Written by Suzanne W. McCann, Development Director, Destination: College

Dec. 3, 2014: Destination: College, a program to assist student athletes in Mount Vernon High School to go to college, has begun its annual fundraising drive. Its primary source of funding comes from the generosity of the local community. The long-term viability of the program depends on support from new contributors. (See information below on how to contribute.)
Background: In 2006, a group of local parents with experience navigating the college admissions process believed they could share this knowledge with student-athletes at Mount Vernon High School. Their original mission was simple: give these underserved young boys and girls the support and tools necessary to channel academic success in the classroom and athletic strengths on the court into a future at the collegiate level. With the motto "from athlete to student athlete" in mind, Destination: College was born.
The volunteer corps soon learned, however, that a number of students were eagerly seeking assistance to remain academically eligible just to play on their high school team. Destination: College board chair Nancy McKenna shared, "It was clear that the critical importance for a teenager to participate on an athletic team in high school would push us to expand our objective to include all students seeking academic advancement within a team environment. It was paramount for these kids to have a productive outlet after school."
With this mandate, Destination: College recruited volunteers to help many young students realize their dream to letter in their chosen sport and find academic success. The gratitude displayed by the students to this worthy organization is without measure.
Today, Destination: College supports the dreams of more than 200 students at Mount Vernon, Woodlands, and Gorton High Schools.
Destination: College Fast Facts
Class of 2013: 23 seniors accepted to 48 universities/colleges and 4 college preparatory school programs. All 23 graduates were offered scholarship opportunities from many of the schools.
Destination: College scholarships awarded to academically qualified student participants.
8 athletic teams participate in Destination: College academic support programs.
50+ volunteers commit an hour weekly in coach-supervised study sessions.
Reading program: weekly materials include articles on current events, historical essays, and inspirational athletic perspectives.
Math and science program: volunteers provide additional direction to students in math and science to pass and/or improve Regents scores.
SAT test prep classes run in the fall and spring with Bespoke Education tutors.
College application, college preparatory school application, and essay-writing support.
Nutritious snacks and pizza served weekly to all participating students.
Additional team-based athletic skills training.
Summer enrichment program benefitting 35 students.
For information on how to support Destination: College with a donation of time or financial support, please visit www.DestinationCollegeNY.org or contact Suzanne McCann at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Tax-deductible donations can be made by check payable to Destination: College and sent to 81 Pondfield Road, #290, Bronxville, NY 10708.
Pictured here: Students at Mount Vernon High School participating in Destination: College.
Photo courtesy Suzanne W. McCann, Development Director, Destination: College
HOME & GARDEN
Bronxville Beautification Council
Organized in 1982, the Bronxville Beautification Council (BBC) is a not-for-profit organization administered by a volunteer Board of Directors. The mission of the BBC is to enhance and maintain the natural and man-made beauty of the village of Bronxville, with an emphasis on the downtown business district.
Click here to learn more
Boulder Ledge Garden Club
Founded in 1966, the Boulder Ledge Garden Club is rooted in a mission to inspire a deeper appreciation and love for gardening and flower arranging. The club is dedicated to fostering and promoting interest and knowledge in gardening.
The Club maintains Bronxville’s Bicentennial Park and other civic gardens. In 2019–2020 the club raised $18,000 to replace trees in the village, reflecting its active role in community beautification. It also holds garden therapy projects and educational garden trips for members.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.m or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Bronxville Giving Garden
The Bronxville Giving Garden is a community-centered garden that donates organic produce to Eastchester Community Action Partnership in Tuckahoe and Community Service Associates in Mount Vernon. The garden is also a gathering place where school children and volunteers can discover the joy of tending plants and growing food.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Bronxville Green Committee
The Bronxville Green Committee is a volunteer organization that is part of the Village of Bronxville. It proposes and implements environmentally sustainable programs in our community.
You can contact them HERE.
SCOUTING
Bronxville Boy Scouts
The village of Bronxville has a long tradition of scouting. “The troops and packs of Bronxville have maintained the finest scouting organizations and have taught the boys of the Bronxville area to be leaders and outstanding members of the local, national and global communities.”
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information
Bronxville Girls Scouts
The Girls Scouts is “the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world.” In Girl Scouts, “girls discover the fun, friendship and power of girls together. Through the many enriching experiences provided by Girl Scouts, they can grow courageous and strong.”
Here is more information about girl scouts.
HISTORY
Bronxville Historical Conservancy
Inspired by the highly successful Bronxville Centennial Celebration in 1998, the Bronxville Historical Conservancy was founded to record and preserve Bronxville's history and life in the village today.
BRONXVILLE SCHOOL
Bronxville School Foundation
The Bronxville School Foundation, founded in 1991, is a non-profit organization independent from the school with the sole purpose of supporting the school.
The mission of the Bronxville School Foundation is to enhance the quality of public education in our community by engaging the support and energies of educators, citizens, parents, students and alumni.
The Foundation awards grants for projects
CLICK HERE to learn more.
LECTURES, EXHIBITS, CONCERTS
Bronxville Women's Club
The Bronxville Women’s Club offers lectures, exhibits and concerts. It also has a beautiful clubhouse which is available for rental for events.
135 Midland Avenue
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-3252
Concordia Conservatory
Concordia Conservatory, a preeminent center for music education in Westchester and Fairfield Counties, is a welcoming community where children and adults find lifelong inspiration and joy through learning, performing, listening to, and participating with others in music.
The Conservatory’s mission is to inspire, instruct, and enrich lives through music offering excellence in education and performance.
CLICK HERE for more information.
COUNSELING
Counseling Center
Founded in 1971, the mission of the Counseling Center “is to provide a wide range of psychotherapeutic and counseling services to individuals, couples and families by a staff of highly trained, experience and dedicated psychotherapists.
The Counseling Center
180 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-793-3388
www.counselingcenter.org
SERVICE & VOLUNTEERISM
Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester & Tuckahoe
The mission of the Community Fund is “to support broad social services in Bronxville 10708, Eastchester and Tuckahoe through grants and technical support to local agencies and community projects. All money raised here in our community stays here in our community.”
15 Park Place
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-8808
www.thecommunityfund.org
Junior League of Bronxville
The Junior League of Bronxville is “an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.”
Rotary Club of Bronxville
The Rotary Club of Bronxville is part of a national network of 1.25 million problem-solvers. They see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
READING & LEARNING
Friends of the Bronxville Library
The Friends of the Bronxville Library is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to focus attention on the “Library’s services, facilities and needs” as well as sponsor projects and provide materials that are beyond the reach of the Library's regular budget and perform other services.
SENIORS
Gramatan Village
Gramatan Village is a unique community model offering programs, services and social connections that help members continue to live independently in their homes as they age. In addition, GV offers one-on-one consultations and counseling with our experienced staff to guide members through life’s transitions.
Senior Citizens of Bronxville
Senior Citizens of Bronxville is a not-for-profit organization that provides services and programs to seniors within the 10708 zip code area. “Programs cover a wide range of activities from educational seminars and cultural enrichment to community services, bridge classes and exercise.”