IN THIS EDITION
CollegeReady will participate in Give BIG Green Bay, a 24-hour online giving event to benefit charities in greater Green Bay.
WELCOME NEW STAFF AND BOARD MEMBERS
It’s our pleasure to introduce the newest members of our staff and board of directors!
Future nurse Adriana reflects on her positive experiences in high school and NEW Scholars.
GETTING READY FOR SOMETHING BIG!
COMMUNITY SUPPORT WILL SHINE ON FEB. 21-22 DURING ANNUAL GIVING DAY
It’s usually a pretty special occasion when CollegeReady Executive Director Brent Roubal is interviewed by the media.
“The day we learned that we were chosen for Give BIG Green Bay was very exciting,” shares Brent during an interview with a local TV reporter at the Give BIG Green Bay kickoff event at Lambeau Field.
After being selected to participate in Give BIG Green Bay in 2020 and 2021, the organization is ready for what’s ahead in 2024.
“We’re really looking forward to our involvement this year. It’s such a great experience, and a wonderful opportunity to showcase how our NEW Scholars program is making a positive difference on deserving local students,” Brent explains.
Funds raised for CollegeReady during Give BIG Green Bay will benefit the NEW Scholars program, which helps underrepresented youth graduate from high school and pursue a college education. Interested donors will find several examples of how their funds will benefit the students and families we help.
“One priority of Give BIG is to raise awareness for the work that the chosen nonprofits are doing within our community,” says Brent. “Not only are all the charities highlighted in one easy-to-use platform, but the minimum gift amount of just $10 makes it easy and attainable for everyone to become a philanthropist and support the causes they care about.”
Give BIG Green Bay is designed to transform the way local residents think about and contribute to Brown County charities. The simple online giving platform provides a way for everyone to learn more about the work of selected nonprofits and donate, at any level, to causes they champion.
The Greater Green Bay Community Foundation and the Green Bay Packers use their community leadership platforms to fuel excitement around the important work nonprofits do for our community and provide an opportunity for donor support.
Learn more about Give BIG Green Bay at giveBIGgreenbay.org.
You can support CollegeReady during Give BIG Green Bay from Noon on February 21 through Noon on February 22 at givebiggreenbay.org/organizations/collegeready
WELCOME ABOARD!
THE FOLLOWING PROFESSIONALS HAVE JOINED OUR STAFF AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Youth development professional Michael Matos-Colón has been hired as College Access Coordinator, working with middle school students and their parents in our NEW Scholars program.
In his previous role at UW-Oshkosh, Michael worked as an Admissions Counselor for the Hispanic/Latinx community. “In addition to assisting students and admitting them to the university, my life experiences and background outside of the field of education helps me show students that with a little hard work and perseverance, they can make it far in life,” explains Michael. “At CollegeReady, I work with amazing students that have lots of untapped potential, and I am excited to help them develop skills to become better students and be successful on their path to higher education.”
Executive Chairman for Tandem, Inc. Todd Jadin has joined CollegeReady’s Board of Directors.
“I view all community involvement as an opportunity to give back. I am a graduate of Green Bay East High School and a lifelong resident of Green Bay, and I’ve had an up-front seat to the changing demographics and needs of the greater Green Bay community,” shares Todd, who is also a previous CollegeReady scholarship recipient. “The work that CollegeReady is doing is an important part of ensuring that all students have access/opportunity to seek education beyond high school. It is rewarding to see it happen, and even better to participate directly in the process as a board member.”
Joshua Koch of Conway, Olejniczak & Jerry, S.C. has also joined the CollegeReady Board of Directors.
“I am a first-generation four-year college graduate and proud product of the Green Bay Area Public School District, I wish to set an example for my children about the ongoing and continued importance of education,” explains Josh. “I am encouraged by CollegeReady’s NEW Scholars program and the continued growth and development within the Green Bay schools in order to provide opportunities for other local students to become first-generation college graduates for their families.”
KI’s Kyle Korbisch has joined CollegeReady’s Board of Directors.
“Through mentorship, training, and leadership development opportunities, I have worked very hard in my career to advance myself to a position I feel I can make the largest impact in growing KI’s sales while working hard in my personal life to give back to my community,” shares Kyle. “I understand the struggle of being a first-generation college student and the unknown of where to even start, so the mission for CollegeReady to get students at a young age to think about their future is very close to my heart.”
ADRIANA IS GRATEFUL FOR THE CHANCE TO HELP OTHERS THROUGH NURSING
After NEW Scholars helped me attend a summer pre-college program in 2019, UW-Oshkosh has always felt like the right school and fit for me.
It’s a bonus that I’ll join cross country and track at UWO – the team is an amazing group of kids that have the same passion as me, and the coach is all about fun. I feel welcomed, and part of the team since the day I met them.
I’ve always wanted to be a nurse. My future goal is to become an emergency nurse in the NICU, and my Spanish minor will be an even better opportunity to help others.
I’m really excited for college, and to finally be at the point in my life where I can accomplish my goals.
I’ve taken a lot of college classes during high school, and I feel like I’m ready for college and what comes next. I’ve got a lot of good things coming my way.
ADRIANA
UW-Oshkosh, Nursing major
Green Bay East High School | NEW Scholars 2023 graduate