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...

HAMDEN, CT — Police arrested a 21-year-old New Haven man on murder charges related to a Nov. 13, 2017 shooting that left a local teen dead.Officers located Leeandre Benton, 18, of Hamden near the Farmington Canal Trail with life-threatening gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead the next day.Police arrested Brennen Coleman on July 17 at Meriden Superior Court.He was charged with felony murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery. He was held in lieu of $2.5 million bail. He is the third person arrested in the death of Benton. Image via Hamden Police

HAMDEN, CT — Police arrested a 21-year-old New Haven man on murder charges related to a Nov. 13, 2017 shooting that left a local teen dead.

Officers located Leeandre Benton, 18, of Hamden near the Farmington Canal Trail with life-threatening gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead the next day.Police arrested Brennen Coleman on July 17 at Meriden Superior Court.

He was charged with felony murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery. He was held in lieu of $2.5 million bail. He is the third person arrested in the death of Benton. Image via Hamden Police

New Haven Man Arrested For Hamden Murder: PD

A city man was arrested for the murder of a Hamden teen.

Crime & Safety

West Haven

East Haven

Orange

Hamden

North Haven

Branford

Bethwood

RJ Scofield

Shelton-Derby

North Branford

Chris Rhatigan 

Milford

Middletown House Concert Series

With multiple Canadian Folk Music Awards, as well as Juno and ADISQ nominations, GENTICORUM have earned a reputation as a leading voice in the evolution of Québécois traditional music. For over twenty years, the trio has earned a place of privilege on world, traditional, folk and Celtic music stages. Known for their unbridled energy, their musicianship and their magnetic stage presence, the trio has won over audiences at such prestigious events as Celtic Connections in Scotland, the Tønder Folk Festival in Denmark, the National Folk Festival in Australia, the Independent Music Festival in Alexandria, Egypt, the Rain Forest Festival in Malaysia, as well as countless venues across North America. 
Pascal Gemme (fiddle) and Yann Falquet (guitar), the group’s two founding members, are both recognized individually as major contributors to the trad music scene in Québec. Since 2015, they have been joined by accomplished multi-instrumentalist and composer Nicholas Williams (flute, accordion). Weaving intricate fiddle, flute and accordion lines, gorgeous vocal harmonies, subtle guitar textures and exhilarating foot percussion, the pleasure that these three musicians have creating and playing together is palpable, both in the studio and on the concert stage.
___________________________________________________
“Genticorum have a rightful place amongst the new generation of internationally
recognized Quebequois Bands. Beautifully presented recording….. harmonising brilliantly."
THE LIVING TRADITION

“For a three piece, Genticorum makes a very full and glorious noise, both instrumentally
and vocally… This is a band that’s going to go places.”
SING OUT MAGAZINE

“The record exhibits incredible depth and joie de vivre, a hallmark of the group since their
first release (...) it’s all wonderful stuff and Nagez Rameurs demonstrates, yet again, why
Genticorum are one of the country’s most vital traditionally rooted outfits.”
PENGUIN EGGS MAGAZINE

Local Event: Genticorum

Middlesex County

Middletown

Genticorum

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

Cold Spring Street & Orange Street

Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride: Rock to Rock is working with 20 partner organizations to raise critical support for local environmental nonprofits.&nbsp; 2026 Rides include 5, 12, 20, 40, 60-mile, and two Family Rides in East Rock Park, plus a hike in East Rock Park and West Rock Park.&nbsp; Join the fun Saturday, April 25th. Event generously supported by the Clarie C. Bennitt Watershed Fund. All rides start and end at East Rock Park, with a Green Fair, live music and food trucks.&nbsp; Register at rocktorock.org

Local Event: Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride

Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride

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

Melding unparalleled virtuosity with an introspective sensibility, Nic Gareiss and Alexis Chartrand trace, with disarming spontaneity, their path across French Canadian, Appalachian and Irish traditions. Propelled by melodies inherited from Québécois folklore, the duo explores, with palpable pleasure, the sharing of sounds and gestures, blurring the lines between music and dance, melody and movement. This concert is a privileged opportunity to witness the contemporaneity of our traditions, the singular creativity of Nic Gareiss’ flatfooting and step dancing, and Alexis Chartrand’s unique playing on the baroque violin.
Montreal fiddler Alexis Chartrand (he/him) has traced a singular path across the Québécois traditional music scene. “Known for his pensive reworkings of Québécois fiddle tunes” (Songlines), he has pioneered the use of baroque violin and bows for the interpretation of this repertoire. His partnership with multi-instrumentalist and sound engineer Nicolas Babineau has led to the release of three albums, and to many concerts in Québec, Canada, the United States and Sweden. Hailed in 2019 as “two must-hears of Québécois traditional music” (Penguin Eggs), their 2024 collaboration with Nicolas Ellis and Orchestre de l’Agora « was a revelation and an intense emotional shock” (Le Devoir). He has explored the connection between music and dance with percussive dancers Nic Gareiss and Antoine Turmine. He has released duo albums with multi-instrumentalists Colin Savoie-Levac and Cédric Dind-Lavoie.
One of Dance Magazine's "25 to Watch," Nic Gareiss (he/they) has been hailed by the New York Times for his “dexterous melding of Irish and Appalachian dance.” He reimagines movement as a musical practice, recasting dance as a medium that appeals to both eyes and ears. Gareiss engages many percussive dance traditions, weaving together a singular dance practice marked by his love of clog, flatfoot, and step dance footwork; improvisation; and musical collaboration. Gareiss received the 2020 Michigan Heritage Award, his home region's highest distinction bestowed on traditional artists. He has performed in seventeen countries including at London's Barbican Centre, the Irish National Concert Hall, the Munich Philharmonic, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. He holds a MA in Ethnochoreology from the University of Limerick.
$25 suggested donation
Please contact Jody Cormack for reservations and directions
jcormack@wesleyan.edu, or 860-983-7963

Local Event: Alexis Chartrand & Nic Gareiss

Alexis Chartrand & Nic Gareiss

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

High Plains Community Center

Mother's Day is approaching and the Rotary Club of Orange is holding our Annual Mother's Day Rose Sale. again this year. Funds raised by this sale support the people in need in Orange and surrounding communities. So buy some roses for your loved ones and help support the good work of Rotary. Roses cost $22.00/dozen for 1 - 9 dozen and $20,00 for ten dozen or more. Click on the provided link or scan the QR code to go directly to our website to order online. Pre-orders are preferred but walk-ups are welcome, subject to available supplies.

Local Event: Rotary Annual Mother's Day Rose Sale

Rotary Annual Mother's Day Rose Sale

Mother's Day is approaching and the Rotary Club of Orange is holding our Annual Mother's Day Rose Sale. again this year. Funds...

This is the Annual Asher’s Answer 5K Run/Walk in honor of&nbsp;<a href="https://ashersanswer.org/about/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Asher Nathaniel Gibson.</a>
All proceeds will be used to provide support to our non-profit organization, <a href="https://ashersanswer.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Asher’s Answer</a>, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide financial support to families of children with rare trisomies.
This year, there will be games and activities for children under age 13, so feel free to bring the entire family!!!
NOTE: For safety and security purposes, race participants must be at least 13 yrs of age. Children younger than that can still come and participate in various games/activities while their parents race, but cannot race. Infant and toddlers may race with their parents only if they are transported in strollers or strapped to parents (ie body carriers).

Local Event: Asher's Answer Annual 5K Walk/Run

Asher's Answer Annual 5K Walk/Run

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

Man Intentionally Drove At People On Sidewalk...

A 20-year-old woman was struck near a parking garage, and police said the driver also tried to hit pedestrians on the sidewalk.

Man Intentionally Drove At People On Sidewalk After Fight Inside Club In New Haven: Police

Shuttered For Years, In Need Of Significant...

City, ARPA-funded building updates complete, community programming restored and includes Wilderness Wednesdays, Nature Pals, school trips.

Shuttered For Years, In Need Of Significant Repair, After Rehab, Edgewood Park Ranger Station Reopens 

Community Corner

Wilbur Cross High School Teacher Brian Grindrod...

Advocate for 'We the People,' a project-based curriculum on constitutional principles, prepares students for mock congressional hearings. 

Wilbur Cross High School Teacher Brian Grindrod Wins Award for Excellence in Social Studies Education  

Schools

NHPS Reverses Course, Won’t Reinstate Arrested...

The teacher was set to return to the classroom this week — until families and students spoke out, and the district reversed its decision.

NHPS Reverses Course, Won’t Reinstate Arrested Teacher

Hit-And-Run Driver Charged With Leaving Scene...

Nazir Said Agha, 34, of New Haven, was charged in hit-and-run where victim, whom police haven't ID'd, was left gravely hurt in roadway: PD.

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Crime & Safety

New Haven Man Arrested For Hamden Murder: PD

A city man was arrested for the murder of a Hamden teen.

Rich Scinto, Patch Staff

Find out what's happening in New Havenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

More from New Haven

Man Intentionally Drove At People On Sidewalk After Fight Inside Club In New Haven: Police

CT’s First HS Quantum Program Expands with New Learning Pathways

Shuttered For Years, In Need Of Significant Repair, After Rehab, Edgewood Park Ranger Station Reopens

Genticorum

Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride

Alexis Chartrand & Nic Gareiss

Rotary Annual Mother's Day Rose Sale

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 Man Arrested For Hamden Murder: PD

A city man was arrested for the murder of a Hamden teen.

Rich Scinto, 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"/>

Find out what's happening in New Havenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Rich Scinto, Patch Staff