inaugural Emerging Leader Award. CEO Lee Friedman presented the award to Michele, who was Lee’s first College Now hire 14 years ago. Congratulations on this accomplishment and your dedication to growing our regions’ economy through an educated workforce!

Greater Cleveland Partnership honors Lee Friedman

College Now's CEO, Lee Friedman, received the Richard A. Shatten Leadership Award during the GCP’s annual meeting this week. GCP annually recognizes a nonprofit professional who has had significant impact while exhibiting qualities reminiscent of Richard Shatten. Shatten led Cleveland Tomorrow (GCP’s predecessor organization) for nearly a decade and made contributions to the culture of civic leadership, always focused on ideas and partnerships that would make Greater Cleveland a better place to live and work.

Spread the word about AmeriCorps

Are you connected with recent college graduates? Spread the word about serving as an AmeriCorps College and Career Guide. Your network could positively impact someone's life. College Now offers a paid opportunity for grads to assist in schools and community centers, providing crucial postsecondary education guidance.

Know someone perfect for this role? Encourage them to apply today!

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FAFSA Corner

Complete the FAFSA

The updated Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a lifeline for high school seniors, current college students and adult learners striving for postsecondary education. College Now is here to help with your application process.

Contact us at fafsa@collegenowgc.org or call 216-241-5587 to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment that fits your schedule.

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New FAFSA application process sparks concern

Struggling with FAFSA? You're not alone. As the deadline approaches, technical glitches and errors plague the application process. Nancy Dunn, College Now's senior manager for advising programs and services, raises concerns about nationwide declines in FAFSA filings.

Read more about the challenges students face and how some universities are extending deadlines to ease the pressure.

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Bags & Bourbon 2024

Mark your calendars for the return of College Now's Bags & Bourbon on Thursday, October 24, 2024! Join us for an evening of cocktails, shopping for designer handbags, bourbon tastings and bidding on various items.

This unique philanthropic event raises much needed dollars for our game-changing mentoring program, supporting our scholarship recipients who are pursuing their postsecondary degrees.

Sponsorship Opportunities

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Subscribe to our parent/student newsletter and stay in the loop with the latest news, events and important student updates from College Now! Be the first to know about upcoming workshops, scholarship opportunities and specific monthly tips and resources to support your high school student in preparing for their postsecondary educational journeys.

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