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,...

Baybrook Remodelers Inc

Our team at Baybrook Remodelers, Inc. is saddened to hear about the negative impact the Wren Kitchens closure has had on so many customers and families. With 84 full-time craftsmen, expert designers, and dedicated project managers, Baybrook Remodelers is fully equipped to step in and assist—no matter what stage your project is in. Backed by over 35 years of consistent, high-quality customer service, we are uniquely positioned to help you move forward with confidence. Whether your project is in the early design phase, partially completed, or in need of finishing touches, our team is ready to deliver the craftsmanship and reliability you deserve. If you’ve been affected and need guidance or support, we’re here to help get your project back on track.

New Haven County

Ellyn Santiago

New Haven

Our team at Baybrook Remodelers, Inc. is saddened to hear about the negative impact the Wren Kitchens closure has had on so many customers and...

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, 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 — New Haven Public Schools will be closed Wednesday.Image via Shutterstock

NEW HAVEN, CT — New Haven Public Schools will be closed Wednesday.

Image via Shutterstock

New Haven Public Schools Makes Wednesday Decision

Schools

West Haven

East Haven

Orange

Hamden

North Haven

Branford

Bethwood

RJ Scofield

Shelton-Derby

North Branford

Chris Rhatigan 

Milford

Small Batch Cellars

<a href="https://slambovia.com/home" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The Slambovian Circus of Dreams</a> kick off the Summer Music Series at Connecticut's Small Batch Cellars, this Sunday, May 3rd, 4:oo pm in North Haven. Voted "Best Band" by NY’s Chronogram Magazine, their rootsy, rockin’ psychedelia, fantastic stories and songs, create exciting live shows that are legendary. Woodstock-tinged Americana blends a cool mix of southern rock, Celtic and British folk combined with solid songwriting - a slice of Americana pie that is irresistible!
“A perfect bridge between past and present, keeping the authenticity, storytelling and countercultural mindset of the sixties alive while still making it their own.” “They’re the kind of band you don’t just listen to – you become part of their universe.”- Karl Sharicz, Rock &amp; Roll Underdogs (2025 Palmetto Publishing)
Joziah Longo leads with vocals described as "soothing and bewitching as a snake oil tonic.” Longtime bandmates Tink Lloyd (accordion, cello, mandolin, flute) and guitarist/ mandolin wizard Sharkey McEwen bring their own magic to the Slambovian brew with “a little help from their friends”...

Local Event: Slambovians Bring ‘Art School Americana’ to Small Batch Cellars

Slambovians Bring ‘Art School Americana’ to...

The Slambovian Circus of Dreams kick off the Summer Music Series at Connecticut's Small Batch Cellars, this Sunday, May 3rd,...

Slambovians Bring ‘Art School Americana’ to Small Batch Cellars

New England Brewing Company - Woodbridge

Join us for an exciting night of general music trivia hosted by CT Folk and NEBCO where your team can compete for fantastic prizes. CT State Troubadour Lara Herscovitch, DJ&nbsp;Lucky Charms and Co Campbell run the night. This event serves as a benefit for the free CT Folk Fest, offering a chance to connect with the community and share some much-needed laughter for just $20.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ct-folk-presents-music-trivia-tickets-1986215801931?aff=ebdsoporgprofile" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ct-folk-presents-music-trivia-tickets-1986215801931?aff=ebdsoporgprofile</a>&nbsp; or buy at the door<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ct-folk-presents-music-trivia-tickets-1986215801931?aff=ebdsoporgprofile" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">s: Music Trivia Tickets, Thursday, May 7 &nbsp;•&nbsp; 6 PM - 8 PM | Eventbrite</a>

Local Event: Music Trivia!

Music Trivia!

Join us for an exciting night of general music trivia hosted by CT Folk and NEBCO where your team can compete for fantastic...

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...

Temple Beth Sholom

Document Shredding Event at Temple Beth Sholom Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026 Time: 9am-12pm Location: Temple Beth Sholom, 1809 Whitney Avenue, Hamden (in the parking lot) Cost: Small Copy Boxes - $15 per box Large Banker Boxes - $20 per box
Also Available: Hard Drive Destruction &amp; Computer Recycling - $20 each CRT Computer Monitors - $20 each Hard Drive Only - $10 each
All items should be in a box that can easily be picked up. Paper items only. No trash or non-paper items. No CDs, X-Rays, etc. On-site shredding truck provided by Affordable Solutions, LLC.
Questions? Email fundraising@tbshamden.com
Common Questions: Will the documents be shredded at the drop-off location or are they transported to another facility? All documents will be shredded on-site. Workers will remove documents from vehicles and put them in the truck for shredding. 
Is there a certain way to prepare my documents? Place all paper documents into a box or paper bag for easy removal. Please look through the box/bag, before you bring it for shredding. Make sure the items in the box/bag are what you want shredded.
No Trash.
What happens to the shredded paper? The shredded documents are transported to a recycling facility and baled before being recycled into new paper.

Local Event: Document Shredding Event

Document Shredding Event

Document Shredding Event at Temple Beth Sholom Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026 Time: 9am-12pm Location: Temple Beth Sholom, 1809...

Miller Memorial Library

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro’s Passport Day &amp; Community Resource Fair
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and join us at the Hamden Public Library. This event offers a convenient, streamlined way to submit your passport application while also exploring a wide range of local services and resources available to you and your family.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Important Details:
<ul><li>Community Resource Fair: Free and open to the public from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM</li><li>Passport Day: By appointment only, from 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM To schedule your passport appointment for May 26, please call (203) 562-3718</li></ul>
Please review the important information below concerning the Passport Day event.

Local Event: Congresswoman DeLauro's Passport Day and Community Resource Fair

Congresswoman DeLauro's Passport Day and...

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro’s Passport Day & Community Resource Fair
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and join...

Congresswoman DeLauro's Passport Day and Community Resource Fair

Mattei, Koh To Defend New Haven Against Feds’ ...

A former federal prosecutor and a former Yale Law School dean have agreed to represent the city pro bono in defending against a lawsuit.

Mattei, Koh To Defend New Haven Against Feds’ ‘Sanctuary’ Suit

Politics & Government

New Haven Joins 28 U.S. Cities, Counties In...

CA law in response to "Trump administration’s violent immigration enforcement surge," says law enforcement including ICE have visible ID. 

New Haven Joins 28 U.S. Cities, Counties In Brief In Support Of CA In Suit On Anonymous Policing

Following State OK For Additional Education...

Mayor Justin Elicker praised the measure to add $170M in ed funding, $100M in municipal aid, noting, "Our voices have been heard."

Following State OK For Additional Education Funding, More Municipal Aid, Mayor Applauds Action 

Yemeni Eatery, M2 Mocha Café, Opens Wednesday...

Café serves Yemeni aromatic Mufawar coffee blends made with cardamom and cream, pastries like sabaya, and sandwiches like grilled halloumi. 

Yemeni Eatery, M2 Mocha Café, Opens Wednesday On Ashmun Street, With Fanfare, Tastings, 

Restaurants & Bars

Convicted in 2017 Murder Of Norman Boone, a New...

Treyvon Battle, 35, was convicted in late January of Boone's killing and the wounding of another man, Garian Suggs, in New Haven in 2017.

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Schools

New Haven Public Schools Makes Wednesday Decision

Officials have made a decision.

Rich Scinto, Patch Staff

More from New Haven

New Haven Joins 28 U.S. Cities, Counties In Brief In Support Of CA In Suit On Anonymous Policing

Following State OK For Additional Education Funding, More Municipal Aid, Mayor Applauds Action

Yemeni Eatery, M2 Mocha Café, Opens Wednesday On Ashmun Street, With Fanfare, Tastings,

Slambovians Bring ‘Art School Americana’ to Small Batch Cellars

Music Trivia!

Rotary Annual Mother's Day Rose Sale

Asher's Answer Annual 5K Walk/Run

Document Shredding Event

Congresswoman DeLauro's Passport Day and Community Resource Fair

Baybrook Remodelers Inc

The Pellegrino Law Firm

The College Access Collaborative of Connecticut

UNAPEN, Inc.

Levey Miller Maretz

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

New Haven Public Schools Makes Wednesday Decision

Officials have made a decision.

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"/>

Rich Scinto, Patch Staff