College Visions, a Rhode Island nonprofit dedicated to empowering first-generation, low-income students, is expanding its Summer Prep program to the Community College of Rhode Island’s Newport County Campus this summer.
The five-week intensive program runs from Tuesday, July 7, through Aug. 6, serving a cohort of 25 rising ninth- through 12th-grade students from Newport and Middletown. The initiative offers a comprehensive college and career exploration experience that includes project-based learning, college visits, field trips to career partners, interview skills training, resume development and hands-on help drafting college essays. To provide an authentic higher education experience, the program will feature a CCRI professor teaching a specialized class, giving students a feel for the college classroom.
“We are delighted to partner with College Visions to bring this exceptional program to CCRI’s Newport Campus,” said CCRI President Rosemary A. Costigan. “By giving students the opportunity to experience college life, explore future careers, and build confidence in their abilities, we are helping them see what is possible for their future. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to expanding opportunity and supporting the success of Newport County’s youth.”
For more than 20 years, College Visions has provided long-term support to first-generation students, guiding them from initial college research and applications through to degree completion. The organization reports a 100% college enrollment rate among its core program scholars, with more than 70% graduating within six years.
“College Visions is committed to expanding access to higher education for students in underserved communities throughout Rhode Island,” said executive director Lamont Gordon. “We’re thrilled to bring our program to Newport and to partner with CCRI to expose first-generation students to post-secondary college and career pathways.”
The Summer Prep program differs slightly from the organization’s school-year programming. While the core program serves students who have already committed to pursuing higher education, the summer program engages younger students — starting as early as ninth grade — who are still exploring whether college is the right path.
College Visions launched its summer program in 2019 in partnership with the Providence Public School Department and expanded it to Woonsocket in 2023, making Newport the third Rhode Island community to host the initiative.
Founded in 2004 with 10 students in Providence, College Visions now serves more than 550 students annually. More information about the program is available at collegevisions.org/cvsummerprep.
