College Visions

Big news about our new Executive Director!

Dear College Visions Community,

I am extremely proud to announce that Tina Meetran will be the next Executive Director of College Visions. Tina is an accomplished alum of College Visions, and her leadership presents an exciting new phase for our organization.

The CV Board is committed to building organizational leadership that reflects the students and communities we serve and Tina is an extremely talented embodiment of that goal. Tina was born and raised in Providence. She holds a B.A. and M.A. from Clark University. She has previously served as Board Chair of Providence youth organization PrYSM and created Rhode Island’s first comprehensive guide to advising undocumented students. For 16 years, CV has supported young people to set big goals, apply to college, and earn degrees. Tina’s leadership demonstrates the power of the College Visions model.

Tina will lead a fiscally strong organization with thriving programs. Despite the many challenges COVID has presented to our students and our organization, CV has responded nimbly to move programs online and provide additional financial and emotional support to students. We know that the coming year will be a tough one for low-income, first-generation Rhode Island students, but we are confident that with continued support from CV and our community students can thrive.

If you have any questions about what is next for CV, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,
Deborah Obalil
College Visions Board Chair

College Visions Names Executive Director

Providence, RI.
The College Visions Board of Directors announced that Tina Meetran has been named the next Executive Director of College Visions. This change is effective July 27, 2020.

According to College Visions Board Chair Deborah Obalil, “I am extremely proud to announce that Tina Meetran will be the next Executive Director of College Visions. Tina is an accomplished alum of College Visions, and her leadership presents an exciting new phase for our organization. The CV Board is committed to building organizational leadership that reflects the students and communities that the organization serves and Tina is an extremely talented embodiment of that goal.”
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College Visions Statement of Solidarity

College Visions works to combat a racist educational system, but CV students face many structural oppressions that we cannot fix. We exist to support students who want to earn college degrees and face a multitude of challenges due to the structural systems that tell them they are unworthy and not enough. George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, 3 Black individuals whose deaths were at the hands of those who were supposed to protect them. It is no question that racism and police brutality affect our Black community at disproportionately high rates. It is no question that still to this day, there is work that needs to be done to demand justice for Black Lives. College Visions stands with our Black students, families, and community in demand of that justice. We see you, we hear you and we will fight with you.

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Congratulations First-Generation College Graduate: Chelsea Fevry

It’s a very tough time to graduate from college. The Class of 2020 missed out on so many celebrations and events and faces deep uncertainty. Despite these challenges, we hope you will join us in celebrating the hard work and talent of Chelsea and all the other 2020 college graduates.

“The most challenging part of college was not having many people around me that understood the challenges and the huge significance that came with being a first-generation college student. CV helped me overcome this challenge by providing support in the form of a CV advisor. Having a CV advisor throughout the duration of college gave me solace and comfort that I had someone to relate to when I wasn’t finding that support in my immediate environment in college. Whenever I spoke to my advisor, it reassured me that I had someone who understood my background and believed in my academic ability.”

Because of your support, first-generation students like Chelsea receive essential support, guidance, and access to resources throughout their college journeys. She, like many others in CV, exemplifies the power of a community united and the affect it has on low-income and first-generation students. 

Chelsea is now a proud graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology! Read her interview below!

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COVID-19: How the Pandemic Impacts Low-income College Students

Abrupt campus closures have brought national attention to the plight of low-income college students. For many CV students, financial aid provides not only tuition support but also food and housing. CV is working to provide for the emotional, academic, and basic needs of RI youth. This spring and in the coming years, young people and their families may need extra help to stay focused on college and the longterm benefits that I degree can bring to individuals, families, and communities. CV is committed to providing that help!

For more information on the state of low-income college students, please check out the articles below:

College Made Them Feel Equal. The Virus Exposed How Unequal Their Lives Are.

The Coronavirus Class Divide: Space and Privacy

No Emergency Aid for DACA Students

The Real Lesson of the College Closures

Pandemic Has Forced Graduating Seniors to Reconsider College Choices