Connections & Conversations with Our Volunteer Community

Staying Connected: Supporting Students Beyond High School

TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE! Destination: College 2026 Best Night of The Year WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10 . 2026 6:00PM - 8:00PM Cocktails & Hors D'Oeuvres Siwanoy Country Club 351 Pondfield Road, Bronxville, NY 10708

Welcome to Elizabeth Larsen as the new Executive Director or Destination: College, Mount Vernon, NY

We are proud to share our sincere appreciation to the Junior League of Bronxville for awarding our organization a $580 Community Grant in support of our Destination: College initiative. This generous funding will allow us to purchase a Meta Quest 3 Virtual Reality device , providing our student-athletes with immersive access to college campuses through Campus360 . Through this innovative technology, students will be able to take virtual tours of SUNY and New York State private colleges , exploring academic buildings, residence halls, athletic facilities, and student life spaces — all without leaving our program site. For many of our student-athletes, in-person college visits can be limited by transportation and scheduling. Virtual reality technology removes those obstacles and expands access to critical college information. By experiencing campuses firsthand in a virtual environment, students can better evaluate their options and identify the schools that best align with their academic, athletic, and personal goals. The Junior League of Bronxville’s commitment to empowering young people through community investment directly supports our mission of helping student-athletes build brighter futures through education. Together, we are expanding access, increasing opportunity, and empowering the next generation to achieve their dreams. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and support.

Mark your calendars: June 10, 2026 . For 20 years, Destination: College has been dedicated to empowering student-athletes to dream bigger, reach higher, and achieve more. What began as a commitment to expanding access and opportunity has grown into a powerful movement — one that has transformed the lives of countless young people and strengthened communities along the way. On June 10, 2026, we will come together once again for Destination: College — The Best Night of the Year , an unforgettable evening celebrating the champions who make this work possible. This milestone year holds special meaning as we honor four extraordinary leaders whose dedication and impact have helped shape futures and open doors for students across our community: Maureen Barton Emily Kirschenbaum Tracy McVey Rick Rugani Their leadership, generosity, and belief in the power of education exemplify what Destination: College stands for — creating pathways to college and beyond. The evening promises inspiration, celebration, and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community rallies behind its students. Together, we will reflect on 20 years of impact, honor those who have led the way, and look ahead to the next generation of success stories. We hope you will join us for this special celebration. Save the date: June 10, 2026. More details, including event location and ticket information, will be shared soon. Stay tuned — we can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Destination: College’s annual Alumni Party once again proved the power of community — and this year’s gathering was our biggest yet.

At Destination: College, we believe that access to higher education is built through relationships, guidance, and sustained support. That belief is strengthened when partners step forward to invest in our students and their futures. We are deeply grateful to the Thomas & Agnes Carvel Foundation for awarding Destination: College a $15,000 grant to support our work with student-athletes as they navigate the college journey. This generous investment helps power the personalized guidance our students rely on — from navigating the college application process to understanding financial aid, staying on track through senior year, and continuing support once they enroll in college. For our students, this support can be the difference between uncertainty and confidence, between starting college and staying the course. The Carvel Foundation’s commitment reflects a shared belief in educational opportunity and long-term impact. Their support strengthens our ability to show up consistently for students and families, meet them where they are, and walk alongside them through one of the most important transitions of their lives. As we close out the year, we are reminded that this work is only possible because of partners who believe in our mission — and a community of supporters who make it sustainable. If you’re inspired by the Carvel Foundation’s generosity, we invite you to join them. A gift to our Year-End Campaign helps ensure Destination: College can continue supporting students this year and beyond. Together, we can keep doors open — and help students walk confidently through them.

More than 60 Destination: College senior student-athletes recently took one of the most important steps on their path toward college: completing the FAFSA. It’s a detailed, high-stakes financial aid application that can feel overwhelming, especially for students navigating the process for the first time. But with the encouragement of their families, the guidance of our volunteers, and the steady support of their coaches and school, our seniors showed up ready—and they absolutely crushed it . ✔✔✔ We couldn’t be prouder of their hard work and determination. Moments like these don’t happen by accident. They are the result of community: DC coaches who encourage their players, volunteers who sit beside students with patience and confidence, and families who show unwavering support. Together, they help our students take a step that can change the trajectory of their futures. As we near the end of the year, we’re inviting you to be part of this momentum.