As of July, one of the core programs of the Office of Community-Engaged Learning is the Vassar Education Collaboration (VEC), which aims to build school-based partnerships between Vassar College and the City of Poughkeepsie School District (PCSD).
The Vassar Education Collaboration (VEC) has been building reciprocal partnerships between Vassar College and the Poughkeepsie City School District since 2003. There are three main VEC programs that aim to expand educational opportunities for public school students in Kindergarten through 12th grade and strengthen connections between Vassar and its surrounding community. Programming supports students ages 5 to 18—as well as parents, teachers, and other community members—and also provides formative experiences that shape Vassar students’ education and future career paths.
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About the VEC
The Vassar Education Collaboration (VEC), which aims to build school-based partnerships between Vassar College and the City of Poughkeepsie School District (PCSD). VEC partners alongside the district by sharing resources, fostering collaboration, and co-developing opportunities that affirm student brilliance and expand access to learning experiences.
Vassar currently has over 120 students supporting approximately 250 Poughkeepsie City School District youth. Vassar Education Collaboration engages more student volunteers than any other program on campus. An estimated 1,000 Vassar students have helped 1,500 Poughkeepsie students in the program’s first 15 years.
Our Goals
- Celebrate and nurture student brilliance, curiosity, and leadership in Poughkeepsie.
- Expand community access to Vassar’s resources—including cultural events, academic support, and technology—in ways that honor community priorities and knowledge.
- Uplift pathways to high school graduation, college, and career opportunities by sharing models and mentorship that reflect possibility and representation.
- Strengthen collaboration among institutions of higher education, local schools, families, and students, recognizing all as co-educators and partners.
- Support Vassar students in practicing community-engaged learning that applies academic knowledge in ways that are relational, reciprocal, and justice-centered.
Core Programs
VAST is an after-school program that is dedicated to supporting local Poughkeepsie students by providing them with a safe space after school, homework help, and the opportunity to explore their interests and the college campus. This is possible through the desire and motivation of Vassar students who serve as mentors and tutors to these students. VAST occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Exploring College is an after school program that prepares high school students for college and life beyond graduation. Particularly by connecting Poughkeepsie High School students with a dedicated team of Vassar students. Meeting three times a week, the program offers tutoring, college prep workshops, community-building, and extracurricular activities.
Vassar English Language Learners Outreach Program (VELLOP) provides tutoring services to ELL students throughout the Poughkeepsie City School District. Our mentors work one-on-one and in small groups with ELLs in their content classes throughout the school day to help them complete their coursework.