College Access Plan Launches ‘Strong Futures’ Initiative to Support Students Affected by Eaton Fire

College Access Plan (CAP) has launched a new initiative to support students and families affected by the Eaton Fire that has displaced approximately 82% of its current students and alumni. The Pasadena-based organization announced its Strong Futures Initiative on March 12, alongside the addition of two new Board members to help guide its response to the crisis.

“Our community has changed fundamentally and we are so pleased to welcome Kelly and Greg to our Board at this critical juncture. Approximately 82% of CAP’s current PUSD students and alumni have lost their homes or have been displaced. As the District’s college readiness collaborator, CAP is resolute in our desire to stand by our community as we grieve, rebuild, and plan for an equitable future,” says Dominick Correy, CAP’s Board Chair. “We created the Strong Futures Initiative in order to seek substantial funding to aid in maintaining educational opportunities as our community faces long-term economic- and health-related challenges.”

The Strong Futures Initiative will focus on providing immediate, mid-term, and long-term support to Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) students and their families, as well as CAP staff affected by the fire.

Greg Cherry and Kelly King have joined CAP’s Board at this pivotal moment. Cherry, who serves as Director of Philanthropy at the California Masons Foundation, brings extensive experience in philanthropy and fundraising. He has been involved with CAP’s I Heart College Masons Scholars program since 2016, which has awarded at least $756,000 in support for CAP students throughout their undergraduate careers.

King, the Executive Director at Foundation for the Los Angeles Community Colleges, is a resident of Altadena and a PUSD parent. She contributes significant experience in college attainment and education, along with prior service on several local and regional boards.

The organization’s staff is deeply embedded in the affected community, with 75% having lived in or served the Pasadena/Altadena area since before the pandemic, and 40% currently residing in fire impact zip codes. Many staff members hold leadership positions in local collaboratives.

“Our staff is deeply embedded in the community, and many of them hold leadership positions on local collaboratives that include representatives from the city, school district, County, and fellow nonprofits,” says Mo Hyman, CAP’s Executive Director. “Our Strong Futures Initiative will support students impacted by the Eaton Fire in their college journeys, and invest in our staff of recognized local leaders who live and work in our beloved Dena. Sustainability and growth of our services and caring for our team is crucial as we work alongside our PUSD partners and fill any gaps by deepening services and advocacy efforts with funders and donors.”

CAP will officially launch the initiative at its 14th annual Spring Fever CAPpy Hour + Hugs event at The Grant in Glassell Park on Sunday, March 23 from 3-5 p.m. The suggested donation is $50. For more information, visit www.collegeaccessplan.org/springfever.

Founded in 2006, College Access Plan is an independent 501c3 nonprofit that provides no-cost college readiness advisement and topic-specific courses for middle and high school students, families, and college-attending graduates through partnerships with area school districts and local agencies.