College Access and FAFSA Support Launches for CT Students


The College Access Collaborative of Connecticut 

The College Access Collaborative of Connecticut (CAC) is a community based educational consulting organization focused on improving college access, financial aid completion, and postsecondary readiness for first generation, multilingual, adult, and historically underserved students across Connecticut. CAC partners with high schools, adult education programs, nonprofits, and community organizations to provide hands on support with FAFSA completion, AACTUS guidance for undocumented and mixed status students, college applications, scholarship navigation, and enrollment planning. Services are delivered through workshops, small group sessions, and individualized advising, particularly during peak college and financial aid seasons when schools are often stretched beyond capacity. CAC’s work is designed to strengthen and extend existing counseling and outreach efforts, not replace them. What makes CAC distinct is its relationship centered and culturally responsive approach. Programming is offered in English, Haitian Creole, and Spanish, ensuring families who are often excluded from the college process due to language or system barriers can fully participate and make informed decisions. CAC emphasizes clarity over jargon, follow through over one time events, and outcome driven support that helps organizations track progress in FAFSA completion, college applications, and enrollment. Founded by educator and college access professional Looney Chery; CAC was created after years of working directly with students and families navigating complex college and financial aid systems with limited individualized support. CAC exists to close these gaps by combining professional expertise, lived experience, and strong community relationships. By meeting students and families where they are, The College Access Collaborative helps turn college from a confusing process into a realistic and achievable pathway. Contact: (475)-344-9753 admin@accesscac.com

Fairfield County

Alfred Branch

Hartford Metropolitan Area

Bridgeport

Connecticut

The College Access Collaborative of Connecticut (CAC) is a community based educational consulting organization focused on improving college access,...

Pellegrino Law Partner Appointed to CT Siting Council

The Pellegrino Law Firm

New Haven, CT — Bernard Pellegrino, a partner at the Pellegrino Law Firm in New Haven, has been appointed by Governor Ned Lamont to serve on the Connecticut Siting Council, a state body responsible for overseeing the siting of major energy, telecommunications, and infrastructure facilities. The Connecticut Siting Council plays a key role in balancing the need for reliable public utility services with environmental protection and community interests across the state. As a member of the Council, Attorney Pellegrino will serve as a public official within the Executive Branch of Connecticut state government and will be subject to the State’s Code of Ethics, underscoring his commitment to transparency, integrity, and ethical public service. Pellegrino brings extensive experience in land use law and a deep understanding of Connecticut communities to the Council. Through his legal practice and civic involvement, he has long demonstrated a commitment to public service, advocacy, and responsible decision-making. “I am honored to accept this appointment and grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Connecticut,” Pellegrino said. “I look forward to contributing thoughtfully to the important work of the Connecticut Siting Council.” Bernard Pellegrino is a partner at The Pellegrino Law Firm, based in New Haven. He resides in the City of New Haven with his wife, Karen. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Boston College Law School. Media Contact: Pellegrino Law Firm New Haven, CT 203-787-2225 BP@pellegrinolawfirm.com

New Haven County

Ellyn Santiago

New Haven

New Haven, CT — Bernard Pellegrino, a partner at the Pellegrino Law Firm in New Haven, has been appointed by Governor Ned Lamont to serve on the...

Managed IT Services, Disaster Recovery, & Cyber Security

UNAPEN, Inc.

Since 1991, UNAPEN, Inc. has provided IT and Cyber Security Services, Custom Software Solutions, Systems Integration, Software products and Workflow/Process Automation tailored for Investment/Wealth Managers, Non-Profit Organizations, Educational Institutions, Attorneys, and a diverse range of SMBs! The expertise of UNAPEN's seasoned professionals uniquely positions them to advise clients on the value of technology. Our goal is to solidify and protect your IT infrastructure, enhance cyber security, streamline operations and workflow, centralize data, and automate highly complex manual tasks to make your company more successful and competitive. UNAPEN is a long-standing Gold Certified Microsoft Partner. Our solutions fall into these categories: • Strategic Process Consulting • AI Workflow &amp; Process Automation • Custom Client Statements, Meeting Packages &amp; Mgmt Reporting • Custom Software Development - Applications &amp; Interfaces - On-Premise, Web &amp; Mobile • Create/Upgrade Custom Excel, Power Apps, Power BI, MS Access, SQL Server &amp; .NET Applications • Pricing &amp; Reference Data Interfaces for SS&amp;C Advent Axys &amp; APX • CRM for Investment Advisers, Wealth Mgrs, Family Offices, Banking and other industries • Data Warehousing &amp; Data Aggregation • Affinity SQL Data Repository for Advisors • Business Intelligence &amp; Business Mgmt Tools • Digital Transformation &amp; Cloud Migration • IT Services • Cloud Backup, Disaster Recovery &amp; Business Continuity • CyberSecurity - Advanced Network Analysis &amp; Security Threat Reporting, Dark Web Monitoring &amp; Alerts on Compromised Employee Credentials • CyberSecurity - Employee CyberSecurity Awareness Training • CyberSecurity - EndPoint Detection &amp; Response • vCISO CyberSecurity Assessments • Ransomware Protection As a service provider &amp; partner in your success, UNAPEN brings to bear a unique skill set comprised of in-depth business knowledge combined with unparalleled technological expertise &amp; service delivery capability.

Vincent Salzo

Meriden

Since 1991, UNAPEN, Inc. has provided IT and Cyber Security Services, Custom Software Solutions, Systems Integration, Software products and...

Commercial Real Estate & Property Management Services

Levey Miller Maretz

Levey Miller Maretz is recognized as one of the leaders in retail, commercial sales and leasing, and site selection experts in Connecticut. Other commercial and retail services include exclusive tenant representation and market analyses, research, lease negotiation and disposition of excess space. Our team offers the full range of property management services for commercial properties, apartment complexes and condominium associations throughout the state of Connecticut. Our management services maximize revenues through tenant acquisition and support, expense minimization and timely maintenance completion. Our goal is to provide clients excellent yearly returns on their rental properties. Levey Miller Maretz offers a variety of investment property services. Having grown a broad network of investor clients over the past 30 years, we are able to easily connect clients with qualified buyers or sellers.

Levey Miller Maretz is recognized as one of the leaders in retail, commercial sales and leasing, and site selection experts in Connecticut. Other...

NEW HAVEN, CT - A Hamden resident is $12,600 richer after purchasing a winning lottery ticket in New Haven last week, according to the Connecticut Lottery. On December 23, Teresa Smith Hines, of Hamden purchased a Play4 Day ticket from Kav's Package Store in New Haven and won $12,600.

NEW HAVEN, CT - A Hamden resident is $12,600 richer after purchasing a winning lottery ticket in New Haven last week, according to the Connecticut Lottery.

On December 23, Teresa Smith Hines, of Hamden purchased a Play4 Day ticket from Kav's Package Store in New Haven and won $12,600.

New Haven Business Sells Big Lottery Prize

Community Corner

West Haven

East Haven

Orange

Hamden

North Haven

Branford

Bethwood

RJ Scofield

Shelton-Derby

North Branford

Chris Rhatigan 

Milford

Middlesex County

Chris Dehnel

Middletown

With multiple Canadian Folk Music Awards, as well as Juno and ADISQ nominations, GENTICORUM have earned a reputation as a...

Genticorum

Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride: Rock to Rock is  working with 20 partner organizations to raise critical support for local...

Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride

Melding unparalleled virtuosity with an introspective sensibility, Nic Gareiss and Alexis Chartrand trace, with disarming...

Alexis Chartrand & Nic Gareiss

This is the Annual Asher’s Answer 5K Run/Walk in honor of Asher Nathaniel Gibson.
All proceeds will be used to provide support...

Asher's Answer Annual 5K Walk/Run

New Haven K-9 Cop Attacked, Repeatedly Sucker...

Myron Mullins, arrested in 2025 for assaulting cops, banged on cruiser roof, when cop got out to "assist," Mullins began punching him: NHPD

New Haven K-9 Cop Attacked, Repeatedly Sucker-Punched By Man He Thought Needed Help: NHPD

Crime & Safety

UPDATE: 'Evading' Driver Who Struck, Critically...

Tuesday afternoon on Grasso near Printers Lane, a now-in-custody hit-and-run driver struck a man on a bike, now in critical condition: NHPD.

UPDATE: 'Evading' Driver Who Struck, Critically Injured Bicyclist On Grasso Blvd. In Custody: NHPD

Lost Or Abandoned, Male Dog Without Tags,...

The Robin I. Kroogman New Haven Animal Shelter is asking for the community's help in identifying this good boy and getting him home.

Lost Or Abandoned, Male Dog Without Tags, Microchip Found Tweed New Haven Airport 

Southern CT State University Alumna Appears On...

Lydia Sekscenski, Southern CT State University class of 2025, makes her national debut as a contestant on the iconic quiz show. 

Southern CT State University Alumna Appears On Jeopardy! Tuesday Night, On-Campus Watch Party Set 

Schools

Wilbur Cross' Muñoz Named CT State PTA's...

Muñoz, who administers the International Academy, was nominated by the school's PTSA, and received dozens of support letters.

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Community Corner

New Haven Business Sells Big Lottery Prize

Hamden resident hits for $12k.

John J. Ruggiero, Patch Staff

More from New Haven

New Haven K-9 Cop Attacked, Repeatedly Sucker-Punched By Man He Thought Needed Help: NHPD

UPDATE: 'Evading' Driver Who Struck, Critically Injured Bicyclist On Grasso Blvd. In Custody: NHPD

Lost Or Abandoned, Male Dog Without Tags, Microchip Found Tweed New Haven Airport

Genticorum

Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride

Alexis Chartrand & Nic Gareiss

Asher's Answer Annual 5K Walk/Run

The Pellegrino Law Firm

The College Access Collaborative of Connecticut

UNAPEN, Inc.

Levey Miller Maretz

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

New Haven Business Sells Big Lottery Prize

Hamden resident hits for $12k.

John J. Ruggiero, Patch Staff<img alt="Verified Patch Staff Badge" class="styles_Badge__np_hU" src="https://patch.com/img/cdn/assets/layout/badges/verified-patch-staff.svg"/>

John J. Ruggiero, Patch Staff