Paterson Students Head to College with Hope, Scholarships, and Support

Watch our College Sendoff video short

On the bright Saturday morning of August 2, scores of Paterson high school graduates gathered at NJCDC’s 11th annual College Sendoff — an inspiring event that celebrated their academic achievements and awarded nearly $30,000 in scholarships to help launch their college journeys.

Hosted in partnership with Paterson Public Schools at our Rogers Meeting Center, the Sendoff brought together educators, local leaders, donors, and NJCDC team members who have walked alongside many of these students throughout their educational paths. With a mixture of gratitude, pride, and hope, the morning underscored what NJCDC Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci described as “a manifestation of the work that myself and my colleagues do each and every day to empower Paterson’s youth.”

“Ambassadors for Paterson”

The event opened with remarks from Bob Guarasci and Paterson Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Laurie Newell, who encouraged students to embrace every opportunity — and every obstacle — as a step forward. “Every setback is not a setback,” she said, “but a lesson for you to move on to the next level. Don’t be afraid to take on new experiences.”

Mayor Andre Sayegh took it further, officially appointing each graduate as an “ambassador for Paterson.” His message was clear: “You take the city with you. When you arrive on campus next month, you tell them where you're from and why you're proud to be a Patersonian.”

Yvette Roland, Chief of Staff to Senator Benjie Wimberly, followed by emphasizing the strength students carry with them: “I am so excited for the learning experience that you’ve received here in the city of Paterson that you will take out into the world. On behalf of Senator Wimberly…know that we are always here for you and we are so proud of you. Get out there and just soak it all in.”

The Alum Who Came Back

Emily Diaz knows exactly what these students are feeling. Five years ago, she sat in a similar seat as a 2020 graduate of International High School. On this day, she returned as a Johns Hopkins University graduate, clinical research coordinator, and future medical school applicant — living proof of what’s possible when Paterson students dream big.

“PYC taught me to advocate for people, especially underserved populations, and how to use my voice for good,” Emily shared, reflecting on her time in NJCDC’s Paterson Youth Council. “Once I got back to Paterson, I knew I wanted to help vulnerable communities. That’s what I’ve always been passionate about.”

The turning point? Our PYC Ivy League Tour.

“I got the opportunity to talk to students who represent similar backgrounds and upbringings as me, and that gave me the extra push to apply to more prestigious schools,” she explained.

Emily now works on vision care trials for elderly patients, her interdisciplinary degree in Medicine, Science, and the Humanities opening doors she never imagined walking through as a teenager in Paterson.

Scholarships That Honor Legacy

The scholarship presentations revealed stories within stories — each award carrying the weight of someone’s belief in Paterson's young people.

Dorian Matos received a special $1,000 scholarship as he prepares for NJIT. Twenty other students won $500 awards through random drawings, while every remaining graduate received $100 scholarships, ensuring no one left empty-handed.

Thanks to generous donors, including those who established named scholarship funds, NJCDC was able to support dozens of students at this year’s Sendoff.

Marilyn Clark, a longtime supporter of our work, helped to make the event possible with a generous contribution. In honor of her upcoming milestone birthday, NJCDC decided to use Marilyn’s gift to provide nine $1,000 scholarships for students starting school in the fall who exemplify academic promise and community spirit:

Adiba Rupa (Montclair State), Takrim Rahman (Rutgers), Elianny Polanco (Ramapo College), Asly Castillo (American University), Mohamed Alsawaby (NJIT), Ashantae Gordon (Howard University), Deanna Martinez (Lafayette College), Jordan Martin (Saint Elizabeth University), and Joshua Gonzalez (Montclair State).

The Dr. Allan DeGiulio Scholarship Fund carries forward the legacy of a man who spent his life creating educational opportunities for underserved youth. After Dr. DeGiulio's passing in 2022, his family established this fund to honor students who’ve overcome significant obstacles with resilience and service to others. The award also honors his late wife, Elizabeth DeGiulio, who shared his deep commitment to uplifting communities and expanding access to opportunity. Together, their legacy lives on through the students this fund supports:

Isabel Feria-Martinez, a second-year Rutgers student in an accelerated MBA program, tutors at Passaic County Community College while interning with the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking. A first-generation college student, Isabel has endured significant financial and personal hardships — and still finds time to lift others up through her work and mentorship.

Mariajose Ramirez arrived from Colombia just four years ago, navigating new languages and cultures while immediately volunteering with NJCDC’s food and toy distributions, Street Team, and even teaching crochet workshops. She’ll study psychology with plans to become a child therapist focused on trauma and human trafficking.

Leonardo Gabriel came from Peru less than two years ago and quickly became essential to NJCDC’s Neighborhood Help Center, serving hundreds of residents while navigating the immigration process. He’s bound for electrical engineering studies, determined to build both his future and his community’s.

“We’re so proud to be here to represent our mother and our father,” said Dr. DeGiulio’s daughter Merissa. “This scholarship is our way of continuing their legacy — and celebrating the amazing students of Paterson as they begin their college journeys.”

A Community’s Investment

This year’s graduates are bound for colleges across the country with dreams as wide-ranging as engineering, medicine, clinical psychology, and sonography. The diversity of these students’ aspirations reflects Paterson’s boundless potential.

 As students left with scholarships, notebooks, and $25 gift cards from the DeGiulio family, and most importantly, a community’s unwavering support, NJCDC Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci offered a final challenge:

“When you look at the list of schools that everyone is going to... it tells me one thing: that Paterson’s best days lie ahead. That will only happen if you come back to Paterson — and we want you to do so. Because this city needs bright minds like yours.”

The 11th annual College Sendoff wasn't just a celebration — it was a promise. A promise that with continued support from generous donors like Lisa Hirsh and Mark Schlossman, Merissa Buczny & Family, ADP Foundation, Marilyn Clark, Alfred N. Sanzari Family Foundation, James Castellanos, Ralph Rocco, Idida Rodriguez, and Cynthia Torrence, Paterson’s young people won't just envision a better future — they’ll lead the way in building it.

One Saturday morning in August at a time.

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