2023 Annual Report
The UNSHAKEABLE FUTURE
what does it take TO CREATE BRIGHTER FUTURES?
Creating a clear and supported path to college for low-income students continues to be the most vital work of our generation.
We know what our students need. Our work pushes strongly back against unfortunate trends in college enrollment. Trends that are deterring important economic advances in communities of financial challenges.
They need expert guidance, loving support, and opportunities to challenge and illuminate what they are worth to develop the tenacity and confidence to go after their highest potential.
What does it take to create brighter futures? It takes a community devoted to supporting our students as they surmount hurdle after hurdle. They are determined to achieve a path to college and career success with little to no debt so they can be the beacons of achievement and pull their families forward. Path to College can create these opportunities, but only with the help and support of our partners, volunteers, and donors. We are steadfastly committed to not letting our community's greatest resource fall through the cracks.
You’re invited to look back on our 2022-2023 program. Over their summer break, eight student interns, our Dream Storytellers, collaborated on this edition of our Annual Report with a snapshot of our events and development over the past year.
Thank you for providing the foundation of support and launching them toward an unshakeable future.
Christine Sylvain, CEO & Founder
Our Team: Melissa Neider, Jannatul Begum, Desiree Webb-Oftedal, Mary Beth Mudrick, Christine Sylvain, McKenzie Marsch, Lyndsey Saunders, and Karla Cordero (not pictured: Christina Romelus)
Our Board: Sandy Coto, Steve Shnider, Vevienne Ebanks, William Maronet, Alan Saladrigas, Michelle Pelletier, Latasha Akoma, Michelle Green, Ashley Mock, and Owen Robinson.
Teiviana Emmanuel
Student of the Year
University of Florida '27
Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarship Recipient
Sherly canales
Student of the Year
Trinity Washington University '27
Dream.US National Scholarship Recipient
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Mentors
Speed Interviews
Turn the Tables Career & Internship Expo
Youth Energy Academy
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Path to College Recognition
Community Impact Night
Civic Engagement Day
Shine & Dine: Education Equity Gala
College Tours
Education Fest
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Our 2023 Graduates
Our 2022 Supporters
Our 2022 Financials
What’s Next!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXPANDING MINDS, IGNITING POTENTIAL ™
MENTORS
ILLUMINATing THE PATH
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Mentorship is having someone there to guide and support me through my goals and dreams. It’s a relationship where I know no matter what happens, I have someone to lean on and talk to. And because of Path to College, I have my fantastic mentor, Sandy. We clicked right away, and it feels like we’ve known each other for a lifetime. With Sandy’s presence, she motivates and supports me. I am excited to continue this relationship for the next two years of high school and hopefully throughout the rest of my life.
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I’ve grown so much this past year in public speaking and leadership. When I wasn’t feeling my best or motivated, Shana would remind me: “No matter what, I have your back.” I feel I can achieve any goal and overcome whatever challenges come my way. Looking back, I know my accomplishments would not have been possible without my mentor, Shana. She isn’t only a mentor to me; she has become a role model and, most importantly, a friend who has helped shape my story.
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I’ve had the honor and great pleasure of mentoring Barzil for three years, all the way to the home stretch of graduation and enrollment in college. During this time, he's shown me why PTC chose him for his dedication and exceptional capability. He has shown me that future generations are brighter and more impressive than I imagined and that I needed this experience as much as he needed the support. I’ve grown both from what he’s taught me directly and from the challenges this program has exposed within me. I’m a better man for having gone this far, am grateful for the opportunity, and will certainly offer myself as a mentor in the future.
Why do our driven and under-resourced students need a clear path to college?
To break the cycle of generational poverty — $5.5M+ in scholarships obtained since 2019!
To increase diverse college enrollment — 100% of graduates enroll in a 4-year college.
To create a village of support — with 1::1 mentorship, expert tutoring, and alumni college coaching!
Because no one should trudge the path to college alone.
Building an
Unshakeable
Foundation
Speed Interviews prepare fellows to rise and thrive
Path To College encourages us to step out of our comfort zones and take steps toward advancing in our personal and professional lives. Speed Interview Night is a key highlight, where we were offered the opportunity to be interviewed and receive feedback on our performance. As I began my first-ever interview, I was nervous and lacked confidence, something noticed by the interviewers. As time continued, my confidence increased, I became familiar with common questions, and was able to articulate my experiences and qualifications effectively by the 8th round of interviews.
760
mock interviews
with 95 students in attendance
I was given constructive feedback from the interviewers themselves. With it, I was able to identify and rectify my weaknesses.
By actively working on these areas, I was able to present myself as a well-rounded and capable applicant for a dentistry internship. The office was looking for a candidate with confidence, curiosity, and a strong will to learn. I was able to think on my feet and respond to unexpected questions with ease. I felt the interview went smoothly, and I showcased my abilities in a poised manner. And it worked! I stood out and secured the internship.
— Yocelin Santizo
THANK YOU
Related Companies, Dress for Success PBC, The Tux Shop, and The Frisbie Group
TRAILBLAZING
THE FUTURE
CAREER & INTERNSHIP EXPO
I wore a tailored suit and carried my printed resume. I felt a surge of adrenaline. On the last day of Spring Break, the Boynton Beach Culture and Arts Center hosted our chance to “turn the tables” and seek out internship opportunities
this summer. I felt empowered; attending the event was an eye-opening experience for me because it’s my dream to be a businesswoman, specifically, a Chief Financial Officer. This was my first opportunity to meet and hear from professionals in business and accounting careers about how they started their courses.
The speakers that really caught my eye were the Trade Station panelists because they create financial technology. I learned it’s okay to make mistakes, and it’s never too late to grow from them. After their panel, I felt that my dream of becoming a businesswoman would come true and that I would be just like them one day.
— Breanna Jovain
THANK YOU
City of Boynton Beach, CareerSource PBC, and each of our panelists:
Cloud Engineering/Artificial Intelligence — SIVOTEC Bioinformatics
FinTech/Financial Services & Cybersecurity — TradeStation
Health Tech & Life Sciences — ModMed
STEM Power Hour — South Florida Tech Hub
Construction Design/Architecture — Pulte Group Inc.
Renewable Energy & Resiliency — FPL
Software Development & Design — PATHOS
FPL hosts 2nd annual Youth Energy Academy
On June 9th, in partnership with the American Association of Blacks in Energy, 35 students spent the day at FPL’s Distribution Control Center in West Palm Beach.
Students had a jam-packed day of fun and exploration with the NextEra/FPL team by touring the FPL Command center, hearing from a panel of power delivery team experts, seeing hands-on teams demonstrate the FPL bucket truck and the mobile command center, seeing a flying drone, and visiting the reactor center (RAC) where they saw the lighting lab and observed the power of a scanning and electron microscope.
After these activities, students participated in a highly competitive generator build competition that brought out talents and skills students may not have realized they possessed – the winners each received $1000.
A day like YEA shows students what is possible and who is blazing the trail ahead of them, who to emulate, and what the path looks like ahead of them. We know we do not move mountains in one day, but we’ve given our students a map. For the rest of the year at PTC, our team is devoted to being those guides to ensure our students do not fall through the cracks.
“[This event] has opened my mind and made me realize how much people are actually rooting for people of color and the amazing opportunities they have [available] for us.”
Powering
the Talent Pipeline
“It made me realize that the company isn’t just a business for electricity but a community trying to help the youth get involved in the energy industry or just give us support for what we want to do and to level up.”
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
worthy of recognition
We've grown to a staff size of 8 full-time employees this year and are proud to share the following accomplishments:
Christine Sylvain | Modern Luxury's Rebels With A Cause, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Talent Pipeline Management Certificate of Completion, and PB Illustrated’s 100 Most Influential Leaders
Christina Romelus | PBC Women's Chamber of Commerce Giraffe Award
Desiree Webb-Oftedal | NonProfits First Rising Leader
Path to College | Martin Luther King Jr. Coordinating Committee Youth Empowerment Award and Black Chamber of Commerce PBC’s NonProfit of the Year
Nonprofit of the Year
Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County
Relationships matter and soft skills are key
On the third Friday of each month, you’ll find Path to College fellows networking at one of the most important business breakfasts in Palm Beach County: The Leadership Business Council. By invitation of President and CEO, Michael C. Athmer, fellows have a “members only” opportunity to attend these monthly breakfasts and hear renowned speakers along with Palm Beach County’s most influential business professionals. Fellows practice and perfect essential networking and dining skills. Being welcomed by this community is an invaluable experience!
Self-advocacy, courage, and innovative ideation boosted at Community Impact Night. Starting at orientation in September, fellows are primed to become advocates for change. In small groups, they discuss real issues of our community’s most pressing unmet needs and spend hours brainstorming and preparing a plan for actionable solutions. Addressing homelessness, mental health, education gaps, and gun violence are just a few of their chosen topics.
This process bonds our fellows through their common passions inspired by personal struggles as they work through collaborative work and public speaking challenges. We filled the PBC Historic Courtroom in November with ignited potential and promise. Dr. Nika Colman-Ferrel capped the night with this call to action: “Your story is not about you; it’s what it means for others.” — Phoenix Hart
THANK YOU
Mayors Joel Flores and Ty Penserga, Commissioner Melissa McKinlay, Councilwoman Katrina Long-Robinson, Michelle McGovern and the Palm Beach County Historical Society
The winning group of the 2023 Community Impact Proposals delivered an empowering speech on Student Hunger. Congratulations to Ja'Niah, Michael, Samira, Carmella, Sarai, Mohammad, Carli, Dynasty, and Anthony!
Tell me and show me, then…
watch me
become the change
Active Participation is the Future of our Nation. Fellows became acquainted with the internal and external systems within a local government organization and learned their role as responsible citizens during our annual Civic Engagement Day. We began the field trip at the Supervisor of Elections warehouse to learn about voting, then returned to the Historic Courthouse for a panel of speakers, and finished the day at the Government Center for a mock commission meeting.
“You guys are serious about who you are, where you are, and where you're going” —Todd J. Bonlarron, Assistant County Administrator at Palm Beach County
THANK YOU
Wendy Sartory Link, Supervisor of Elections
Verdenia Baker & Todd Bonlarron, Deputy & Asst. County Administrators
Commissioner Mack Bernard
Judge Bradley Harper
Erica Whitfield, School Board Member
Joseph Abruzzo, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
“Your story is not about you; it’s what it means for others.” — Dr. Tunjarnika L. Coleman-Ferrell, Vice President, Academic Affairs PBSC
YOU BELONG
A gala to celebrate the power of equity and etiquette
On January 19th, we shared a meal with our community with one goal: to advocate for high-performing but underserved students. In front of a packed room, our Keynote Speaker acknowledged that it's not the path but the terrain our Fellows need the most guidance on. Navigating life's hills and valleys is more critical to success than checking the to-do’s off a list. Dr. Kelly’s words implored guests, “Sometimes we need to remind people that the kids you serve grow up. If you can ‘see-see’ us, you’ll be amazed at what we can do.”
Student after student shared their plans for the future during toasts filled with gratitude for the opportunities this community and fellowship have provided. PTC Alumni, Gabriel Gerig, talked about having the puzzle pieces but not knowing how to put it all together to make his vision come to life and how PTC became the glue to secure his bright future.
A spirited and generous crowd made our inaugural live auction a huge success, raising $50,000 to directly support students through our academic programming.
THANK YOU
NextEra Energy, Comcast, Office Depot, The Falls Club of the Palm Beaches, Brown Institute for Health and Wellness, The Chastain Charitable Foundation, Northwestern Mutual, B.E. Blank and Co., and Mr. Johnand Eileen Frerking
And special thanks to our PTC Alumni speaker, Gabriel Gerig, and our Keynote Speaker, Dr. Alonzo Kelly, and our gala co-chairs, Sandra Coto and Vevienne Ebanks, and to the planning committee: Ammu Warrier, Laverne Blackwood, Shawnte Parks, Kristin Aiello, Grazia Svokos, Rachel Frieary, Shona Castillo
“It is amazing to see the current fellows taking the baton to pave the future that this program was able to plant within them. Behind the scenes, I had the opportunity to create the event program and sponsor's poster. Seeing everyone hold my work felt surreal, but I felt a source of pride and accomplishment to see my work appreciated.”
— Giselle Galván Leon, PTC alumni
College tours make visualization a reality. Opportunities to explore colleges are not for me due to financial circumstances I can’t control. I want that feeling of being inspired and refreshed after visiting schools I could see my future self attending.
That fire was ignited when I became a Fellow. Every year during spring break, Path to College provides an all-expenses paid trip for juniors to tour top colleges in Florida. This year was my chance!
Walking within the grand college grounds was a catalyst for me to start preparing for what my future holds. As we toured the campuses, PTC alumni guided us, and they mirrored the potential we had for ourselves. Walking and talking alongside students just like me showed me that I, too, could be one of them. And I will be.
— Jeilyn Sevilla
165
tours with 33 students
on 5 campuses
over 3 days!
SPRING BREAK time for exploration and discovery
Florida Institute of Technology (FIT)
University of Florida (UF)
Florida State University (FSU)
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU)
University of South Florida (USF)
A blanket of silence falls upon a once bustling room brimming with diverse people, and the spotlight shines upon the five EDtalk finalists. Families beam with pride as they witness their children taking the stage, mentors passionately cheer on their mentees, and community leaders attentively observe as students present their speeches and bold ideas for change.
On May 4th, our community gathered at Florida Atlantic University to celebrate honor and elevate education. Each guest speaker and student took us on a thought journey about their lived experiences. Braulio Colon told us his story of how he overcame adversity through the power of education, and how he now strives for every student to have opportunities through higher education. During the panel discussion, we heard from 5 educators at the forefront of creating classrooms and preparing students to be future-ready. And the 2023 Education Champion Award was granted to Dr. James Capp, whose tremendous impact on the retention and graduation rates for first-generation college students has transformed FAU’s campus and created a nurturing environment for students just like those we serve. Each shared how their experiences and struggles paved the way to make the world more equitable for students now and for the next generation.
At the heart of Edfest lies this fundamental value: providing a platform for students to express their stories and unique perspectives on the world, enabling us to collectively envision a brighter future and a world that exemplifies equity. And it is done with the help of our community, which continues to show up, to hear, see, and support them, no matter what.
— Giselle Galvan Leon, PTC Alumnus
Champions
of Change
elevating voices at edfest
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Braulio Colon, Executive Director of Florida College Access Network
2023 EDUCATION CHAMPION
Dr. James Capp, Florida Atlantic University
SUPPORTING THE FUTURE-READY STUDENT PANELISTS
Dr. Sonn Sam, Matt Williams, Mildred Otero, Annick Charlot, and Dr. Will Hahn
EdTalk Finalists
Nirvanie Oudhram (Best EDtalk Winner for Ban Guns, Not Books,received $1000), Samira Rosado, Nejeane Senatus, Jennifer Espitia, and Jocelyn Hernandez
“Those aren't just speeches; those are the life stories of these five students.”
— Matt Lincoln, CBS12
THANK YOU
Office Depot, Pratt Whitney, FPL, GenNx360, Comcast, Florida College Access Network, The School District of Palm Beach County, and Cornerstone Solutions
And to the many individuals who elevated education behind the scenes for EdFest: John Hardman, Mark Howard, Randy Scheid, Mohit Mukherjee, Tammy Fields, Jennifer Ethridge, Jeraline Johnson, Kim Culp, Kristin Aiello, Sandy Coto, Steve Shnider, Ammu Warrier, and especially our event chair, Rachel Frieary!
“And so, lifting as we climb, onward and upward we go, struggling and striving, and hoping that the buds and blossoms of our desires will burst into glorious fruition 'ere long.”
— Mary Church Terrell (1865-1954)
THIS CLASS EARNED
$1M+
IN SCHOLARSHIPS
The Class of 2023 has leaned on and uplifted one another through every challenge. They are accountability partners, carpool buddies, cheerleaders through the arduous application season, and experts of the pandemic pivot.
The impact of our 3-year academic fellowship is magical, and the shifts come because of a continuous relationship with committed guidance from a community that believes in higher education. The results speak for themselves: 100% will attend 4-year universities, with 60% achieving full-ride scholarships and 50% to top-tier schools!
CONGRATULATIONS
Adele Dat
Annsay Paul
Barzil Marius
Chimdindu Ejidike
Dafany Miranda
Dafeney Fileus
Gaby Louijuste
Guerdy Delouis
Guerlandy Villanoix
Guishara Guillaume
Ivy Felix Andres
Jonathan Simplice
Jonnithan White
Joseph Jean
Kathreena Saint-Louis
Kemberly Nertulus
Keshnee Alixe
Koi Mcleod
Laury-Ann Francois
Mohammed Uddin
Nahidge Macajoux
Nephtalie Jean
Ruth Thomas
Samantha Fable
Samantha Pierre
Sherly Canales
Teiviana Emmanuel
Their success is built on determination, grit, and resilience. And a dream. These 28 students have earned the following scholarships:
DREAM.us National Scholarship, Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars, QuestBridge Foundation, Coca-Cola Scholars, George Snow, Kelly Strul Emerging Scholars, Big Future CollegeBoard, Bright Futures Florida Medallion Scholars, Bethesda By The Sea, Lake Worth Dollars for Scholars, Raise.me Scholarship, Lake Worth Rotary Scholarship, Community Foundation, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, Beverly A and William E Taubert Memorial Scholarship, and Duke Nelson Memorial Scholarship
our supporters
bringing the reinforcements
STATEMENT OF FINANCIALS
We’re sharing our growth from 2021 to 2022 with updated numbers here:
SANDRA COTO
As president of the board of directors, I express my deepest appreciation to our supporters who contribute their time, skills, and resources to further our mission. The unwavering commitment to Path to College is genuinely inspiring, and it is because of this support we can make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.
College education plays a pivotal role in shaping individuals and empowering communities. The importance of a college degree is even more pronounced for students in underserved communities. Access to higher education provides a pathway for individuals from underserved communities to overcome socio-economic barriers and offers them a chance to break free from the cycle of poverty. College-educated individuals from underserved communities become valuable assets in driving community development. They contribute to a positive and sustainable transformation that they can only do with their unique knowledge and experiences.
A college education is a catalyst for change. By supporting these students, you are supporting communities and making meaningful change for the future. By investing in the education of underserved populations, we invest in a brighter, more equitable future for all.
Please join us this coming year as we launch our 3-year strategic plan, ‘Excellent to Exceptional’ and present our case for support that prompts, ‘If you could do just one thing to transform young lives, this.is.it.’
OUR STUDENT PLEDGE
I recognize that, while I have no control over many circumstances in life, my potential, my work ethic, and my commitment to help others, if executed properly, guarantee my ability to leave this world a better place. I am intelligent, courageous, resilient, and capable, and, from this moment, I vow to put my heart, soul, and intellect into every endeavor I attempt. With a grateful and grounded heart, I recognize that by committing to this way of life I will leave an indelible mark on my community and lead an honorable life of meaning and significance.
contact us!
(561) 203-5338 | 313 Datura Street Suite 200 West Palm Beach, FL, 33401
pathtocollege.org
During their summer break, these eight exceptional students crafted this year's edition of our Annual Report: Karma McLeod, Brianna Reinbott, Phoenix Hart, Jeilyn Sevilla, Yocelin Santiso, Sarai Umansor Morales, Breanna Jovain, and Giselle Galvan.
The Dream Storytellers are a student-led committee focused on changing the narrative and empowering each other to write their own stories.
