Written by Suzanne W. McCann, Development Director, Destination: College

Dec. 3, 2014:  Destination: College, a program to assist student athletes in Mount Vernon High School to go to college, has begun its annual fundraising drive. Its primary source of funding comes from the generosity of the local community. The long-term viability of the program depends on support from new contributors. (See information below on how to contribute.)

Background:  In 2006, a group of local parents with experience navigating the college admissions process believed they could share this knowledge with student-athletes at Mount Vernon High School. Their original mission was simple: give these underserved young boys and girls the support and tools necessary to channel academic success in the classroom and athletic strengths on the court into a future at the collegiate level. With the motto "from athlete to student athlete" in mind, Destination: College was born.

The volunteer corps soon learned, however, that a number of students were eagerly seeking assistance to remain academically eligible just to play on their high school team. Destination: College board chair Nancy McKenna shared, "It was clear that the critical importance for a teenager to participate on an athletic team in high school would push us to expand our objective to include all students seeking academic advancement within a team environment. It was paramount for these kids to have a productive outlet after school."

With this mandate, Destination: College recruited volunteers to help many young students realize their dream to letter in their chosen sport and find academic success. The gratitude displayed by the students to this worthy organization is without measure. 

Today, Destination: College supports the dreams of more than 200 students at Mount Vernon, Woodlands, and Gorton High Schools.

Destination: College Fast Facts

• Class of 2013: 23 seniors accepted to 48 universities/colleges and 4 college preparatory school programs. All 23 graduates were offered scholarship opportunities from many of the schools.

• Destination: College scholarships awarded to academically qualified student participants.

• 8 athletic teams participate in Destination: College academic support programs.

• 50+ volunteers commit an hour weekly in coach-supervised study sessions.

• Reading program: weekly materials include articles on current events, historical essays, and inspirational athletic perspectives.

• Math and science program: volunteers provide additional direction to students in math and science to pass and/or improve Regents scores.  

• SAT test prep classes run in the fall and spring with Bespoke Education tutors.

• College application, college preparatory school application, and essay-writing support.

• Nutritious snacks and pizza served weekly to all participating students.

• Additional team-based athletic skills training.

• Summer enrichment program benefitting 35 students.

For information on how to support Destination: College with a donation of time or financial support, please visit www.DestinationCollegeNY.org or contact Suzanne McCann at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Tax-deductible donations can be made by check payable to Destination: College and sent to 81 Pondfield Road, #290, Bronxville, NY 10708.

Pictured here: Students at Mount Vernon High School participating in Destination: College.

Photo courtesy Suzanne W. McCann, Development Director, Destination: College