Project P.I.P.E.L.I.N.E

My name is Naquan Jasheen Thomas and I’d like to formally introduce myself to those whom may not be familiar with me. I’m a 35 year old Alumni of Clinton Community College class of ‘02. Since graduating from Clinton I have gone on to earn my Bachelors’ Degree at Plattsburgh State University and Masters’ degree in Social Work at Stony Brook University. It was at Clinton Community College the fall semester 2000 that I begin to diversify and open my mind to a world unbeknownst to me. It was at Clinton where I met some of my lifelong friends Shamsideen Sanni Class of ‘02, Marcello Wright Class of ’03 and Victor Barret Class of ‘03. The atmosphere at Clinton allowed for a mature and positive learning environment in which we all were able to effectively communicate without the stress related to our communities back in NYC. After moving on from Clinton to larger institutions of study I felt lost. I was always trying to find that connection I had at Clinton within other school communities. I later realized that the connection I was in search of was in front of me the whole time. It was the friends that I’ve made, the strength in the material taught to me and the memories that continue to circulate throughout our minds and conversation when we gather together.

After the realization set in that Clinton Community College has contributed so much foundation to my life I wanted to then begin extending the opportunity to others. It began working at St. Christopher’s Inc. a foster care agency in 2004. I encountered a young male age 19 that I shared instant feelings of counter transference with. The young male whom was recently released from the Tryon Residential Detention Facility in Johnstown NY made countless mention for the need for change in his life. It was at that time I offered him an outlet via Clinton Community College to begin his own journey throughout life. Since 2004 I have coordinated the enrollment of over 13 students independently. At least 85% of the students I have referred have been from displaced settings throughout the many different positions that I’ve worked.

It is at this time that I’m formalizing my referral process to CCC by building a connection with the faculty and staff at Clinton to assist with the transition of the students that I refer. My ideal target population will be students that come from displaced settings such as youth shelters in the New York City area. I find that the students that utilize these services often times have very limited resources and accessibility to institutions of higher education. The most common core objectives at most of the community based organizations are surrounded by the concept of stability. Stability for most CBO’s entails stable housing, employment or vocation. The proposed PIPELINE program will meet the core standards set forth by most CBO’s in which a large percentage of my referrals will be coming from. The proposed PIPELINE program will connect students to a quality education, dormitory housing and all the amenities offered via residence hall living. Once the students are the situated in a stable environment the ability for further character building can be implemented. The PIPELINE process would entail extensive follow-up with the students on an as needed basis as well as quarterly face- to face conferences with each student. Individual and group counseling sessions will be held during quarterly meetings in which I will discuss semester goals, money management and assess the overall transition process of the student. Furthermore As I’ve done in the past I will assist with the coordination of the enrollment process for all students including filling out the FAFSA, coordinating their housing, and assisting them with obtaining all the necessary documents needed for a smooth transition into the semester.  An added component will be put in place in which the students will attend a 2 week class orientation to better prepare them for placement testing.

 

I’m asking for small donation to assist these youth with their basic needs upon arriving on campus, these youth as cited in the description are coming from displaced setting with limited familial support. The donation will be greatly appreciated and will assist with helping them meet their basic college needs such as extra sheets, toiletries and other important items until they’re either connected with work study or they receive a refund check. Feel free to donate any dollar amount of your choice and hopefully I can reach my goal… to further their goals……..