Pasadena Nonprofit Dedicated to College Readiness Marks 15 Years With Gala

The Pasadena-based nonprofit organization College Access Plan (CAP) is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a fundraiser gala next month.

The group, which provides free programs to help underserved youths prepare for college, is hosting its 15th Anniversary CAPtacular from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Pasadena home of Elise and Rick Wetzel, organizers said in a written statement.

It’s to include an evening of games, gourmet appetizers by Chef Claud Beltran, cocktails, beer, and wine, “all to benefit CAP’s student-centered supportive services,” according to the statement.

CAP was born in 2006 with the goal of making college eligible to all students, regardless of income level, academic achievement or citizenship status, representatives said.

“Through a partnership with Pasadena’s public schools, CAP provides no-cost services to students and families from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education,” according to the statement. “Working closely with counselors, administrators and teachers, CAP’s comprehensive program provides meaningful and individualized college readiness support that is open to all students.”

During the pandemic, the organization moved its programming online and provided nearly 1,000 hours of one-on-one virtual meetings with students.

Event host and CAP volunteer Elise Wetzel said the process of applying to college can be a daunting one.

“CAP is here for PUSD students during the application process and beyond, helping them achieve success,” she said. “I believe strongly in CAP’s team and its mission, and am proud to be a founding member of the CAP Pack.”

The past 18 months have highlighted the level of need, CAP co-founder and Executive Director Mo Hyman said.

“If the last year and a half has taught us anything, it’s that access to basic rights like healthcare, housing, and education is as disparate as it has ever been. Alongside our students, we envision a more equitable future,” she said.

“The investment of our event guests, our board, and the CAP Pack is an investment in tomorrow’s leaders and thinkers. We are also aware of the profound challenges and loss brought on by this pandemic,” Hyman continued.

“We welcome the opportunity to celebrate, ponder the last 15 years and look forward to the next, and then return, recharged and resolved, to doing what we love: ensuring all students in Pasadena’s public schools have access to their best fit post-secondary pathway.”

Tickets are available at patron levels from $100 to $1,000, organizers said.

More information on the event, including a link to purchase tickets, can be found at collegeaccessplan.org/benefit.