From Left to Right: Front Row: Jennifer Godinez (MCAN), Armando Camacho (President, Neighborhood House), Dennise Goooley (Minnesota Office of Higher Education), Alejandra Reyes (Neighborhood House), Lao Moua (Neighborhood House), Renee Ransom (MOHE), Second Row: Jason Cardinal (Central College), Karen Woodward (consultant), Tou Lee (TRIO), John Manning (MN Private College Council), Janet Tauer (TRIO), Renae Oswald-Anderson (Neighborhood House), Nardos Sanbeta (TRIO).

On August 22, 2008, Minnesota College Access Network and Neighborhood House on the West side of St. Paul, Minnesota convened partners to open the first “College Access Resource Center” of the multi-use community center.  Providing services in the settlement house tradition since 1897 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Neighborhood Househelps people, individuals, and organizations develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive in diverse communities.

The college access resource center model is used in several communities nation-wide—but this center is unique as it is situated in a settlement house community center.  This center is a model developed by several experts and with tailored information about the various low-income populations in St. Paul that will utilize the center at Neighborhood House.  Collectively, the organizations want to increase the number of low-income and youth of color who apply, enroll and succeed in college.

The Partners include:

Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) a TRIO program with the Minneapolis Community and Technical College

Saint Paul College

Inver Hills Community College

Minnesota Private College Council (MPCC)

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

Humboldt Senior High School

Minnesota Office of Higher Education

City of Saint Paul

Neighborhood House Staff are excited about offering these new services for youth and adults at the Center. Armando Camacho, President of Neighborhood House stated, “I am committed to doing everything I can to make sure this center is strong and thrives for our youth and their families. College is too important, and Neighborhood House is committed to the college access goals of all of our partners and this community.”

The center planning involved a 6-month advisory group facilitation by MCAN as well as technical assistance for Neighborhood House staff about partner roles, marketing, technology needs for the center, and evaluation.  For more information on the development of a college access resource center in your community, please contact Jennifer Godinez at 651-645-7400 x203 or email her at jgodinez@mmep.net

Image Gallery: Neighborhood House College Access Resource Center