MAHONING VALLEY College access program to expand its services

The centers will each have a computer and high-speed Internet connection.
By STEPHEN SIFF
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The Mahoning Valley College Access Program is expanding its services to provide college information outside of the schools.
This winter, the charitable organization plans to open resource centers first at the main branch of the Warren-Trumbull Public Library, then at New Jerusalem Fellowship Church, Alliance of Community Outreach Partners Center and Rebecca Williams Community Center, all in Warren.
"We want to get the information to people at places where they are already comfortable and familiar going," said MVCAP executive director Joe Rottenborn. "For students who are the first in their family to apply to college it can be a maze of paperwork, and we try to help guide them through the application and financial aid process."
Each of the resource centers will include a computer with a high-speed Internet connection and printed information about colleges and financial aid. It still hasn't been determined how the centers will be staffed, Rottenborn said.
Reaching more students
Charlene Allen, director of the Alliance of Community Outreach Partners Center, said the center could help bring college information to children who aren't reached by guidance counselors or Mahoning Valley College Access Program's efforts in the schools. "All of the children are not taking advantage of the opportunity," Allen said. The satellite offices also will be available during hours that school buildings are closed.
Two programs have already been scheduled for the library resource center, which is scheduled to open first. A representative from Youngstown State University is expected to speak at the library center this month, and a representative from Kent State University Trumbull Campus is expected to speak in January.
siff@vindy.com