"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, 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
Manon Matchett

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

Our Volunteer Program Staff/Mentors
Avis White Thomas,
Co-Founder and Executive Director

Deborah Reeves, Esq.,
V. P. of Administrative Services

Tracey Norwood Farmer,
Director of Administrative
Services

Angela White Narain,
M.B.A., Program Director

Melissa Sheow,
MSA-OD, Program Director

Dianne Spann,
Education Consultant

Darwin Farmer,
Program Director

Vincint Thomas,
Program Director

Aundrea Veney,
Regional Director

Toni McFarland,
Program Director

Elisa Kimble,
Creative Arts Director

Juanita White (Bahka),
Community Organizer

Minister Allen Tillman,
Chaplin

Erwin Thomas,
Co-Founder and Development Director

Youth Advocates
Anjanie Narain
Julius Thomas
Armand Thomas
Clifton Chancellor Blair
Nathaniel Graham
Aisha Thomas

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
Benedict College
Bennett College
Boston College
Bowie State University
Brown University
Catholic University of America
Clark Atlanta University
Columbia University
Coppin State University
Cornell University
Dartmouth College
Davidson College
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
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 State University
Trinity College
Tuskegee University
University of Baltimore
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 Entrance Exams and Preparation
www.actstudent.org
www.collegeboard.com
www.kaplan.com
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.



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


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



Facebook: www.facebook.com/thevillageconnection
Email: info@theconnectedvillage.org

Our College Access Program promotes student success through:

-Mentoring, Inspiring Speakers, & Career Workshops

-Student Academic Skills Testing & Enrichment

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

-FAFSA, Writing, and Personal Improvement Workshops

-Local and Regional College Tours & Visits

-Scholarship Workshops, Scholarships & Internships

-A Student Retention Program Throughout 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.



Scheduled KAPLAN TEST PREP and ADMISSIONS
SAT/ACT Combo Practice Tests for 2010

* More practice tests for 2010 TBA



    

Example of our 4-day Ivy League College/Northeastern Colleges visit

Univ. of Pennsylvania

Princeton University

Columbia University

Brown University

Harvard University

Yale University

Dartmouth College

Cornell University

Non Ivy League School,
Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (M.I.T.)


Alternative Schools: Temple University, Drexel University, Villanova University, New York University, Fordham University, St. Johns University, Rutgers University, UMASS, Tufts University, Amherst College, Boston College, University of Rhode Island, UCONN


*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)
  • 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 2010 January through August Calendar

    January

    Give out Suggested Book Reading Listing for Students and Parents. Students will write a summary of each book.

    Jan. 1 - FAFSA - (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) (Students may begin to fill out FAFSA)

    Jan. 9 - KAPLAN SAT/ACT Practice Combo Test at (Fort Washington Baptist Church) 8:00am – 12:30 pm

    Jan. 15 - Mentor Workshop/ Information Session, Location TBA

    Jan. 23 – Parents/Students follow up with test results/questions FROM KAPLAN Representative site TBA


    February

    Feb 11 - Meeting with Potomac High School Alumni Week, re: Weekly Events May 10th - May16th

    Feb 12 - Visit to the United States District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria, VA

    Feb. 16 - Mentor Workshop/ Information Session, Location TBA

    Feb. 17 - UNCF Black College Career Day, Sponsored by Washington Inter Alumm Council of the United Negro College Fund, Vermont Avenue Baptist Church, 1030 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC - 9 am – 2 pm

    Feb. 20 - Kaplan SAT/ACT Follow up Seminar at Fort Washington, Baptist Church

    Feb. 21 - FAFSA Workshop - 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm- Educational Opportunity Center. (For PG County residents seeking assistance in completing the FAFSA) (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex, 8001 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD 20785 for more information contact: 301.429.5933

    Feb 27 - "Tuskegee Airmen Presentation, Saturday, Feb. 27 at Potomac High School, Oxon Hill, MD, - 9 am to 1 pm in Lecture Hall

    Feb. 28* 11:00 AM -Rankin Chapel – Howard University - The Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III *(Join us at Howard University (Cramton Auditorium) with our Mentors to hear Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, Pastor, The Abyssinian Baptist Church; President The University of New York College at Old Westbury, New York


    March

    Mar.- Deadline for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

    Mar.- Mentor Workshop/ Information Session, Location TBA

    Mar. 20 - Mentor Workshop/Information Session – Location and Activity TBA, (MD or DC)


    April

    Apr. 1 – Apr. 2 District of Columbia Spring College Visits – (Howard University and American University) Sponsors needed

    April KAPLAN SAT/ACT Practice Combo Test -- Date/Site: TBA

    April 24 - Mentor Workshop/Information Session – Location/Activity TBA

    April 25 - 11:00 AM -Rankin Chapel – Howard University – Dr. Cornel West (Join us at Howard University (Cramton Auditorium) with our Mentees to hear: Dr. Cornel West, Professor of Religion & African American Studies, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey


    May

    WEEK ACTIVITY - The Village Connection (TVC) & Potomac High School (PHS)

    Schedule of Activities for Monday, May 10th through Sunday, May 16th TBA


    June 2010

    June 19 - Annual TVC Cookout – 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm - Fort Washington Park, Fort Washington, MD


    July 2010

    Ivy League College Visit, dates: TBA

    July 17 KAPLAN SAT/ACT Practice Combo Test -- Site: TBA

    July 31 Parents/Students follow up with test results/questions FROM KAPLAN Practice Test - July 17 KAPLAN Representative to answer questions - 10:30am – 11:30 am


    August 2010

    August 7 TVC Scholarship Banquet (Black Tie) –TVC, PHS School Fundraiser /Toyota Literacy. Scholarships, Highest GPA, Honoring the Seniors, Award – Best Essay, PowerPoint Presentation

    August 28th KAPLAN SAT/ACT Practice Combo Test -- Site: TBA


    Dates & Times subject to change



    *Please RSVP your attendance to our Mentor Workshops
    by submitting the information form below.

    College Access Program Particulars
    • Early Admissions for Students w/checklist, required GPA, and SAT/ACT scores
    • Access to Student Enrichment and Study Skills Enhancement
    • Access to SAT/ACT Preparation Courses and Tests
    • Ongoing Mentoring while in High School and College
    • A Network of Recent College Graduates as Mentors
    • Visits to Culturally Significant Sites
    • Community Service Hours and Projects
    • A System of Student Retention, Follow-up, and Monitoring Through College
    • A Requirement to Join our Program Efforts to "Give Back"



    ONLINE INFORMATION FORM
    This form sends an e-mail to The Village Connection College Access Program. Please provide all of your contact information so that we can keep you informed. We will not share your information.

    Name:

    Email Address:

    NOTE: If you do not have an email address, you may visit www.yahoo.com or www.msn.com to sign up for a free email account.
    Comments:

    I am interested in:

    1. The visit to the VA Courthouse Postponed due to snow,( Date TBA)
    2. The Tuskegee Airmen at Potomac High School, (Feb. 27, Time: 9am to 1pm ) in the Lecture Hall
    3. Potomac High School Alumni Week activities May 10 - 16
    4. The Annual TVC Cookout at Fort Washington Park, June 19
    5. The College Prep Academic/Cardio Summer Camp
    6. The Summer Ivy League College Tour, Date TBA
    7. KAPLAN SAT/ACT Combo Prep Tests, dates TBA

    Locations for Mentor Workshops/Information Sessions:

    *Matthews Memorial Baptist Church
    2616 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE.
    Washington, D.C. 20020
    (One block up MLK Ave. from the Anacostia Metro Station)

    or

    **Mount Ennon Baptist Church
    9832 Piscataway Road
    Clinton, MD 20735

    or

    ***Potomac High School
    5211 Boydell Avenue
    Oxon Hill, MD 20745


    Parents please attend Mentor Workshops/Information Sessions

    Registration: 10:00 to 10:30
    Workshop: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm







    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:


    Avis White Thomas

    Co-Founder and Executive Director

    The Village Connection

    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
    time management.





        

        

    Contact Us



    Call "1-877-205-6833"
    to leave message

    or email at: info@theconnectedvillage.org

    THE VILLAGE CONNECTION
    P.O. BOX 1232
    TEMPLE HILLS, MARYLAND 20748
     
         
    "DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO NOW, SO YOU CAN DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO LATER"
    A Quote from the Movie, "The Great Debaters"