On Oct. 22, the Dixwell Community Q House Youth Council partnered for the fifth year with Higher Heights Youth Empowerment Programs, Inc. and the James Hillhouse Cheerleaders to host the Annual College and Career Fair at the Q House. The event welcomed over 450 students from every New Haven public high school, as well as participants from Hamden High School, Common Ground High School, Highville Change Academy and the New Haven Adult & Continuing Education Center.
College and Career Resources in One Day
Higher Heights brought admission representatives and community leaders from more than 50 colleges, universities and post‑secondary programs. For the second consecutive year, historically Black colleges and universities—including University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Morgan State University and Virginia State University—had booths, expanding students’ exposure to diverse options.
The James Hillhouse Cheerleaders opened the fair with an energetic performance, after which volunteers distributed hundreds of swag bags and folders containing scholarship information, FAFSA guidance and college‑dormitory preparation checklists.
Local Leaders Show Support
Superintendent Dr. Madeline Negron welcomed the representatives and thanked the community for its involvement. Mayor Justin Elicker spoke directly with high schoolers about their post‑secondary plans, emphasizing the city’s commitment to educational opportunity.
“It was a college fair like this that helped me in my senior year to go to college,” said Dixwell alderperson Jeanette Morrison. “I am very excited for our youth and our community to have such an event to support all students.”
Immediate Impact
According to Dr. Chaka Felder‑McEntire, executive director of Higher Heights Youth Empowerment Programs, more than 20 youth received on‑the‑spot acceptances and the fair generated over $60,000 in scholarship awards. “Our mission is to empower, encourage, and equip our communities. We are happy to continue this partnership to support students in their post‑secondary goals,” she said.
Follow‑Up Events
Students and families are invited back to the Q House on Tuesday, Nov. 10, for a series of resources aimed at helping families pay for college. Higher Heights will host a FAFSA workshop at 5 p.m., followed by a dinner at 5:30 p.m. From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Higher Heights, the Department of Banking, Cornell Scott Health Center and CHESLA will present an event focused on college‑affordability for current juniors and seniors.
The fair underscores the collaborative effort of local nonprofits, city officials and community volunteers to expand college access for New Haven youth, reinforcing the city’s long‑standing commitment to education and family opportunity.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
