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
- Provide consistent mentoring, enrichment, and leadership opportunities for Poughkeepsie students through after-school and in-school programs.
- Increase access to Vassar’s campus resources by coordinating student participation in cultural events, offering targeted academic support, and facilitating
- Support students in reaching high school graduation and postsecondary goals through structured mentorship, college and career exposure, and skill-building activities.
- Build and maintain partnerships with local schools, families, and community organizations through regular communication, shared planning, and ongoing program collaboration.
- 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.