"It takes a village of concerned organizations and mentors to lead our youth to embrace positive experiences and educational opportunities, which builds character, civic-minded members of the community, and goal orientated young adults".

-Avis White Thomas, Co-Founder of The Village Connection (CAP)

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Dr. Cornell West
Dr. Cornel West, author, Professor of Religion and African American Studies, at Princeton University encouraged our students to continue their education, and to not confuse success with greatness on a visit to Princeton University.

"If you think education is expensive, try ignorance".
- McIntyre


Dr. Freeman Hrabowski
Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, author, Educator, and President of the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), speaks to our students about understanding the importance of immersing themselves in their studies to reach their scholastic goals while on a visit to the UMBC campus.

Student Feedback:

" I have been keeping my grades up all through school and I saw the school I want to attend. I've learned how much that my hard work will pay off. I can get scholarships to get all my tuition, room, board, books, and meals paid for, so my parents won't have to pay, thank God, I am blessed"
-2002 Tour Student

"My teachers think I have talent, and that I should be doing a lot better. But I was into being cool, and popular. My senior package, my essay, and my personal commitment to do better, got me accepted conditionally to an HBCU. Thank you for believing in me".
-2007 Tour Student

"The student tour guides told us about how their grades were not the best in High School either, and about how hard they have to work to keep their grades up. They helped me take a look at myself. I'm a Junior, but I have promised myself to do what I need to do in High School now, so I can eventually do what I want to do later, I want to be a student tour guide while I'm in College."
-2007 Tour Student


"Once you find your voice, don't be afraid to think critically and be a courageous free thinker. Don't be a copy, be an original...examine yourself daily... have an irreverent attachment to that in life that constitutes the sum of what keeps you going and gives you strength...build from your rich tradition".

- Dr. West


"I liked TVC HBCU tour cause we were there to get familiar with what happens in college, and the understanding about how to turn our lives around, to get in college, and not become a statistic".
-2007 Tour Student

" The way my counselors tell it, I don't have a chance at going to college, but I found out from admissions officers at these HBCUs that students with worse records than mine, get in College and do well. I want to change, and go to an HBCU, cause nobody ever told me I could be a good student"
-2007 High School Sophomore


TVC Advisory Board Ervin Owens
Linda Thomas
Glen Best
Gloria Freeman Ravenell
Roscoe Holley
Steven Muhammad
John Marshall
Mark Stevens
Mignon Matchett
Renee Sumby

Board of Directors
Avis White Thomas
Erwin N. Thomas
Deborah Reeves, Esq.

Our Volunteer Program Staff/Mentors
Avis White Thomas,

Deborah Reeves, Esq.,

Tracey Norwood Farmer

Angela White Narain,

Melissa Sheow,

Dianne Spann,

Darwin Farmer,

Vincint Thomas,

Toni McFarland,

Elisa Kimble,

Juanita White (Bahka),

Erwin Thomas,

Youth Advocates
Anjanie Narain
Julius Thomas
Armand Thomas
Clifton Chancellor Blair
Nathaniel Graham
Melodie Narain
Jermon Williams
Aisha Thomas
Ikise Walker
Mario Young

Colleges
and
Universities where
TVC scholars have
been accepted, admitted, attend or have graduated
include:
Alabama State University
Allegheny Community College
Allen University
American University
Bennett College
Benedict College
Boston College
Bowie State University
Brown University
Catholic University of America
Cal-Berkley University
Cheyney University
Clark Atlanta University
Columbia University
Coppin State University
Cornell University
Davidson College
Dartmouth College
Delaware State University
Dillard University
Drexel University
Emory University
East Carolina University
Fayetteville State University
Fisk University
Florida A & M University
Florida Memorial College
Florida State University
Frostburg State University
George Mason University
Goucher College
Grambling State University
Hampton University
Hood College
Howard University
Jackson State University
Johns Hopkins University
Kentucky State University
Loyola College
Marymount University Mississippi Vally State University
Morehouse College
Morgan State University
Mount St. Mary's University
Norfolk State University
North Carolina A & T State University
North Carolina Central University
Morehouse College
Northeastern University
Old Dominion University
Penn State University
Prince George's Community College
Princeton University
Rutgers University
Saint Paul's College
Stanford University
St. Johns University
St. Mary's University
Salisbury University
Savannah State University
Shaw University
South Carolina State University
Southern University
Spelman College
St. Bonaventure
Temple University
Tennessee State University
Towson University
Trinity College
Tuskegee University
University of Baltimore
University of Dist. of Columbia
University of Delaware
University of the District of Columbia
University of Illinois
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
University of Maryland, College Park
University of Maryland, Eastern Shore
University of Memphis
University of Miami
University of University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of Virginia
Vanderbilt University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia State University
Virginia Union University
Voorhees College
West Virgina State University
William & Mary University
Xavier University, New Orleans, Louisiana


Roster of
High Schools and
Middle Schools
we have served:
* Denotes Strategic Partners

Alpha Kappa H. S.,
Richmond, CA
*Anacostia H. S., D. C.
Arundel H. S., MD
*Ballou H. S., D. C.
Baltimore Poly. Inst., H. S., MD
Benjamin Banneker H. S., D. C.
*Benjamin Stoddert M. S., MD
Bishop McNamara H. S., MD
Bladensburg H. S., MD
Blair H. S., MD
Bowie H. S., MD
Archbishop Carroll H. S., D. C.
Central H. S., MD
Community Christian School,
Richmond, CA
Clinton Christan School, MD
Central H. S., MD
Coolige H. S., D. C.
*Crossland H. S., MD
Deal H. S., MD
DeMatha H. S., MD
Duke Ellington H. S., D. C.
Dunbar H. S., D. C.
Duval H. S., MD
Einstein H. S., MD
Eleanor Roosevelt H. S., MD
Elizabeth Seaton School, MD
*Ernest Everett Just M. S., MD
*Fairmont Heights H. S., MD
Forest Park High H. S., MD Forestville H. S., MD
Frederick Douglas H. S., MD
Friendly H. S., MD
Good Counsel H. S., MD
Grace Brethren School, MD
Gwynn Park H. S., MD
*H. D. Woodson H. S., D. C.
*Isaac J. Gourdine M. S., MD
Kennedy H. S., MD
Kima Public Charter School, D. C.
Largo H. S., MD
Mckinley Tech H. S., D. C.
Montclair H. S.,
Montclair, N. J.
Mount Vernon H. S. VA
Northpointe H. S., MD
Northwestern H. S., MD
Owings Mills H. S., MD
*Oxon Hill H. S., MD
Perry Hall H. S., MD
*Potomac H. S., MD
Riverdale Baptist School, MD
River Hill H. S., MD
School Without Walls, H. S., D. C.
*Science and Leadership Academy, Philadelphia, PA
Sharpsburg H. S., N. C.
Southern H. S., MD
Southern Nash H. S., MD
Springbrook H. S., MD
Suitland H. S., MD
Surratsville H. S., MD
Tall Oaks Vocational H. S., MD
Thomas Stone H. S., MD
Wheaton H. S., MD
Wilde Lake H. S., MD
Wilson H. S., MD

Back-to-School Links
Below are websites with
helpful information
about back-to-school
time for kids of all
ages.

www.kidshealth.org
www.unigo.com/
www. studentsreview.com/
www.knowhow2go.org
www.family.edu
www.how-to-study.com
www.studygs.net
www.schoolcounselor.org
www.amazingmoms.com
www.dictionaryfordads.com
www.ads.com
www.schoolfamily.com.org
www.greatschools.net
www.education.com

Preparing for College
It's never too early to start preparing for college! Early preparation can help smooth the way. Everyday you make major decisions that shape your future, and this should include deciding to go to college. Although college may be years away, it is never too early to become informed and prepared.



Links to College Exam Prep and Information
www.actstudent.org
www.transcendacademy.com/
www.collegeboard.com
www.collegeatlas.org
www.petersons.com
www.collegeispossible.org
www.edonline.com
web1.ncaa.org
way2gomaryland.org/The University System of Maryland Schools

Links to Common Applications to Colleges and Universities
www.CollegeAdmissionsInfo.com
www.commonapp.org
www.eduinconline.com

Link to Online FAFSA Application
Free Application for Federal Student Aid

FAFSA on the Web applications must be submitted by:

The 2009-2010 School Year (July 1st, 2009 - June 30th, 2010:

FAFSA on the Web applications must be submitted by midnight Central Daylight time, June 30, 2010. Corrections on the Web forms must be submitted by midnight Central Daylight time, September 15, 2010.

Note: Your school must have your complete and correct information by your last day of enrollment in the 2009-2010 school year.
Pay close attention to deadlines! Ask your school about their definition of an application deadline - whether it is the receipt date and time or the process date and time of the application.



On a visit to Princeton University, Dr. Cornel West embraced our group
and encouraged students to get the best education possible

The Village Connection, Inc.(TVC), a 501 c3 Charitable Youth Enrichment Organization

"We develop relationships to inspire underserved, low-income students to finish high school, and provide the unique system of supports they need to graduate college and succeed in life".- Avis White Thomas, Founder & Executive Director

"98% of TVC program students have been accepted to a four-year college or university.

"95% of TVC program students have immediately enrolled in colleges or universities.

75% of TVC program students are the first in their families to go to college.


Combined Federal Campaign#
CFC# 69243
Maryland Charitable Campaign#
MCC# 20103

*100% of Fees & Donations Support our College Access Program
*All Donations are fully Tax Deductable
*We Welcome In-kind-Donations
*Contribute or Donate below



Or you can mail your donation in the form of a check to:

The Village Connection, Inc.
P.O. Box 1232
Temple Hills, MD 20748

Your contributions are tax-deductible

Avis White Thomas, the Executive Director and Founder of The Village Connection expresses her sincere thanks to Federal Government employees for their support with their contributions through the Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area (CFCNCA) CFC # 69243


Facebook:www.facebook.com/thevillageconnection


Email us at: info@theconnectedvillage.org


Our Academic Consultant is
Transcend Academy

Free SAT Practice Test every month by Transcends Academy

For information and to register call(202) 466-0514
or contact: Email: tneville@transcendacademy.com
www.transcendacademy.com/
SAT/ACT/GRE/GMAT Prep & Testing and Counseling
High School, FAFSA, College, Graduate School, Business School Counseling
Study Skills Enrichment, Seminars and Workshops for 2011 TBA

TVC Programs and Activities promote student success through:

-Mentors, Inspiring Speakers, & Career Workshops

-Counseling, Academic Skills Testing & Enrichment

-SAT/ACT Prep and Combo Prep Testing, & Educational Trips

-FAFSA, Writing, and Life Skills & Professionalism Workshops

-Networking, Local and Regional College Visits

-Scholarship Workshops, Scholarships & Internships

-Speaking and Mentoring to younger students

-Community Service projects and Volunteer opportunities

-Student Retention throughout College & Adulthood



* Attending Mentor Workshops are mandatory for students who plan on entering our College Access Program and attending our College Tours. Please RSVP your attendance to our Mentor Workshops by submitting the information form below.



    
Above: (left) A campus tour guide greets our students on the bus at Norfolk State
University. Above: (right) While visiting the Florida State University campus
students take notes and enjoy the surroundings.

Our 2-day Ivy League/HBCU College visit
April 26 - 27, 2012

University of Pennsylvania

Princeton University

Morgan State University

Delaware State University


Alternative Schools: Lincoln University, Cheyney University, Temple University, Drexel University, Villanova University, New York University, Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Towson University, UMBC, Fordham University, St. Johns University, Rutgers University, UMASS, Tufts University, Amherst College, Boston College, Johns Hopkins University, University of Rhode Island, UCONN, University of Hartford


*For details of the upcoming college visits and tours email us at info@theconnectedvillage.org

College Tour Program Particulars
  • Chaperones (Mentors, Program staff, and Parents)
  • College Information Sessions
  • Pre-Scheduled on-campus visits at select universities
  • Conversations with College Students, University Presidents, & Professors
  • Visits to College Dormitories, & Libraries
  • Lunch at College Campuses, and Buffet dinners
  • 3 to 4 star lodging and campus lodging
  • Scheduled Meetings with Admissions Officers




  • Our 2011 - 2012 Calendar

    Sat. October 10, 2011, 10am to 12pm
    Visit to Capitol Hill


    Sat. November 19, 2011, 2 pm to 3pm, SAT and FAFSA Workshop and College Tour Information Session


    Sat. December 3, 2011, 9 to 11am, College Information Session/ Workshop: The Benefits/Pitfalls of Social Networking


    Sat. December 22, 2011, 10am to 12pm, Visit to Capitol Hill
    * Community Service Project


    Sat. January 2012 (Date: TBA)High School &
    College Student Networking Event


    Sat. February 18, 2012 at Alfred Street Baptist Church College Fair
    * Onsite admissions possible


    Sat. February 2012 (Date: TBA) Chocolate City Tour
    * Community Service Project


    Sat. March 2012 (Date: TBA)
    College Tour Information Session


    Sun. April 22, 20011 at Howard Univ. Rankin Chapel Speaker:
    Dr. Cornel West, Princeton University, Prof. in the
    Center for African American Studies


    Sat. April 26-27, 2011 Ivy League/HBCU College Tour


    Sat. June 23, 2012 @ Fort Washington Park 12:00 to 6 pm
    Cookout for the Program students


    Sun. June 24, 2012, 11 am @ MMBC/TVC End of Year Celebration
    Awards, Certificates, Acknowledgements


    Sat. July 21, 2012 Open Forum Series Workshop
    “Your NetWork is Your NetWorth”


    Sat. August 13, 2012 Open House at MMBC
    Registration for New Students


    Sat. September 2012, (Date: TBA)
    MMBC 1st Annual College/Workforce Fair



     

    * Interested Parent, Students & Friends please complete the information form below. Your information will not be shared.

    Press the submit button below to send your information directly to us electronically.
    Salutation:
    Name, Phone, Email address:
    Students Name:
    Students School & Grade:
    Comments or Questions:

     




    Contact Us

    Note: Please Call 1-877-205-6833 to leave message

    The Village Connection, Inc. is a 501 c3 Charitable Youth Enrichment Organization, and 100% of the donations and fees received are tax deductable and go toward our programs.

    If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to The Village Connection Programs go to our donations page.

    CFC# 69243

    MCC# 20103

    Please direct any questions about donations, and in-kind contributions to:


    email: info@theconnectedvillage.org




    University of Maryland in Baltimore County
    UMBC President, Dr. Freeman Hrabowski lectures the tour
    group on the importance of getting used to studying at
    least 4 hours per night, and the importance of good time management.





        

        

    Contact Us


    info@theconnectedvillage.org
    THE VILLAGE CONNECTION College Access Programs
    P.O. BOX 1232
    TEMPLE HILLS, MARYLAND 20748