Testimonials

View Recent Letters from Students

August 10, 2010

As the Supervisor of this organization, I can say that I love my job and am extremely passionate about the program. As a Social Work student at Salem State University, I have gained invaluable experience while working with Mr. Akers and C.A.E.P. Through my experiences working closely with teens in difficult financial or familial situations, I can personally attest that programs like ours are crucial. Over the past summer, I've witnessed firsthand the difference that an empowering learning environment and on-on-one mentoring makes in the lives of the at-risk youth we serve. The work we do here; college research, self-empowerment activities, cultural excursions and behavioral development, is very important as the students transition into young adulthood. We do our best to provide them with the life skills and knowledge to succeed.

As you may know, our program is self-selecting and completely voluntary. Students come to us on their own accord, truly hoping to better themselves. Once they realize the resources and support available here, they stay. Many of the students have shared that C.A.E.P. feels like a second home. They need a place to feel comfortable, safe, empowered and understood.

In conversations with the participants, I've discovered that few of them had considered college as an option before attending the program. They didn't even see why it was worth attempting. We have opened their eyes and shown them that anything is possible if they work hard enough. My personal motto is “With the power of will, there will always be a way”. This is exactly what we teach our students. In the time I have spent with them, I've seen tremendous improvement.

Sincerely,

Arjana Makoci
Supervisor, College Application Education Project, Inc

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to thank you on behalf of Mr. Akers and the students of CAEP for doing such a wonderful job helping us bring Macbeth to life. The kids can't stop talking about the project and the pride in their eyes at the end of the performance days was so amazing for me, personally, to see. I can't thank you enough for donating your time to make that happen.

We are hoping to secure funding for an expanded--and more generously funded--version of our Shakespeare experience early next year and, of course, you will be at the front of our minds if we get the resources to make that happen.

Finally, I'd like to invite you all to our potluck luncheon this coming Thursday, August 19th at 1:00pm in our program office. The Hon. Senator Thomas McGee, all the kids and several community members will be joining us. We'll also proudly screen a 'work in progress' version of our new fundraising reel/the Macbeth performance!

Your work, professionalism, constructive feedback and energy meant more to the kids than you may know. Thank you again for participating.

All the best,
RuDee Lipscomb
Program Coordinator, CAEP

Impact Statement: College Application Education Project
Partnered with Borders Express in Swampscott

The events of September 24-26, 2009, as organized by CAEP and Borders Express, have had continuing positive impact in the surrounding community, as well as in the financial health of the Swampscott Borders store.

The choices made for materials presented for student, parent, and teacher use during the events have proven to be sound, and continue to be appreciated by the community at large. Students from the surrounding towns: Swampscott, Salem, Marblehead, Lynn, and even Beverly have come to the Borders Express store to purchase titles from the CAEP specified list. Sales have continued well into the month of October, and do not show signs of slowing. The students and parents appreciate the expanded selection, and teachers have expressed their interest, placed orders, and recommended more titles on the same ideas.

The introductions made by CAEP to Borders Express representatives have lead to increased sales and continued relationships within the Lynn English High School Community. The introduction to the LEHS librarian, in particular, has resulted in more than one thousand dollars in sales to the school. Teachers who were familiar with the Borders Express store already have had their interest renewed, and have placed orders for SAT and college essay writing materials. Interest was also expressed by LEHS faculty and staff in non-CAEP titles, and these were subsequently provided.

The particular relationship between CAEP and Borders Express is stable, and appears to be growing. This is shown in sales of CAEP titles to the CAEP representatives from the Borders store. It is also evident in the plans to continue working on website and student orders together.

One month of observation, and careful examination of data shows that the partnership between CAEP and Borders Express in Swampscott has a positive impact on the participating members, as well as in the surrounding community.

- Kendra S. Barnett, Assistant Manager
Borders Express Representative to CAEP

Hi Arthur,

I am writing this letter to let you know how we appreciate your kids volunteering for our tutoring program namely Omer Wargo, Malee Slocum and Mabarak Nyang. The teachers told me that they are great with the kids and are a big help the teachers are very impressed with your kids in your program. Also being a SPIN employee and seeing the kids on a daily basis they are very respectful and always have a smile and a hello it a pleasure to have you and your program here with us at SPIN. I am looking forward to working with you and your kids in the future you should be proud.

Michelle Sasso
Case Manager
Financial Stability Center

"Since I’ve Been working at the C.A.E.P we have had some fun we went on a few trips. On August 14, 2009 we went to BC and took a tour around BC and found out interesting things about BC. On August 24, 2009 we took a trip to Salem Cinema and watched GI. Joe it was a fun trip. When you’re here you’ll have fun but it isn’t all about fun it’s about business."

- Ralph Brown (September 2, 2009)

Dear Mr. Akers,

I just want to thank you for giving me my first job i really appreciate it. I also liked the colleges you took us to thanks to that I have a few colleges in mind. I also like the fact that i was not board this summer. So thank you very much Mr. Akers.

Sincerely,
Ivan Ventura

"During this summer I worked at C.A.E.P (College Application Education Project Inc). I started working in August. At this job I have learned a lot of skills that can help me in my future, school and any other job. I learned how to input information to the computers, how to do colleges researches. I learned to use a variety of copy machines. I learned how to file, how to write reports and proper letters. Also I learned landscaping. These are skills that are very important and necessary in life. So I am thankful that Mr. Akers gave me the opportunity of working with him. This opportunity is going to be helpful in my life. For example, in any other job I work in the near future or in college. I recommend anyone to be a part of CAEP because it is just a good place to learn a lot of things. I really am thankful to Mr. Akers for this job because it helps me a lot and I wish I could continue during the fall. Brian H. Testimonial During the summer I worked at C.A.E.P (College Application Education Project). I started working in the month of July, 2009 and yet I still am. Here I’ve gained lots of skills that can help me out for my future, school and any other job. For example things I learned are: inputting information to a computer, college researching, using all types of copier machines, and writing letters the proper way, writing reports, organizing files, and landscaping. These skills can help me a lot throughout my future because they are important and necessary skills you need to know in life. I recommend this job to anybody because it’s like home and as you work you explore many new things and meet many new people. While I have been working here I meet six new people and I’m glad I did. C.A.E.P offers many things and thanks to Arthur Akers I’m glad I can say I am a part of it. I wish I can stay forever and never leave. Thank you Mr. Akers for giving me an opportunity to work here and making my mom as happy as possible for giving me this job. It’s changed our life in a tremendous way the reason I say this is because, now were able to afford things much easier even if I don’t get the biggest pay check in the world the pay checks you have given me has helped me a lot. Even if I havent told what those pay checks have done for me I want you to know they have been a lot of help for me and my family. I hope I can continue throughout the fall. Thank you Mr. Akers."

    - Sincerely, Katia Ramirez

“CAEP provides a safe place for my child. They help to keep him respectable. Please keep doing what you are doing because it is working.”
     - Virginia Harrell, parent

“I think this program and your associates are doing the right thing to help out with the kids after school. May God continue to bless you.”
     - D. Jackson, parent

“I would like to thank you for taking the time to work with our students as well as your efforts in supporting the educational process for the students in Lynn.”
     - Gerard Sullivan, Scholarship For Service Campus Coordinator, North Shore Community College

“I am so grateful that you are such a good friend. Through the support you have given me, our friendship has grown. You have written me great references and given me words of encouragement. Words cannot express how thankful I am.”
     - Vanessa, student

“My son attends the CAEP program. Since he has been attending CAEP, his teachers have seen a tremendous improvement in his academics and his attitude towards learning. We are especially please with the progress he has made with his CAEP math tutor. He has been accepted into St. John Preparatory School and will attend starting July 2006. I honestly believe that CAEP played a big role in my son being accepted into one of the best high schools in this state.”
     - Sebrina Underwood, parent

“….Several of our teachers have visited CAEP and reported that you are doing tremendous work in math, reading and writing. In addition, your summer reading program is successful, and you are concerned about young people’s welfare. It is very refreshing that you are giving back to your community, and that your program is successful in making a difference in young people’s lives. Keep the good work.”
     - Andrew M. Fila, Principal

“ I was very impressed with the organization in terms of student participation, the parental involvement and the staff support. ….They have a good structure, excellent leadership and the potential to help many.”
     - Tim Ring, Lynn English High Teacher

“CAEP’s approach offers students many resources to succeed. It provides one-on-one tutoring, particularly in math that is so needed by our students. It does an excellent job of communicating and involving parents/guardians and teachers through the contacts made by President Arthur Akers, monthly written communication, and quarterly meetings for parents/guardians and teachers to meet with students.”
     - Ms. Patricia M. Barton, Principal, Pickering Middle School

“…CAEP certainly meets its goal of supporting students in a diverse urban community through tutoring, mentoring, group discussions, competitions, and social events.”
     - Anita Rassias, Principal, Thurgood Marshall Middle School

“…the principals of CAEP have demonstrated to me that they have ideas and programs to reach the youth in this area.”
     - Reverend Doug Robinson-Johnson, Co-Pastor Grace United Methodist Church

"My name is Mubarak Nyang. I live in Lynn, but I'm originally from Sudan. Currently I'm attending North Shore Community College.Working here puts me in a leadership position, a position which i enjoy and i don't take it lightly. As a mentor i do my best to set an example for other students. Being in a leadership position is a challenge, and i do my best to live up to that challenge.Working with the staff here makes my job a lot easier and more enjoyable."
     - Mubarak Nyang

"I am a work study student at North Shore Community College. I work at the CAEP. One of the benefits of working there is that it’s lead me to many other job opportunities. I have had over 15 interviews since I started working at the CAEP in August 2009. I have done over 60 college researches for students and discovered that I want to be an occupational therapist."
     - Holly Davenport, CAEP staff member

"I am a student at the North Shore Community College; I currently work at CAEP. Working at CAEP gives me a variety of opportunities. CAEP works around my school schedule and helps me with my school work. My boss, Mr. Arthur Akers is the coolest boss in the world, when I am going to work I feel happy because I know I am going to make a difference in my community and have fun while I am doing it."
     - Malee Slocum

"To Whom it May Concern:

I have received assistance through the work study program for the past semester. I have worked under Arthur Akers at C.A.E.P. Having a work study job has been wonderful for several reasons. First of all, with the length of time it takes for the loans to release I desperately needed money to survive. Secondly, it put me back into the job market. I was given the opportunity to learn about non-profit agencies and how CAEP works. I have been out of both school and work for quite sometime and I am so grateful for having the opportunity to jump back into work and school. Finally, I learned a lot about the field I am going into and appreciate the chance I was given to do that."

Thank you,
Sarah Nickerson

SCI Lynn would like to thank Stop and Shop of Lynn, the Swampscott and Nahant Democratic Town Committees, the College Application Education Project and the generous people of Lynn who made our food drive a success. We collected over 250 canned items, 130 boxes of pasta and $77 in cash donations. All proceeds have been donated to local pantries. Thanks to everyone for all your effort, we truly appreciate it.

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Recent Letter from Students (2008-2010)

College Education Application Project (C.A.E.P) has helped me to grow stronger, think generously and to work diligently and creatively so that my environment may increase in beauty. I take this opportunity to thank all the members and staff their outstanding performance during the summer, once again thanks C.A.E.P for paying your part in advance to the community And the human race.

Yours truly,
Omar Young

August 26, 2010

C.A.E.P has been very helpful for not only me, but also the younger children as well. I believe C.A.E.P has helped a numerous amount of kids to stay on task and most importantly stay off the streets. The children have encountered many tasks while being here, but it hasn't been anything they have not been able to overcome. I believe this is a great opportunity for them to have fun and also become more diligent workers. I believe the kids really appreciate such a wonderful opportunity for they know everything we do is for their best. They know we want them to prosper and have a positive life. C.A.E.P should and will hopefully open the doors for children for many more years to come! I greatly enjoy being here and helping the kids as most as I can.

- Michelle Peralta

August 26, 2010

Even though I entered C.A.E.P. late, I believed it has help me build my leadership skills and my confidence. Working with the students allowed me to use my mentoring skills that I have been trained with. C.A.E.P has also opened my doors to many new friendships and opportunities that I did not have before, such as college knowledge and the alliance that I now have with the Zion Church. Arthur Akers has given me aid that I may use in the future when I start my college career. When I become successful in the medical field I will be sure to remember C.A.E.P. for being my first job and my gate to the world ahead of me.

- Michael Nguyen

CAEP is the place where I feel comfortable because I learn new things and make new friends. I go to this program not because I have a job but because we make many interesting things to do for instance researches of certain words, College researches and especially the debates. It is like school. And what I like in this program also it is that every Friday they amusing exits or parties.

- Kensley BEAUCEJOUR

August 26, 2010

I have been working at C.A.E.P for a month now. I enjoy working here because it’s really like my first job. I also enjoying working with the students that my age. Not only its my first jobs, its helps me build my leadership skills. Before I used to not talk and was really shy being around people I do not know. C.A.E.P is a very interesting place to be at. It teaches us to be well-working students and smart. This place helps children to stay out of the street and not become bad. C.A.E.P helps us student finds College and everything we do here is great.

- Josefina Dao

The CAEP has helped me a lot. I am The son of a single mother and all summer I have been looking for anyway to try and make money to help my home, and all summer I have been rejected. And when I had just about given up I was told to come to the CAEP and see Mr. Akers and I received a job that day. From the moment I came into the building everyone including staff and co-workers have treated me like I belong. We have a lot of fun but we're also learning and bettering our future, I have never looked into colleges or known what colleges I wanted to attend, but now I have one in mind that I am particularly happy with. I have learned so much from the staff at the CAEP, I didn't even know what a GPA (Grade Point Average) was until now. The staff also helped motivate to do the right thing I really didn't intend to read my summer reading book but they have shown me that I should just do it to in-better my future. I am happy, proud, and privileged to be a part of the CAEP, there isn't a thing I would change about the CAEP and I am truly happy to be here today.

I am John Mckinnon, age 14, African-American, Proud member of the CAEP, and this is my Testimonial.

C.E.A.P is where I chose to spend most of my summer this year and I believe it has been the right choice. I say this because it helps keep me up to date on the new issues of the world when we have debates for example. These debates also let us sharpen our researching skills which will help us in the future. If we have a job that requires such skills we will already be ahead. Also, we have gone on many college field trips and this lets me know that any college is possible.

- Erik Joseph

7/29/10

CAEP HAS HELPED ME BECOME A BETTER PERSON. THE WAY I ACT IS MUCH MORE POSITIVE AND PRODUCTIVE, AND ALSO MY FEELINGS ON HOW I CAN HELP PEOPLE HAS ALSO CHANGED. WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THE PROGRAM IS THAT WE GET TO MEET NEW PEOPLE AND LEARN HOW TO RESEARCH FOR COLLEGES. WE, THE PEOPLE IN CAEP, MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR A LOT OF TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS OUT THERE. THIS PROGRAM IS GOOD FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND GETS KIDS PREPARED TO GO TO SCHOOL. FOR THIS PROGRAM WE DO A LOT OF VOLUNTEER WORK. SO IF KIDS START JOINING THIS PROGRAM, THEY WILL START CHANGING THERE LIFE AROUND FOR THE BETTER. THIS PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE FOR ALL STUDENT IN THE U.S.A TO HELP THEM REACH THEIR GOALS IN LIFE . I HAVE ALSO BEEN ATTENDING THIS PROGRAM FOR A VERY LONG TIME AND IT HAS CHANGED ME A LOT TO STAY IN SCHOOL, STUDY MORE, AND FOCUS ON THE GOOD THINGS THAT MAKE MY LIFE EASY AND HAPPY.

- Desiree Marte

CAEP has help me in so many way. I like that it has helped me improve my grades in school. It is also fun because we visit colleges such as Yale, Umass Amherst, BC and more. We do college research which helps me know what kind of college I want to go to. CAEP has helped me to be more positive and helped me improve my behavior. It has helped me to become more social active when we did the debates on Immigration Law and Cyber Bullying . One thing I would like to improve is the breakfast and lunch we have and also do more activities so people know who we are at CAEP.

Dashla Hyppolite

Dear Boston College,

Hi my name is Katia and I work at CAEP ( College Application Education Project Inc, ) I would like to take my time to thank you for the wonderful tour your college provided for us. Special thanks to Brennan Harkins my group got a perfect tour of your amazing school. I learned so many things about BC that I would never think is true. I wish when I graduate school I would have a perfect opportunity to attend Boston College. I like everything about your school and I hope it stays the same when I apply for it. Please continue with what you do to have your school running so great. Thank you for the tour once again it meant a lot to me and my group CAEP. If you would like to know what CAEP is you can visit www.caeproject.org or contact us at 781-595-1022, e-mail address caepws3@verizon.net or caepinc@verizon.net have a great day.

Sincerely,
Katia

Dear CAEP,

This Summer has been very rewarding as is and CAEP added to this. Due to the emphasis on reading and math I feel prepared to succeed at St.John’s Prep. Besides the support I received in academics I also met a lot of new people and got to go on college tours, my favorite was Boston College. CAEP should stay around longer to help the City’s youth.

~ Jefferson Akers, CAEP stundent

Dear Mr. Akers,

I learned for the short amount of time that I've been here about politics and different colleges I am interested in. I've met new people that I never even knew existed. Also, I learned about debating and man other things. I learned more about math too. The first day I came here I thought it was goin to be difficult but the thing that kept me on my feet was the kindness. Thank you Mr. Akers.

Sincerely,
Rebecca Kirst

Dear Mr.Akers,

I appreciate the oppurtunity to be a part of CAEP and attend this program every day. I learned a lot from being here and I have grown into a better and more responsible person. Also, I was able to get a head start on the math that I am going to be learning this year in Algebra 2. That is going to benefit me when school starts because I am already going to have some sort of background and knowledge on the curriculum. Once again, thank you for giving me the oppurtunity to be a part of CAEP. It has definitely helped me out a lot.

Sincerely,
Demarius Morley-Irby

Hello Mr. Akers,

Caep, Inc. truly aided me in all aspects of the college process. Nowadays there are numerous requirements needed to apply to colleges from making sure you register for the SAT's before the deadlines; to getting the right documents from your school such as your transcript and recommendation letters; to writing the infamous college essay. By providing the necessary resources, I was able to submit all that was needed and write an awe-inspiring essay (if I do say so myself.) College rpeparation would have been a frustrating and chaotic experience without this program and your help is truly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Ngozi Nwaogu
Harvard University Student

Mr. Akers,

The first time that I met with Mr. Akers for an interview, he asked me what colleges I am interested in and my first one was Yale University. He called out to one of his staff members and told her to get me a permission slip to go to Yale that Friday. I was so surprised because I probably never would have had such an opportunity on my own. The ride to and back allowed the staff to interact and communicate beyond our work at the office. Seeing Yale personally—what I thought I’d never have the chance to do—made my decision final; Yale has become my top choice. I am working even harder than I’ve ever had before so that I can reach and surpass Yale’s standards. I thank CAEP for offering me this opportunity; it has helped me immensely in my college choices.

Sincerely,

Diana Tran
Aspiring Yale University Student

Dear Mr. Akers,

I would like to take the time to acknowledge how grateful I am that you have granted me the opportunity to work for College Application Education Project Inc. In my senior at Lynn Classical High School CAEP mailed information that was of interest to me to help me make an important decision in my life. Although the decision was tough, knowledge, research and comfort allowed me to make the most efficient choice of attending the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I am currently enrolled in the Isenberg school of Management with a double major in accounting and vocal jazz. And now I can help others make their own important decisions by admitting the same knowledge, research and comfort that I received.

Sincerely,
Tachand Dubuisson

Dear Mr. Akers,

I would gratefully like to thank you for this wonderful summer you have granted to us. You’ve given me a job when I really didn’t even think I would be working this summer, and I am happy working here. Not only have you given me a job opportunity, but when we told you we were hungry, you’d give us money to eat. When we needed something to drink, you would bring more than enough water for everybody. You rarely dismissed any of our needs. You even took us on wonderful field trips and allowed me to bring my brother and mother along. I don’t even know how to begin to describe how happy they were to come, and I think I could speak for them when I say that they really appreciated everything you have done. Working here has been a blessing thanks to you. If I could work here during the school year, I happily would. You’re only the first, but I strongly think that you’re the best boss I’ll ever have. It really is astounding working for you and I hope I could next summer.

Your employee and friend,
Jesse Birotte

Dear Mr. Akers,

First of all, I want to thank you for the opportunity of working here. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve met a lot of good people, and I’ve had some really good experiences. I also want to thank you for the field trips. They were fun and educational. Just thanks for a great summer!

Sincerely,
Brenda J. Rondon

Dear Mr. Akers,

I thank you for everything that you have done for us in the program. Thanks for letting us play basketball and having a pool table and for the movies Thanks also for taking us on field trips to Good Times and Six Flags. And thank you also for giving us the opportunity to chill and hang with our friends and use the laptops for fun.

Sincerely,
Richard Cooper Jr.

Dear Arthur,

I would like to thank you for your generosity and kindness. I would also like to thank you for getting me a job. I have been job hunting all summer, and I finally have one now, because of you. I have been coming to this program ever since it opened up, and I have definitely become a better person. I would also like to thank you for the fun and educational field trips that you have taken us on; such as the UMass tour and football game, and Good Times. The Six Flags trip was the best! I had a lot of fun. Thank you for all the positive things that that you are providing the program.

Thank you!!!
Demetri Underwood

Dear Arthur,

I would like to thank you for your commitment and service to this program. You have provided us with sufficient materials to carry out our tasks. You have given internet access to children who may otherwise not had it, and you have given employees a chance to assist minorities with their studies. CAEP has allowed many people, both students and employees, to better reach their potential.

Sincerely,
Latiff

Dear Mr. Akers,

Thank you for allowing me to have the opportunity to work here. I am very grateful for all you have done. For my first job, I am glad it was here. I learned new skills by working here, like making flyers on Adobe Photoshop 4.0 Edition with Bai. Also, I learned functions and parts of the computer with Latiff. By looking up college research on other students, it gives me an insight on these colleges, and helps me decide where I want to go. Plus, this experience allowed me to make new friends like Jesse, Brenda, and Demetri. They are all great people. And I enjoy having their company, especially on field trips. Also, thank you for allowing us to finish our summer reading here-it really helps. Also, I like to thank Mr. Maglio for helping during our reading. All the field trips I got to go on were really fun, and I had a lot of laughs with Jesse, Brenda and you, and everyone else. I have had a lot of laughs and fun and I am sad for this experience to end. I hope I can work here again. I will miss everything. I don’t want it to end. I will tell all my friends about you and how you are such a great, funny person I have ever met.

Sincerely,
Briana Murray

In the year of our lord 2008, I joined the College Application Education Program. I had met Arthur Akers in December of the preceding year. He was acting teacher of an English class of mine. After dedicating my computer management abilities to a simple request from him, he offered me a business proposition. I was to work at CAEP for the remainder of my high school career, which, at that time, was another seven months. CAEP offered me several opportunities to explorer my college options and educate my peers on important technological matters. As a computer manager and mentor at CAEP, I not only exercised my mind by using the skills I had learned in school, but was also granted the opportunity to extend a helping hand towards others in the community. An institution like CAEP is what this community needs. It has helped me and many others seek and find their ideal higher education institution. It was with the help of CAEP that I chose to attend Worcester Polytechnique Institute, which I hope to be my alma mater. I am glad to once again be offered the opportunity to work with Arthur Akers and his students.

Sincerely,
Latiff Seruwagi

Hello Mr. Akers,

CAEP, Inc. truly aided me in all aspects of the college process. Nowadays there are numerous requirements needed to apply to colleges from making sure you register for the SAT’s before the deadlines to getting the right documents from your school such as your transcript and recommendation letters to writing the infamous college essay. By providing the necessary resources, I was able to submit all that was needed and write an awe-inspiring essay (if I do say so myself). College preparation would have been a frustrating and chaotic experience without this program and their help is truly appreciated.

Ngozi Nwaogu, Harvard University

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