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Supporting college aspirations
in New London, CT since 2011

Higher Edge supports first-generation students to access college, earn a degree, and build the future they envision.

Higher Edge builds a foundation enabling students to enroll successfully in college and persist through until they graduate. To accomplish this work, Higher Edge operates two sequential programs, The College Access Program (CAP) and Success.
Our Programs
About Us

Results

Higher Edge builds a foundation that enables students to persist through until their college graduation.
of Higher Edge CAP students enroll in college
0 %
of Higher Edge Success students persist to their second year of college
0 %
of Success students earn their college degree in 4 years. Since 2016, 155 students have earned their college degree.
0 %
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“The way Higher Edge supported me was completely guiding me through the college application process. Without them I wouldn’t be able to have received the scholarships that I have gotten and wouldn’t know the things I know now about applying to college.”
Justin

New London High School Class of 2021
University of Connecticut Class of 2025

Our Students
Justin

To our Higher Edge community,

Thank you for believing in us. 2026 has been a challenging year for our organization, but you never gave up on us or the students that we serve. We take your commitment to their future seriously. Since the start of our new fiscal year (2026-2027), Higher Edge has made swift progress in shoring up the organization.

  • Leadership Change – At our 2026 annual meeting on June 22nd, 2026, Higher Edge welcomed back founder Chris Soto, who was elected Board President. Our 2026-2027 board members are posted here. At our July board meeting, Higher Edge welcomed back former Board President Sue Jones and elected her Treasurer.

    The board will continue to lead the organization as we stabilize administration, finances, and programs. Gracie Guzman, our Success Program Manager, has agreed to continue on and will be leading our programs (thank you Gracie!).

  • Fundraising – In less than a month, we raised nearly $25,000, including $12,583 from our Zeffy Campaign, and an additional $12,000 from anonymous donors. We are deeply touched by your continued faith and support. Thank you!

  • Stabilization Working Group – To assist the Board, we have reached out to a wider group of community experts who have volunteered to lend their talents to our rebuilding process. The SWG will be working for the next 4-6 months on targeted tasks to help achieve Higher Edge’s goals.

In addition to these updates, the Board continues to meet on a frequent basis. We have been and will continue to take all the necessary steps to improve our own oversight processes to ensure the long-term financial health and well-being of Higher Edge. You have given Higher Edge a second chance. We take that seriously and will not let you or our students down.

Best,
The Higher Edge Board of Directors