Staying Connected: Supporting Students Beyond High School

Staying Connected: Supporting Students Beyond High School

At Destination: College, our commitment to students doesn’t end at high school graduation—it evolves. As our alumni step onto college campuses and begin navigating new academic, social, and personal challenges, staying connected becomes more important than ever.

This spring, our Director of College Programs, Saskya Molina, has been visiting Destination: College students on their campuses—meeting them where they are, checking in, and offering guidance. These moments of connection reinforce a simple but powerful message: our students are not alone on their college journey.

Behind the scenes, Saskya is also leading a comprehensive effort to better understand student success. She is tracking 349 alumni—both graduates and current college students—dating back to 2017. This work goes beyond traditional six-year national tracking data, helping us build a clearer, more meaningful picture of persistence and outcomes.

That data is already telling a powerful story. In 2017, we piloted our first College Center in a computer room at Mount Vernon High School with a cohort of just 25 students. Today, 76% of those students have earned a degree from a two- or four-year college. Fast forward to our Class of 2022: of 45 students, 73% are on track to graduate this year, with two already earning their bachelor’s degrees ahead of schedule.

These milestones reflect what we see every day: connection matters. By maintaining strong relationships throughout all four years of college, we ensure students have the support they need to navigate challenges, stay on track, and reach graduation.

At Destination: College, we’re not just helping students get to college—we’re committed to helping them graduate, thrive, and pursue meaningful careers.

Photos below of Saskya's visits;

📸 - With Zoe Nyarko, Junior - NYU

📸 - With freshmen Isaac A. (Macaulay Honors) and Dylan F. at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. 

📸 - With Thoko S. and Eva B. - Sophomore - Westchester Community College

📸 - With Angeli G., Sophomore - Fordham University 

📸 - With Alaa F., Freshman- Hostos Community College

📸 - With Aine M., Junior - City College of New York