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MAAC Scholar Overcomes Tough Odds to Achieve College Dreams
For some, the path to college success is straightforward and filled with opportunities. However, for many others, the college journey is a daunting and sometimes unattainable dream, shrouded in a dark cloud of uncertainty and hardship. These disparities are a stark reminder that different journeys exist; often dependent on life’s circumstances.
Keannah Bennett is one of those students who faced unique challenges. She dreamed of becoming a midwife, but in her senior year of high school, Keannah's life took a dramatic turn when she was left without a place to call home. Despite the challenges she faced, Keannah was determined to succeed. However, she lacked the guidance and resources needed to plan for college and navigate the transition.
MAAC stepped in to offer Keannah academic support and guidance, but at
first, she was resistant.
“MAAC was one of those opportunities that was hard for me to accept because of life being thrown at me, in addition to the distresses that caused me to be anxious about the future instead of present about my goals,” she reflects. “MAAC is exactly where I needed to be, and so I met Ms. Andrea, and her lovely spirit of trust and temperament opened my mind to stay there. Guess what? I didn’t want to leave when the course was ending.”
Thanks to MAAC's support, Keannah is now thriving in college and on a path toward a bright future. She is confident, motivated, and equipped with the skills and knowledge she needs to succeed both academically and emotionally.
“I was shocked at the staff who were like family, and the college guests who were just as mindful as Ms. Andrea. And I needed that—someone who was present and honest to help,” she explains. “I got aid mentally, physically, and wisely! They’d ask me if I needed anything more, and just like that, they made it happen where someone from my dream college visited me. We talked about all my worries, and I am now a college freshman with a clear mind and dedicated to my purpose.
I am passionate about who I want to become: a midwife. Thank you MAAC family!”
To support MAAC's programs for promising scholars like Lydia, CLICK HERE!
Storyteller Kyra Peralte Engages Scholars at Harmony House
Kyra Peralte, a storyteller, author, and founder of The Traveling Diary Tour, empowers individuals to find their voice and share their stories. In November, Kyra brought her unique blend of wisdom and compassion to a group of high school students currently living at the Harmony House shelter in Newark. Kyra is the first in a series of community engagement
speakers scheduled to present to students at Harmony House and Turning Point shelter in Irvington. These speakers will present on different topics each month through June 2025, as part of MAAC’s tailored after-school program in partnership with Essex Regional Educational Services Commission (ERESC). Kyra led the scholars through a free-flow writing session, demonstrating how putting thoughts and feelings on paper can help them process emotions and find grounding during difficult times.
By sharing a poem and encouraging the scholars to reflect on how it impacted them, Kyra revealed the therapeutic value of connecting deeply with art and using it as inspiration for personal expression. She also highlighted the importance of creating a record of their accomplishments. She explained how this "treasure trove" can help them craft standout essays for college applications and programs by giving them specific and meaningful details to share about their lives. Kyra’s session wasn’t just about teaching writing—it was about equipping these scholars with tools for reflection, healing, and self-empowerment—integral parts of MAAC’s holistic college and career readiness formula for success.
Your Support Makes Our Mission Happen!
Every year, we reflect on the work MAAC has done to help scholars grow, thrive, and achieve college and career success. This year, we can’t help but reflect with an especially strong sense of wonder and pride at the achievements of our scholars
and programs over the last 12 months.
In 2024, MAAC hosted its first-ever College Day and college fair for scholars experiencing homelessness, a college readiness program for Ukrainian refugees, an after-school program at two shelters, a four-week Summer Boot Camp that broke attendance records, not to mention FAFSA workshops and individual support provided to dozens of high school and college scholars who were referred to MAAC seeking support.
“This was truly an incredible year!” says Andrea Smith-Morgan. “MAAC was born of a desire to help youth overcome challenges and obstacles to academic success. These students come with stories and burdens. This is why MAAC focuses on the whole person—it's not just about getting good grades; it's about building a sense of identity and purpose, and growing to trust in themselves and their future. And we watched that process unfold time and time again this year, with each scholar we met."
Andrea recognizes that determination is only half of the recipe for MAAC’s success, and points to the supporters who make it possible for MAAC to connect scholars with the support and resources they need. “We never turn anyone away. Our only question is, ‘How can we help?’ We say ‘yes’ first, and then figure out the ‘how’ later. ‘No’ is not an option. So, to our board members, villagers, volunteers, donors, and everyone who shows up and reads our newsletter and spreads the word of what we’re doing—you make our vision a reality. You see the priceless innate value of each of these beautiful scholars. You support them. You make it possible for us to say 'yes.' You are truly the wings of MAAC. We thank you all."
To learn more about partnerships, programs, or involvement with MAAC, please email andrea@themaac.org or call or text (973) 449-9644.
MAAC Board Members
Eleanor Gil-Kashiwabara | Tanya Isler-Home | Nadine Verna | Tamara Williams
Mindful Awareness Academy for Children (MAAC), PO BOX 338, Montclair, NJ 07042, United States
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